Hydrating your skin should be a part of your summer skin care goals. Even the healthiest skin needs constant nourishment, especially in extreme humidity. If you consistently work or play outdoors, you also need something to draw out the grime and oil.
If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent than your regular facial cleanser, let us make the case for multitasking cleansing balms. They are basically super creamy emulsifying agents that simultaneously hydrate your skin and keep it clean. And they’re safer than your standard soap or gel cleanser.
“Cleansing balms hydrate and soothe without stripping your skin of essential moisture. They remove dirt and makeup while also moisturizing. They’re cleansers with a creamy consistency, and should be soap-free and sulfate-free,” dermatologist Dr. Timm Golueke informed Glamour.
Plus, they’re gentler than cleansing creams or gels so you can use them to prep your skin while keeping it hydrated. Here are your best bets for flawless summer skin.
Best Multitasking Cleansing Balms
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Clinique
Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, $29.50 at Sephora
One of the most functional and versatile balms, this lightweight version can remove the most stubborn makeup and is super gentle, which means you can use it twice a day.
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Charlotte Tilbury
Multi-Miracle Glow Cleansing Balm, $60 at Sephora
This one has a cream-to-oil formula so you can use it as a skin prepping agent or make a face mask out of it. It's rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, C and E plus rosehip and camellia oils, which make it an effective anti-aging balm.
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Whal Myung
Meltaway Cleansing Balm, $40 at Nordstrom
This plant-based cleansing balm is actually used to prep models' skin for runways and includes ginger, citrus peel, nutmeg and cinnamon. It also doubles as a makeup cleanser and boasts shea butter to keep your skin supple.
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Darphin
Aromatic Cleansing Balm, $49 at Darphin
This cleansing balm is an ideal substitute for your regular face wash, at least for summer. With a blend of marula oil, ylang ylang, rosewood essential oils and sage, it basically does double duty to restore your natural glow and keep tightness intact.
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Rodial
Bee Venom Cleansing Balm, $75 at Saks
This balm turns into a toner when it comes in contact with water, which makes it great for makeup removal and midday prepping. Its bee venom formula also visibly plumps aging skin.
