Josie Maran Argan Creamy Oil Cleansing Treatment

Describe the brand in five words.
Argan. QVC. Body butters.

That's it - I'm sorry I literally have no clue who Josie Maran, is, or what her background is. This is more to do with her lack of distribution in the UK than anything else though. I came across the body butter in Sephora, smelt it, bought it, loved it, bought it again. Searched for them in the UK and came across them on QVC. Saw this, thought 'Yes thanks.'

What is it?
'My California-girl roots inspired me to create innovative, multi-tasking Argan Cleansing Treatment, which makes great skin nearly effortless. It hydrates, exfoliates, and purifies in a hot minute, leaving your face glowing, energized, and never stripped. Achieving balance has never been so laid-back, or so luminous.'

Alrighty then. It's a traditional balm cleanser.

Who is it for?
It says all skins but I'd go easy if you have active acne. It's a proper oil balm, doesn't come off in one go.

What’s in it?
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Beeswax, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Glyceryl Dibehenate, Tribehenin, Glyceryl Behenate, Tocopherol, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Lavendula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil.

What's not in it?
'No parabens, so sulfates, no phthalates: nothing you’d find in the final round of a spelling bee, and most importantly, nothing that’s toxic to your skin or the planet.'

I love the spelling bee comment, but let's pretend they didn't use the 'T' word.

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
shea butter
beeswax
fragrance

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
natural

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?
No/unsure, but I doubt it.

How does it smell?
Not great. Which is weird, as they went to the trouble of putting fragrance in it. Odd. It's not even easy to describe the smell. I would just warn that if you are sensitive to smell you may want to try this first before you buy. It's bland, but 'there'.

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?
It feels nice on the skin. Smooth, luxurious. Absorption rate not really appropriate on this one.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?
All stages of cleansing. First, second and AM.

How long before you should see results?
N/A - immediate. Obvs.

How long did I test it for?
I've had this for about 5 weeks, used it maybe 7/8 times?

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
£32.00 from QVC. $48.00 in the US. 90ml. Depends how much you use. If you use it every evening you're probably looking at 4 weeks? If you use it for makeup removal, longer if not.

What’s good about it?
I'm torn about this one. It's a lovely texture, feels good with massage, it really does remove makeup very well.

What’s not so good about it?
It doesn't smell great. That shouldn't be important but it would almost be preferable if it was unfragranced. And despite removing well, I always feel a little residue.  I'm not a fan of the cloth it comes with either. Some people complain that cotton flannels are rough, but nothing drags the skin like a microfibre cloth. IMO.

Works well with?
A good acid toner afterwards for any residue.

What’s the website like?
Pretty basic. Easy to navigate.

Would I repurchase?
Probably not. There are other cleansers out there that do the same job/if not better and the strange smell just doesn't make it a pleasure to use. I'm sure I'm in a minority though, it's clearly a best seller. Do let me know if you love it.
The body butters however, are divine and they are always on my list.

Similar products?
Emma Hardie
Balmology
Suti
Elemis
OSKIA
Temple Spa


Josie Maran Argan Creamy Oil Cleansing Treatment is £32.00 from QVC in the UK and $48.00 in the US from JosieMaran.com

Kat Burki Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm

*Warning - make a brew.

Describe the brand in five words?
New. Interesting. Green. Bio processing.

What is it?
Repairs, renews and illuminates skin.
It's a stretch calling this a 'balm'. It's a 'bitty' gel consistency that reminds me somewhat of tapioca (that's a first in my descriptions dictionary).

Who is it for?
Everyone - but especially those with pigmentation issues or dull skins. Basically, use this if you're over 30 and are noticing it.

What’s in it?
KB5™ Complex, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf (Aloe), Bio-Processed Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Mangiflora Indica (Mango Butter), Bio-Processed Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Beeswax, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, Carrageenan Gum, Bio-Processed Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Bio-Processed Rosa Canina (Rosehip Seed) Oil, Cucumber Hydrosol, Bio-Processed Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Garcinia Indica Seed Butter (Kokum Butter), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C), Camu Camu, Bio-Processed Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry Seed Oil), Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), Wildcrafted Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail), Wildcrafted Taraxacum Officinale (Dandelion), Wildcrafted Geranium Maculatum (Wild Geranium), Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol

What's not in it?
Kat Burki has a brilliant visual of her ingredients policy on her site here: katburki.com/the-story

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
This has shea butter halfway down the inci list, but you'd never know it to feel it - just avoid if you're allergic, not necessarily if you're spot-prone.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
Natural

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?
No/No

How does it smell?
To me, it smells a little of vanilla and coconut, but not the fake super-sweet vanilla. It's subtle. Lovely.

How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?
It feels soft and light. Not in any way greasy or heavy.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?
There is no way in high heaven that this is being used to remove my makeup. This is a second cleanse/morning cleanse/skin contact cleanser.

How long before you should see results?
Well for the cleansing, immediately, obviously. 

How long did I test it for?
I've only had this for a month or so.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
£68.00/$65.00 for 60ml. Quite possibly the worst exchange rate I've seen in a long time (more of which later). You see why I'm not using it to remove makeup now?!

What’s good about it?
I love it. My skin loves it. It almost absorbs like a face cream. Washes away clean, no residue. Smells beautiful. It's honestly all good. 
Kat Burki's USP is that everything is bio-processed under 120 degrees, meaning no nutrients are lost in the manufacturing process. A bit like the raw food diet. You know when you've had an oil for only a short while and it seems to go off/rancid? It's probably heat-treated. Common in cheaper products. That does not happen here. I really love this product and am now going to make sure I use the rest of the range. 
I tried to order the Tubereuse perfume from Nordstrom but it won't let me which means the UK retailer has exclusivity even though they don't sell said perfume. *head, desk* Don't think I'm not tempted to rope in my mate Jordan for some cross-Atlantic shipping action again. 

What’s not so good about it?
That exchange rate. But honestly, the price is the only negative.

Works well with?
If this was a kids' school report it would say 'plays well with others'. 

What’s the website like?
You can tell that Kat Burki used to be a designer - her website is quite possibly the best I have ever seen in beauty, if not in general. It's detailed, beautiful, easy to navigate. It draws you in and makes you want to read and purchase more. Others could look and learn. Shop by category/collection/concern. I can even forgive them the 'Influencers' (couldn't hate that word more than I do) tab.  katburki.com

Would I purchase/repurchase?
Rant incoming:
I've been working in cross-Atlantic beauty for nearly 20 years. You can always expect to pay extra get ripped off when you buy a product from a brand outside of their home country, but this is on another level. It hardly ever used to be like for like or higher in the UK.
Today's exchange rate for example, puts this product at £45.12. (Imagine how many she would sell if she was the same price as Emma Hardie?)
It also puts the RRP of £65.00 at $93.63 going back the other way.
So in short, I would definitely purchase - in the US. Out of principle, I wouldn't buy it in the UK unless I was desperate. This is happening more and more lately. It happened with Kypris when they first launched in Selfridges and they altered their pricing because so many of us complained. Score for Kypris. In a lot of cases it's not the brand's fault. Retailers whack up their margins, and make the brands pay for shipping and staffing, meaning the brands have to take less of a cut and meet all the costs, hence the higher costs outside of their own country. In some cases, where the brand is sold in the USA and the UK in the same retailer, the brand only gets paid in US dollars for all purchases, meaning the retailers rake it in selling outside US territories, i.e. buying in dollars and selling in pounds. Kerching. That can leave some (ill-advised) US brands selling in dollars but paying staff in Euros/Pounds. Nightmare.
Oh and you think we've got it bad? Speak to Australian beauty lovers. 
I know that Kat Burki will be a brand that I will use and love, and I will continue to review the brand, but I'm fortunate enough to travel to the US a lot for work, if you have no way of getting it other than through their UK retailer, it's going to cost you.
And being fair to Kat Burki, I'm adding exchange rates to all future reviews, including AUSD (if I can find it). This is the tip of a big rip-off iceberg. At least we're not in Levi's territory. Yet.

Similar products?
It's honestly hard to pick anything a similar texture, and I mean that as a compliment. 

Kat Burki Vitamin C Nourishing Cleansing Balm is absolutely beautiful - but - £68.00/$65.00* for 60ml and available from nordstrom.com and katburki.com 
*Price altered to £52.00 after this review. Nice work.

Boots Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm

What is it?

The blurb: 'This deep-cleansing balm contains a luxurious blend of Shea Butter, Rosehip and Jojoba Oil to leave skin smooth, soft and clean. The gentle polishing action of the muslin cloth helps remove dirt, revealing a beautiful radiant complexion.'

It's your typical cleansing balm, although predominantly organic.

Who is it for?

Everyone.

What’s in it?

Olea europaea (Olive) fruit oil*, Simmondsia chinesis (Jojoba) seed oil*, Cera alba (Beeswax)*, Butyrospermum parkii (Shea) butter*, Prunus amgdalus dulcis (Sweet almond) oil*, Cetearyl alcohol, Rosa canina seed oil*, Limonene, Citronellol, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract*, Linalool, Citrus aurantium bergamia (Bergamot) fruit oil, Citrus medica limonum (Lemon) peel oil, Geraniol, Parfum (Fragrance), Citral *Organic Certified Ingredient

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Shea butter and beeswax, but I would point out that the formulation is more 'oil' than 'thick balm' as soon as it touches the skin and therefore you should only avoid if actually allergic/intolerant, I think combination skins would be ok with this formula, as long as you removed it correctly.

Fragrance - no good if you're super-sensitised to any type of fragrance as this one would appear to have a little of both - which is odd as it doesn't smell strong at all.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Organic - not vegan

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

No/Unsure - I've asked them directly and will update when I hear back.

What's not in it?

mineral oil

parabens

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

As with any balm, use on dry skin either to remove makeup or as a second cleanse or morning cleanse. 

The description on the Boots website says this: 'Finish by soaking the cloth in cold water and press gently over face to close pores.' - obviously the less said about that statement the better.

LOOK AT THOSE PORES CLOSE!

What’s good about it?

I really liked this balm. It's gentle, yet removes everything, (I didn't try on waterproof, but as an oil it should work). This removed my makeup really well, and is nice enough to use it as a second cleanse or a quick morning cleanse, depending on your mood, your skin and the amount of time you have.

What’s not so good about it?

Not much. It's a lovely, organic, plant-based balm, at a great price for a decent size. The equivalent size in the Eve Lom cleanser would come in around £47.00. Nice one Boots.

Boots Botanics Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm is a bargainous £8.99 for 70ml and available here: www.boots.com/Botanics-Organic-Hot-Cloth-Cleansing-Balm

Similar products?

Emma Hardie

Sanctuary Spa

OSKIA

Omorovicza

Clinique

Pixi

Lush

All make great cleansing balms - none at this price though. If you're on a budget, start here.

Temple Spa In The Beginning Deep Cleansing Melt

You may say the world does not need more cleansing balms. I'd agree with you but then we'd both be wrong. 

*YOU MAY WANT TO READ QUICKLY - I just found out this is on a two for one. See below!

What is it?

'Temple Spa In The Beginning Deep Cleansing Melt contains beads that gently exfoliate the skin leaving it looking radiant before melting to release deeply cleansing ingredients'.

Who is it for?

Dry/dehydrated - first am cleanse and second pm cleanse 

Other skin types - pm massage stage

What’s in it?

Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Ocimum Basilicum (Basil) Oil, Geraniol, d-limonene, Linalool

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

essential oils - it smells more of the basil than the others

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

I assume natural, they don't seem to make organic claims, and vegan.

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?

No/Unknown (but I don't think so)

What's not in it?

Shea butter - making it an option for acnaic, but it's built for dry/dehydrated.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

Apply a small amount - around 5-10p size. 8p size! ;)

Massage throughout the face in sweeping up and down movements. Think Madonna in the Vogue video, no circles.

What’s good about it?

You only need a teeny bit of this to get good massage, which is what I'm primarily concerned with when using this. It smells very 'spa', so if you want unscented, this is not for you. It gives great grip, and is the closest I would probably get to a scrub, the fatty beads in this dissolving upon application and massage.

Remember when massaging: Less is more. GRIP NOT SLIP.

Massage well, remove with a warm flannel - you will probably need three goes with the flannel. If you feel any residue afterwards, you haven't taken it off properly. Your skin should feel soft, smooth and comfortable.

What’s not so good about it?

Not much, perhaps the smell for some, but I like.

You don't need this if:

You have really active acne.

You already have a good massage cleansing balm.

You need this if:

You have dry/dehydrated/dull/mature skin that needs oopmh.

You don't have a good massage cleansing balm. 

You don't like acids and need to exfoliate without scrubbing your face off.

Similar products?

Champneys Super Rich Cleansing Balm (which I think is discontinued now)

The Deep Cleansing Melt is £28.00 for 60ml and available from Templespa.com  and at the time of publishing is on a TWO FOR ONE!

(I have not forewarned the brand about this post. I don't know how much stock they have or how long they will keep the promotion open.)

It's also available from VictoriaHealth.com if they sell out.

£28.00 for 120ml. SCORE.

*no affiliate links

Bobbi Brown Extra Balm Rinse

Keeping with the cleanser theme, I am also enjoying this surprisingly thick balm from the Brown that is Bobbi. I have the tube version and am already convinced that it will be a permanent fixture in my travel bag. I'm investing in the tub purely because we all know how enamoured I am with a big fat pot of cleanser.

What is it?

'This conditioning cleanser with a uniquely rich feel removes all traces of makeup and impurities quickly and completely. Leaves skin with a smooth, cushiony finish, and feeling instantly refreshed (thanks to its bright citrus scent).'

A thick, luxurious balm cleanser for the rest of us. :)

Who is it for?

All skin types but particularly suited to those with a drier or dehydrated skin.

What’s in it?

Glycerin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Limonene, Polyglyceryl-10 Behenate/Eicosadioate, Glyceryl Behenate/Eicosadioate, Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax, PEG-10 Sunflower Glycerides, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Polydecene, Beta Carotene, Potassium Stearate, Benzyl Alcohol, Linalool, Anise Alcohol, Citronellol, Aminomethyl Propanediol

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

limonene

essential oil

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Bit of both. And contains beeswax, so not vegan.

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/Yes*

What's not in it?

mineral oil

synthetic fragrance

How do you use it?

A number of ways. As a mask on particularly dry skin or as a cleanser. Whether you use it as a first or second cleanse in the evening, or a morning cleanse, this absolutely needs a face cloth to remove. There's no splashing here.

What’s good about it?

I like the consistency. It cleanses very well, removes makeup well and is a great massage cleanser. It gives good grip and very little slip. :) The glycerin and olive oil are a good, softening, removal team.

What’s not so good about it?

It's possibly too thick for really oily/acne skins, but the lack of shea butter and mineral oil means I wouldn't rule it out entirely.

Where to use in your routine?

As above, AM or PM and first or second cleanse.

Similar products?

Emma Hardie, Alpha-H, Elemis, Suti, Balance Me, OSKIA and REN all make similar products.

Sizes available?

50ml - £20.00

200ml - £45.00

Available from www.bobbibrown.co.uk/Extra-Balm-Rinse

*I am asked after nearly every post why I mention China and the answer is thus: in its simplest form, animal testing is banned in the EU and has been for years, but the Chinese authorities 'reserve the right' to test any product sold in China on animals to ensure safety for the Chinese people. It's outdated and unnecessary and a lot of brands are working behind the scenes to change their minds. So whilst a brand may be against testing, the wider thinking is that if they sell in China, they are endorsing testing 'where required by law'. That's why I mention China.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm Special Edition 200ml size

Heads up fellow Cleansing Balm freaks. (We really should start a support group)

To celebrate the success of Elemis' Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, it is being released in a 200ml supersize. 

200 fat mls of juicy, velvety, cleansing waxes just waiting for you to savage. Ok. I know. I really need to get a grip.

The Supersize is available now on timetospa.co.uk and is £55.00 - it's worth over £75.00 taken ml for ml.

Not all good things come in small packages. Go get yours.

Zelens Z Pure Cleansing Liquid Balm

What is it?

'A Shiso-infused cleansing liquid balm formulated to thoroughly cleanse the skin and help remove impurities and make-up.'

Who is it for?

All skin types.

What’s in it?

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Fragrance

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Vegan

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/No

What's not in it?

Parabens

Mineral oil

Silicones

How do you use it?

You can either apply to dry/damp skin and massage through - then remove with a flannel as per usual or you can apply, massage, emulsify and rinse. 

As always I am in the former camp, but this does emulsify brilliantly for those of you that like sort of thing. 

Although this does remove makeup, because of the quality of the ingredients and the price point, this is going firmly in the 'skin cleansing' category for me. Either a second cleanse in the evening or a lovely single cleanse in the morning. 

What’s good about it?

A lovely skin cleanser, this contains perilla seed oil, the same oil in Dr Lens' Shiso capsules. Perilla oil is higher in omegas than fish oil and is a massive anti-inflammatory. The consistency is beautiful, light yet obviously nourishing.

This removes all makeup (obviously I tried it despite preferring it for skin cleansing!) including eye makeup. I didn't test on waterproof, but my advice re waterproof is to always remove with a dedicated eye makeup remover if you can, it's gentler on the eye.

The freshness and ease of use of this has made it a firm favourite with the men in the house - all of whom cleanse in the shower ('wash their face'), none of whom read this blog. :)

What’s not so good about it?

Nothing to be honest. It does exactly what it says on the bottle, my skin likes it.

As always, Zelens is not the cheapest of brands, but you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. :)

Where to use in your routine?

Depending on your preference, either first or second cleanse. My preference is in the morning, because the Zelens scent is perfect for a minty wake-me-up. Nothing floral here.

Similar products?

This is a hybrid between a gel and an oil for me - so nothing quite sits in the same category - but if I had to pick similar..

OSKIA Renaissance Cleansing Gel

NUDE Perfect Cleanse Omega Cleansing Jelly 

Ole Henriksen Pure Truth Melting Cleanser

would be in the ballpark

Brand Website?

www.zelens.com

The website is full of information on both the Doctor, the brand, the products and clinical trials. Whilst it has a beautiful section entitled 'Zelens Garden' which lists all of the botanical ingredients in detail, it only lists the 'active' ingredients and doesn't give a full ingredients list.

Zelens Z Pure Cleansing Liquid Balm is £50.00 for 125ml and available at Spacenk.com and BeautyBay.com - who ship worldwide for free.

Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser

What is it?
'A luscious butter cleanser to leave your complexion feeling divinely fresh and deeply cleansed.'

What's in it?
Prunus Dulcis (Sweet Almond Oil)*, Butyrospermum Parkii *(Shea Butter), Beeswax*, Linum Usitatissimum*, (Harekeke Flax Seed Oil), Cocos Nucifera* (Coconut Oil), Oenothera Biennis* (Evening Primrose Oil), Silica Lavendula Officinalis (Lavender Oil), Theobroma Cocao (Cacao Butter), Vitis Vinifera (Vinanza Goldã‚® Grapeseed Extract), Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Matricaria Chamomilla (Blue Chamomile) Hibiscus Flower. *Component Of Essential Oils.

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
It's quite heavy in shea butter
Essential oils

What's not in it?
mineral oil
parabens
etc

Tested on animals/sells in China?
No. And certified organic by the relevant authority in New Zealand - Assure Quality Ltd.

Who is it for?
Dry/dehydrated and normal. It's possibly a tad too rich for oily/acne although doing research there are reviews around to say the opposite...

How do you use it?
As any balm. Apply, massage in, remove with a flannel.

First or second/only cleanse?
It removes everything except waterproof for me...It's a good balm though so I would probably go second cleanse or morning cleanse (you'd only need the teeniest amount though)

What's good/not so good about it?
For the organic lovers out there, this is right up your street.
It's a lovely, thick balm, that due to its ingredients, is prone to this granular appearance.....

It gives a mild exfoliation when it's like this - although I have also seen ones that are completely smooth. Balms will frequently have this appearance - Eve Lom does the same thing. Depends on where you live and the temperature for the most part....
This is a lovely skin cleanser, but it will remove makeup if you want to use it for that. I think The Organic Pharmacy pips this for luxurious use, but Antipodes is half the price so....

Similar products?
The Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter
White Rabbit Comfort Cleansing Balm
Just be Cleansed Cleansing Balm

Antipodes Grapeseed Butter Cleanser is around £22.50 and available from numerous retailers including Beauty Bay and Antipodes.com

herbfarmacy Mallow Beauty Balm

I've been asked a lot about rosacea this week. The weather is clearly taking its toll. A lot of questions centered around red cheeks and broken capillaries. We can't control the weather, but what we can control is what we put on our skin. Foaming face washes in this weather are just asking for trouble. I'm talking about the drying, washing-up liquid texture, bubbling ones that claim to leave you squeaky clean. A skin that squeaks is a skin in trouble. So here's another lovely, luxurious balm to add to the stable.

What is it?
An 'award-winning facial balm that has marshmallow and mullein that softens and deeply moisturises the skin leaving it smooth and protected.'

What's in it?
*Helianthus annuus (Sunflower) seed oil, *Simmondsia chinensis (Jojoba) seed oil, *Cera flava (Beeswax), *Butyrospermum parkii (Shea Butter), *Althaea officinalis (Marshmallow) root extract, *Calendula officinalis flower extract, *Verbascum thapsus (Mullein) extract, *Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) extract, *Pelargonium graveolens (Rose Geranium) leaf oil, *Citrus paradisi (Grapefruit) peel oil, *Cananga odorata (Ylang ylang) flower oil, *linalool, *limonene, *geraniol, *eugenol (Essential oil ingredients)* = Organic

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Essential oils - although this is really subtle smelling, the essential oils can't be in very high %'s. It's not 'smell overload'.

Shea butter (but it's not a main ingredient)

What's not in it?

SLS

mineral oils

parabens

pthalates

If you're looking for a more natural approach, this one is for you, it's certified organic by The Soil Association.

Who is it for?

Everyone as a cleanser, dry/eczema/psoriasis as a moisturising balm.

How do you use it?

Well. I accidentally applied it as a cleanser, and it worked beautifully. It is actually sold though, as a moisturising balm - so you put it anywhere you need some moisturising protection.

This would be a good one to apply before you go out running in the mornings - smooth a little over your cheeks and chin to stop the cold burn (you crazy people you!). You could also put a small amount over your face before swimming. I tend not to go above the brow though - you don't want it running into your eyes.

And if you are doing any of these activities in a sports club, absolutely apply this before you go into a sauna or steam room. Make your own mini-facial with no effort. 

This is £14.50 for 30ml. You can also request a sample size or try a 15ml size. Value-for-money wise, it's great. A really lovely balm that removes makeup, moisturises skin, works as a lip balm - chap balm for babies, whatever you want it for..

Available from herbfarmacy.co.uk - lovely stuff.