As face masks continue to be an essential part of our lives, our beauty routines have been tweaked just like everything else. Some of our makeup products may have been relegated to home use, but many of us are still experiencing mask-induced acne (a.k.a. maskne) and skin irritation. This calls for a bit of intervention when it comes to looking after your skin.
Giving your skin a deep cleanse has never been more important, and it goes beyond removing post-work makeup and sunscreen. Throughout the day, airborne bacteria can latch on to your skin, and if they aren’t washed away properly, they could potentially contribute to ageing, pigmentation, and blemishes.
The best way to stop this from happening? Doubling cleansing. For the uninitiated, double cleansing involves using a cleansing balm, oil, or micellar water to break down makeup, SPF, and sebum on the surface of your skin first, then following it with a water-based cleanser. If you’re not sure what kind of first cleanser you should be using, however, we recommend a cleansing balm.
Why cleansing balms are better than micellar water
If you’ve been doing a quick once-over with a cotton pad soaked in micellar water while catching up on Emily in Paris every night, you may want to rethink the way you cleanse your skin. While micellar water uses micelles to dissolve the oil and makeup on your skin, it simply doesn’t have the same cleansing ability as a cleansing balm.
One swipe of micellar water may not properly remove makeup or pollution particles, and you’re more likely to miss certain areas of your face as you’re wiping down too. A cleansing balm, on the other hand, does more than remove makeup. It can melt away impurities, excess sebum, and sunscreen as you massage it on your skin gently. And since you don’t have to tug at your face, there’s a lower chance of irritation too.
On top of that, you don’t have to use a fresh cotton pad with a cleansing balm, so you’re also doing a bit of good for Mother Earth. Since we’ve tried plenty of cleansing balms here at Daily Vanity, it’s safe to say we found one cleansing balm that’s a cut above the rest. It’s none other than the cult-favourite, Banila Co Clean It Zero!
Banila Co Clean It Zero Original (for all skin types)
The Banila Co Clean It Zero Original is truly a classic K-beauty product. This is often the first cleansing balm newbies pick up, and it’s usually the first product that gets people hooked on Korean skincare too. Here’s a fun fact: one tub of Banila Co’s Clean It Zero is sold every 3.1 seconds globally. Why? Because it’s super simple yet effective.
Let me show you just how easy it is to use. The sherbert-like cleanser was able to melt off all kinds of stubborn makeup (even my waterproof eyeliner) and left my skin feeling soft and hydrated after I’ve rinsed it off. Its formula is infused with vitamin C and A-rich acerola extract, as well as papaya extract to naturally exfoliate as you work it into your skin.
There’s also rooibos leaf extract to soothe delicate skin and bamboo extract to moisturise. It breaks down any trace of sunscreen and removes deep-set impurities from the day to keep your pores clear. Even if you’re not wearing makeup, its skin-loving ingredients will nourish and pamper your skin as you cleanse. Not to mention, the pastel pink packaging is absolutely shelfie-worthy too.
Since the K-beauty classic has been around for a while now, there are plenty of Clean It Zero products floating around in Singapore that may not be authentic. Well, now you don’t have to worry, because Banila Co has officially landed in Singapore! These products are flown in directly from Banila Co’s headquarters in Korea. You can find the cleansing balm as well as other variants and products on their local website, Watsons (available from 23 November), and LazMall on Lazada.
A cleansing balm for every skin type
Apart from Banila Co’s Clean It Zero Original, the brand also offers a full range of cleansing balms, each one formulated to fit every skin type. Have a look at the different variants and find out which one you’re best suited for.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Revitalizing (for oily skin)
Using the same, well-loved proprietary blend of the original cleansing balm, the Revitalizing variant removes makeup, sunscreen, and impurities seamlessly without stripping your skin of its natural oils. It contains resveratrol, which is a natural antioxidant that helps to fight free radical damage – perfect for those with oily skin.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Purifying (for sensitive skin)
The Clean It Zero Purifying is infused with seven active botanicals to calm sensitive skin. Centella asiatica, green tea, and chamomile extracts soothe irritation and strengthen your skin barrier, while licorice root extract brightens your complexion.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Nourishing (for dry skin)
Banila Co’s Clean It Zero Nourishing has the highest oil percentage of all the cleansers in the range, which means it’ll leave your skin feeling plump and supple after rinsing it off. Ginseng extract in the formula has been proven to help with hyperpigmentation, while royal jelly deeply nourishes your skin and locks in moisture.
Banila Co Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying (for congested, acne-prone skin)
The newest member in the family, Banila Co’s Clean It Zero Pore Clarifying is packed with jojoba and tea tree oils to balance, soothe, and clarify acne-prone skin. It uses a tri-peel acid that contains AHA, BHA, and LHA to gently but effectively slough off dead skin cells, revealing a fresh complexion after you cleanse.
If you’re still unsure which cleansing balm is best for you, Banila Co is giving away free samples for you to try. Simply connect with them on Facebook Messenger and subscribe for free samples over there. The brand will also be hosting a pop-up event in Watsons at Ngee Ann City from 23 to 29 November 2020. There, you’ll get to chat with Banila Co’s brand ambassadors, ask burning questions, and receive samples.
Must-haves from Banila Co
Once you’ve found a Clean It Zero cleansing balm that’s perfect for you, why not check out other products from the brand? Get acquainted with the two must-haves we’re adding to cart ASAP.
Banila Co Dear Hydration Boosting Cream
Looking for long-lasting hydration? Then you need this innovative moisturiser to rejuvenate and restore skin. The Dear Hydration Boosting Cream is infused with mint, basil, and neem leaf extracts to effectively lock in moisture and protect the skin from external stressors like pollution. It also imparts a dewy glow and makes your skin softer and smoother, prepping it for makeup application.
Banila Co Prime Primer
To prep your skin for makeup, try Banila Co’s Prime Primer. It creates a seamless, invisible layer to extend the longevity of your makeup and protect your skin from environmental aggressors. Simply apply a thin layer on your face after moisturiser and wear it alone or with makeup.
Choose from three variants: Classic, to blur the appearance of pores and fine lines; Hydrating, to keep your skin silky smooth; or Matte, to keep your complexion fresh and shine-free all day.
You can find Banila Co’s products on the Banila Co website, Watsons (available from 23 November), and LazMall on Lazada.
