Budget-Friendly Cleansing Balms Similar to the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

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When I think of a cleansing balm, I automatically think of the ELEMIS *Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm. It is the holy grail of cleansing balms. It's not only fantastic at removing makeup effortlessly, but it leaves my skin feeling nourished without feeling stripped. However, as wonderful as the ELEMIS version is, it has one slight drawback - it's costly. Buying a full-sized tub is going to hit your bank account hard. Don't get me wrong, it's not like you need to buy it every week, but if, like me, you use it to remove your makeup, the product in the tub will dwindle quickly. I don't wear makeup every day, so that aspect isn't a huge issue for me, but it is for some. 

If you're looking for budget-friendly alternatives that are just as good as ELEMIS's, you've come to the right place.

Let me tell you more about cleansing balms

Cleansing balms are not your standard foam or gel cleansers. Cleansing balms are rich, nourishing, oil-based cleansers that melt into the skin when massaged in. Most people buy cleansing balms to help remove makeup, especially waterproof makeup. They're also brilliant at removing that unseen dirt, bacteria and pollutants without stripping the skin of its moisture and hydration.  

The benefits of cleansing balms are:

• Removes makeup and sunscreen easily.
• Gives the skin a deep clean without losing moisture.
• They contain nourishing ingredients, including vitamins and antioxidants.
• Ideal for all skin types.

I've been using cleansing balms for a while now, and I can safely say I won't use anything else to remove my makeup. After massaging my cleansing balm into my skin and rinsing it off, my skin feels so clean, nourished and, well, cleansed. Even on non-makeup days, it's good to use it if the skin feels a little dry and needs hydration.

The good news is, there are great alternatives on the market to the ELEMIS version.

And no, I'm not going to follow with "and now the bad news". It's all good, guys! As I've said, I've used different cleansing balms in the past, as well as ELEMIS's. There are some fantastic, cheaper alternatives out there! 

(In no particular order)

Here are some cleansing balms similar to the ELEMIS cleansing balm:

1) No7 Good Intent Glow Grind Cleansing Balm

Containing Vitamin C and Squalane, this *cleansing balm from No7 transforms from a creamy balm to a weightless cleansing milk when massaged into the skin. I'm not going to lie, the twist dispenser took me a few seconds to get my head around, but it's easy when you understand how to use it! Saying that, it saves on wastage.

I'd say this is a perfect starter for someone who has never used a cleansing balm before. Or someone who rarely wears makeup, as it runs out slightly quickly. The problem with the tub is that you're not 100% sure when you're about to run out. 

Having said that, I love how when I massage this balm into my skin, it transforms into a milk-like texture. My skin feels like it's had a good cleanse after use! Also, this cleansing balm has a vegan formula. 

2) Iconic London Underglow Matcha Melting Cleansing Balm

This cleansing balm sold out in 48 hours. With its 10 benefits for the skin and containing ingredients including matcha, *Iconic London's Underglow Matcha Melting Cleansing Balm works smart, not hard. 

Again, this one has a twist dispenser, but a rule of thumb with it. A half twist of the tub allows enough balm to remove daily makeup, SPF and other impurities. A full twist allows enough product to remove waterproof, longwear and full-coverage makeup. Again, as it's not in a clear tub, you don't know when you're going to run out of the product. 

This balm is very buttery and has left my skin feeling cleansed and soft after use. For £16, it's definitely worth the money.

3) Yepoda - The Calm Balm

This is for the K-Beauty lovers out there. Recently, I tried K-Beauty skincare products for the first time (I know!), and the *Yepoda Calm Balm was the first product I tried. Suitable for all skin types, this cleansing balm contains ingredients including coconut oil, shea butter and olive oil. For those who are concerned about the oil-type ingredients within this balm, don't be. The texture of the cleansing balm is very luxurious and doesn't leave a film on your skin. 

This cleansing balm is very nourishing and only requires one pea-sized amount to remove daily makeup. For full-coverage makeup, Yepoda recommends two pea-sized amounts. Also, unlike the others, it doesn't have a twist dispenser, so you can see how much product you have left. 

This one has a lovely scent to it, without aggravating the skin. 

Cleansing balms are the holy grail product for removing makeup and impurities.

Honestly, micellar water is out of the window now that cleansing balms are becoming ever more popular in the beauty industry. 

Now, there are plenty more brands that have created their own cleansing balms (which I have yet to try). Here's a list of others for you to look at should you want to widen your options:

1. *Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Hot Oil Double Cleansing Balm

2. *Tatcha Indigo Cleansing Balm

3. *Upcircle Beauty Cleansing Face Balm with Vitamin E

4. *Liz Earle Cleanse & Glow Brightening Cleansing Balm

5. *Byoma Melting Balm Cleanser

6. *e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

7. *No7 Radiant Results Cleansing Balm

8. *The INKEY List Oat Cleansing Balm

9. *Glow For It Cleansing Balm

Hopefully, this post has convinced you to invest in a cleansing balm! Also, hopefully, one of these options will be the perfect fit for your skincare routine!

Do you use a cleansing balm? If so, which one? Let me know!