Using the same foundation, same mascara, same sunscreen, same washcloth, etc. in order to fairly and reliably compare the results...that's why so many of us trust your opinion. From a "science-y" lady to another, thank you.
Angie, I have sensitive skin like you (although, I am older) and always use Cereve cleansers. When the double cleanse method became popular, I tried several cleansing oils. As you know, with sensitive skin, the less ingredients the better! I now use expelled sunflower oil from Trader Joe’s for my first cleanse. It is good for my skin, p,us removes all my makeup without any irritations. I keep the large bottle in the fridge and refill a small bottle at my bathroom sink. I follow with Cerave and my skin loves it. Extremely economical too! Thanks for all your videos. I’ve learned a lot.
I purchased the Clinique 'Take the Day Off'...it is fabulous! NO SMELL!!! Easy to use...easy to get off...takes your make up off SO easily! Doesn't leave oily residue...fine to moisturise afterwards...thank-you SO much!!!
Being a biologist I LOVE that you came at this so scientifically and tried to control as many variables as you could!! I've used the liquid version of the Clinique balm (didn't know there was a balm...) and liked that, but I usually don't wear much makeup so the Cerave works well for me on most days. Angie-great job as usual!!
Hi Angie, Because of you I have been using Timeless vitamin c.c, Ferulic acid, and Coenzyme Q10 Serum . I can already see results after a few weeks! Thank you for recommending them. Take the Day off - Clinique. I always learn so much from you.
I'm so excited that Clinique won! As I was watching the video, I was hoping you would test that exact product--the cleansing balm and the cleansing oil are my favorites! Now I'm curious how well the oil cleans vs. the balm. Thanks, Angie! Great job as usual.
I’m two years late but can I say firstly thank you for the diligence on the comparison process, but really yes! Someone who understands the vision blur when removing make up!! I thought it was me! I’m British but think you have a lovely accent 🇬🇧💕💫🙋🏼♀️
Hi Angie! I love your channel! I am a Field Brand Manager for Clinique at Ulta and I of course, agree with you that Clinique’s TTDO cleansing balm is the best! I always teach guests and our consultants that the vitamin E in our balm is natural tocopherol! Also, I have to add to your description that the product is also paraben free! In fact, in my new trainings I’m doing for our consultants, I am happy to report that Clinique has a new claim of being paraben-free AND phthalate-free! We are still fragrance free and clinically allergy tested!
Tracie Adrian I appreciate and respect your position. Clinique never tests on animals, we actually test on people! Because we are sold in China, they do test any imported cosmetic on animals, so that’s why people think we are not cruelty-free. I think that the consumer should protest the Chinese testing protocol and not the companies who export to them. Maybe change would be better served by targeting the actual offenders. Thank you for your comment!
I agree that animal testing is appalling and horrifying. AND . . .as a self-employed business person, I know that businesses are in business and that first, they have to make money or else they will go under. Full stop. China is has more people than, I think?, any other nation on earth. Expecting or demanding a brand stop selling there because the **Chinese government** tests the imported products on animals is understandable. I agree that would be great if brands stopped selling there. I wish they would, too. And . . .I'm sure that market represents a huge portion of these brands' market shares. And businesses must make profits or they will simply go under. I do not live in China so any Clinique products I buy here in the US are *not* tested on animals. What matters to me most is if a cosmetics company does their *own* (or contracts it out) animal testing when they do R & D or safety testing.
Tracie Adrian, I disagree with you here. It is not the responsibility of a company to protest the practices of the Chinese Government. You are losing sight of the big picture. It would be irresponsible for a brand to stop doing business with a country with such a large demand for its products. Demand creates sales, sales creates profit, profit keeps people employed, and growth creates jobs. Why would a company lose revenue to protest what some of the American population may dislike about a foreign county's animal testing mandate and jeopardize the livelihood of their employees?. When individuals want change they get into action and push for change. Take a look at what happened with the Me Too movement, it started with one person. Change begins small and grows. If Clinique (Estee Lauder) decides not to export to China, another brand will ramp up and gladly take their place, and the testing will continue and you can feel better about buying TTDO at double the price and just not give any thought to those that lost their jobs. Have a great night.
Laurie Kinner Interesting to hear from an expert as the Clinique balm product does go rancid easily. I have to keep in the refrigerator (esp any backup I buy during a giveaway) or it will smell like bad oil before I can use it up. Now I know why.
Hi Angie! Thanks for another great video! I don’t buy any cleansers except the CeraVe which I use in the shower. To cleanse every night, I use my homemade oil cleanser composed of equal parts of castor oil, jojoba and apricot kernel oil. I may add some essential oils like frankincense, rose or geranium or whatever I think may help my skin at the time. I use a warm washcloth to remove it, letting the cloth lay on my face for about 30 seconds to open the pores and let my makeup loosen. Then I wipe it all off. Might not be great for oily skin girls but for dry aging skin, it’s the best and leaves my skin soft and moisturized.
Ive been using the Clinique balm and it’s been amazing for my super sensitive skin. I use it with a washcloth and it removes my waterproof mascara better than any eye makeup remover I’ve ever tried. Since I’ve been using it I need less moisturiser as my skin isn’t dry or tight, but always feels completely clean.
I loved this video! It confirmed that I'm using the right first cleanse, yay! I, too, have very sensitive skin, so your opinions are extremely helpful to me. New subscriber, and so happy to have found you. At 50 years old, it's wonderful to find someone in my own age group who shares my interest in skincare and makeup! Thank you! (Binge watching 😁) 💋
Hi Angie, I was so happy when you chose Clinique Take The Day Off as your number one makeup remover! I started using it three weeks ago. After the first use I was so impressed with how easily it removes all of my makeup including the most difficult, mascara and eye liner. It’s the only cleanser for me now. Love your videos! Thank you for all you do. You have been a tremendous help for me in learning to work with my aging (69 yrs) skin.❤️
I have been using Noxema since i was a teen and i am 52 yrs old. It removes all of my makeup and my skin feels nice and cool. Its great because its inexpensive and you get a lot of product. I have tried other non-foaming cleansers but don't like the blurred eye feeling or the tight skin feel. I would be willing to try that clinique cleanser though. Thank you for this video. ☺👍
A lot of women love it but the ingredients are extremely skin-hostile. Look it up on Beautypedia. It wasn't good then; it isn't good now. Sorry, but there it is.
I love Noxzema. If I need to remove makeup, philosophy's purity made simple is my go-to. I follow it up with Noxzema though. I also use it as my day and night cream.
The Yes to Coconuts cleansing balm is the same size 4oz, works just as well as the Clinique and only costs $10! I just couldn't spend nearly $30 for my first cleanse when I can pay $10 and get the sme results. It is amazing, I buy it at Target.
Yup; this has also been my favorite waterproof sunscreen/ makeup remover for my ultra sensitive skin. I still follow it with Cerave cleanser. I was so happy to FINALLY find this effective duo for me. 👍🏻
I switched from the Clinique balm to their cleansing oil. It does the the same job cleansing, but I don't have to put my fingers in a pot, which I prefer not to do. Two pumps all over my face and neck works perfectly for me.
I’m so excited, I’ve ordered the Clinique take the day off balm, I too have very sensitive eyes so I hope it will be good for me too, also coming is the CeraVe hydrating cleansing lotion too. I can’t wait to add these to my routine. Oh and my first bottle of timeless c e ferulic acid is coming but it will take a couple of weeks to get here . So glad we can get these products in Australia after your informative videos. I just love watching them ,you are very honest in your opinions and this is what we ladies love about you.
I used your earlier tip of rubbing the Cerave onto dry skin and thought it was removing my makeup well. However, I began to notice that suddenly it wasn't removing my makeup as well. That's when I realized the only change was the addition of the Australian Gold sunscreen. That stuff is tenacious. I've had to go to the double cleanse method, but I'm using the Yes to Coconuts cleansing balm. I then followup with the new Dove Dry Skin Relief Gentle Cleansing face wash which is amazingly moisturizing, and I think much better than the Cerave. But like someone else commented, it is imperative to use an eye makeup remover first. Otherwise it's next to impossible to get eye makeup off completely.
Try the Banilla Co Clean it Zero. Takes everything off:) Like Clinique, but even more gentle. I find the Clinique leaves my skin tight compared to the Banilla Co sensitive.
I highly recommend Dermalogica Precleanse! It's amazing, I've used it for 10 years! It's a bit pricey at around $40 but will last you 2-3 months! Def worth a try! Dermalogica products are all amazing!
Hi angie! Take the day off has been a top for me but too much blurring on my eyes. Later I try clean it zero by Banila, much better, but definitely my holy grail for make up removing is the balm by Biotherm resource. It’s perfection, no blurring, dissolve any waterproof mascara and leave the skin in a great condition. I strongly recommend it. and thanks to you to let me discover years ago Cerave hydrating cleanser, now finally in Italy too! Love , Annarosa xox
This was a really informative video, thank you so much for making it! If you ever do a round 2, I'd love to see the Clean it zero Banila, Clinique Take Off the Day Cleansing Oil, the Hada Labo Cleansing Oil, and the DHC Cleansing oil. Always curious how well cult products work!
I love the Clinique remover as well! Just a heads up for anyone curious... when I bought the Clinique cleanser at Sephora I asked about a spatula to get it out and they gave me a baggie of small sample spatulas from the store, new of course. So just a tip if you are wanting something to scoop it out with.
Great video. Thanks Angie. One thing I wanted to share is that I use a mascara that creates a tube around my lashes that I can slip off when I wash and it is really no tugging at my eyes and my lashes have grown in nicely and don’t fall out any more while I try to remove mascara. Just sharing one of my favorite things. ❤️
Angie, you put in so much work on your videos and it shows! I only watch a small number of beauty vloggers and you are, by far, the most dedicated to doing your tests and reviews in the most systematic and science-based (where applicable) ways possible. Thank you for all your work! I have learned a ton from you and my skin has not looked this good since I was in my 30s. (I'm 54 at the end of this month.) :)
Hi Angie,the best and natural clean i use is:First i put Coconut oil on my face and eyes.Coconut does not go into the eyes,because of the special fatty accids.I romove it with a cotton towel,it removes a lot of make up and mascara.Then i use the Crera Ve hydrating cleanser and if u use ur microfibre wash cloth u wont see any make up.Its ecological and helps the skin.
I am with you on Coconut oil. I use it with dry hands on dry skin and it dissolves makeup like a dream. I use coconut oil in glass container which I reuse afterwards to reduce waste.
Yep! I use plain coconut oil to remove eye makeup, then the Tatcha. Love using both. I bought the CereVe but am not in love with it at all. Kind of wish I'd returned it when I first got it and thought "meh."
I switched from the CeraVe cream to Honeyskin Face and Bodycream and i love it,and when i finish the CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser ill go to by the Facewash from Honeyskin too,its more organic,no silicones or mikropastics in there.And i mixed a faceoil by myself i add from time to time to the cream with Ceramides.
Before you even started enumerating the products, I predicted that Clinique would be the winner. I, too have sensitive skin I have been using Clinique for approximately 3 years now and love it. It removes everything even my waterproof mascara and eyeliner. Im so glad it made your top list. Thank you angie for all your hard work in testing these products 👍
Thank you Angie! I have a rosacea and have been using the Clinique balm for 10 years. Nothing compares to it, it is truly the best in every way, I am so happy you liked it too.)))
Been using Clinique balm for years! If there’s a less expensive dupe out there I haven’t found it. Thanks for doing the work for us Angie, you’re the best!!
I have used the Heimish cleanser for quite some time now. I’ve repurchased a couple of times. I am usually sensitive to botanicals as well, but I don’t with this. I usually use either this or the Banila Co cleansing balm. They’re both fantastic for me and they’re about the same price.
Thank you Angie! I also figured out that CeraVe was not taking off all my makeup. I have been using 100% Pure Blood Orange Balm and it works great as I also have sensitive skin. Then I use the CeraVe as my 2nd cleanse. Enjoy all of you tips and tricks. Keep up the good work, we appreciate you!
I love Cetaphil Hydrating Cleanser, used without water.Takes off so much make up after letting it sit fot 20 seconds or so. Leaves my skin so comfortable and hydrated.
Angie, thank you so much for recommending Clinique Take the Day Off! This is such a huge game changer! I spend a few extra seconds with it on and around my eyes, and I have absolutely no makeup left on my towel! None! And it does not burn my eyes, which always happens with other removers! I love how smooth and clean my skin feels afterward with absolutely no greasy residue! None! Thanks so much for your videos and your thorough reviews! I’m a fan of yours forever!
Thank you once again, Angie, for your commitment to your channel and finding the best products for our aging skin. I have tried all of your top 5 and this is just an example where personal preference and difference in skin tolerance is a factor in what works for me. Surprisingly, the Clinique Take The Day Off didn't work very well for me. I use not one but two waterproof mascara's on a daily basis and it always left a lot of mascara behind. I find that both the Heimish and the Tatcha work better for me with the Tatcha being my personal favorite because my skin doesn't feel as dry after using it as the Heimish but both are really excellent for removing my makeup. I have to say I keep the Heimish because it travels better than the Tatcha does for me. No matter how I store the Tatcha, it manages to leak a tiny bit of oil inside my makeup bag and as you know, a little oil is all it takes to make things feels gross. I really want to take the Tatcha on my trip to Europe in the fall so am investigating different bottles, etc. to decant it into. Anyway, great video and full of great information. I think any of the top three would be great to use. Oh, I almost forgot, another reason to love the Heimish is the price point. So much cheaper than Tatcha. Deborah
I’m obsessed with the Haida Lobo cleansing oil. Completely removes all my makeup with out leaving an oily residue. I like the Palmers also, and would recommend it as a dupe for the Haida Labo. Lasts a very long time and an excellent price point.
Hi Angie, I am 55. Like you, I want to thoroughly clean my skin but I do not want to strip, pull or tug at my skin. I found a little gem that may help many women like us. On my initial cleanse, I created an oil cleanser that removes almost everything with a washcloth. Then I return the Cerave hydrating or Mario Badescu enzyme cleanse. I worked and it was economical to develop. I feel that you really cannot clean your skin until the mask is off and this little gem helps with that issue. When I make my next batch, I will send you a sample.
IT cosmetics has a cleansing balm that is awesome! The makeup literally dissolves. Downside... it did leave a film on my eyes 😒 but it went away after a couple of minutes. My skin felt so soft and moisturized.
I have tried several of these. Three products that I really like are the Farmacy green clean, One Love Organics Vitamin B, and a new favorite is the Leahlani pamplemousse.
Hi Angie. I want to suggest the Simple cleansing oil. Very effective & gentle, & less than 1/2 the price of the clinique. You may want to give it a try for a drugstore option. Thanks again!!
So happy the Clinique take the day off was your favourite, mine too! I use it as my first cleanse and then I either use Avene gentle cleanser or Cerave. I think I will go back to Cerave though as the Avene is highly fragranced .
I was using the cera ve and found my fac3 was so dirty in the morning! Also it congested my skin and I was getting Whitehead’s so I’m now using Ole Henrikson foaming cleanser. No more issues. I use makeup remover to remove my eye makeup first. Thanks Angie!
Great video Angie, we are in agreement on the Clinique product. Because I have dry skin that tends to hold on to make up, I use this plus the la Roche posay exfoliant and then the Arbonne smoothing facial cleanser. The exfoliant makes the biggest difference in my skin and the cleanser cleans out my pores. I use the biotherm life plankton mask. These products have transformed my skin. I highly recommend you check them out!
I too have been using the Clinique balm! I feel so knowledgable! So I keep the CerVe cleanser in the shower and use H2O (the name of the cleanser, NOT water!) in combination with the Clinique. Have a wonderful weekend!
Angie you are a Rockstar in the product testing genre! We love your"sciency" quirt. Hugs Jo PS: Korean skin care has a 2-step or removing make-up dirt. Step one an oil cleanser, then a regular cleansing step. I am hooked on this way to clean my face.
I just bought this cleanser 3 days ago. After I wash my face I use micellar water. So much makeup was left on my face that the cotton round I used with the micellar was covered in foundation like I had never washed it! NEVER had a cleanser this ineffective - and it left me feeling greasy and I have dry skin. Thanks for revising Angie. I know this video is old but this cleanser is still around so heads-up everyone!
Clinique take the day off balm is MY HG i wear a very tenacious spf 50 water resistant most of the year and this is the ONLY product that breaks that down. love it gone through over 10 tubs.
Love the Clinique! It is like magic! It is the only thing that takes everything off without needing to rub. It is absolutely magical!!! However, it is kind of expensive and I'm on the lookout for a dupe. So far, I have not found anything that even comes close. This wine did not leave a residue on my eyes at all. It rinses completely clean! I just glide it over my dry eyes and rinse...and all my eye makeup and everything else, even my mineral based sunscreen, washes down the drain. Best stuff ever. It makes taking my makeup off so easy!!!
Angie, I sure do appreciate the time and thoughtfulness you put into finding the best products-especially your attention to detail in making the environment as close to the same as possible when testing! ❤️❤️❤️😘
I knew from the moment I saw the thumbnail that the Clinique Cleansing Balm would win. It's truly the best at removing makeup and sunscreen (I don't double cleanse - there's no need to with this) and the least irritating product ever. Unfortunately, Clinique is more expensive in Germany, so it hurts a little, having to spend a lot of money on a cleanser when you want to invest most in skincare with active ingredients. But it's worth every penny, I always have one around even if I don't use it daily. Great video, as usual! xx
I wish I looked as fresh and radiant w/o my makeup as you do! You have great skin and know how to bring out your assets with just a bit of mascara and eyeshadow. You rock!
I found the Clinique balm after you got me hooked on physical sunscreen. I’m glad to know this is the best out of your testing! It is the best that I have found for skin that is prone to redness.
I love the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Make-Up Cleansing Balm as my last step in the evening. First I use a cotton round with bi-facil micellar water just on my eyes, then a second cotton round with micellar water, first on eyes, then over whole face. I finish up with the cleansing balm and it doesn't hurt my eyes, leaves me make-up free with no dryness. It's great stuff!
My cosmetologist once said, that clean finger is better than spatula for cream products in a jar. My favorite cleansing balm is Clinique too. I'm on my 4th jar. Done looking for better long time ago. It's the best. Thank you for your very informative videos.
I've been using the Clinique balm as my first step for a while. It really is amazing. I find that even though it's a little pricey, it really lasts a long time. Thanks for doing all the work, so we don't have to!! 💕
Thanks for the reviews. I recently got a free sample of Alpha Skin Care Refreshing Face Wash and was pleasantly surprised. It removes all my makeup (including waterproof) in one wash and doesn’t dry or irritate my sensitive skin at all. It has no fragrance or foaming agents. It doesn’t do much for exfoliating as it claims, but it’s a good mild cleanser you may like as well.
I have 2 favorite oil cleansers. The face shop rice water bright light cleansing oil and Nooni deep cleanse snowflake cleanser. Then I go in with my cera ve cleanser. My skin loves it!
In the UK the Clinique balm is available in a stick format especially for use around the eyes. I have sensitive eyes and allergies so have been using it in the summer months to avoid any further irritation.
Love using Bioderma micellar water for around the eyes, La Roche Posay Toleriane cleaning milk for first cleanse and La Roche Posay effeclar foaming gel for second, gets everything off with no stinging. Love the Tatcha camellia oil but hate the price!
I use the Hada Labo Cleansing Oil as my first step, followed by the CeraVe. I heard about it from Dr. Dray. I always wear waterproof mascara, and it melts that right off. I have no problems rinsing it off, and it doesn't leave that oily film over my eyes. I buy it from Amazon and I think it's 12 or $13 a bottle. I also have extremely sensitive skin and can't use anything with fragrance.
Cheryl Anne I think I would like that stuff. I also wear waterproof mascara daily and have been on the hunt for a good "first cleanser". Right now I'm using Palmers Cleansing Oil. Tried Burts Bees and Simple brand but they just didn't cut it. Thanks for the suggestion!
I've been thinking about trying the Hada Labo, but have been nervous because of my sensitive skin issues. I like that you say it's easy to rinse off and doesn't leave an oily film. The one I'm liking right now is the Clinique cleansing balm. Have you tried this one? Is the Hada Lobo comparable? Thanks so much!
Rebecca Dietrich like I said, I really do like it. I'm on my fourth bottle! Wish I could buy it locally, but actually what's easier than Amazon Prime?!
Michelle Kelly I haven't tried the Clinique because it's just too expensive. Most commercial eye makeup removers would make my lids all red and aggravated, but the waterproof mascara still would be on there. For a while I used the Pond's Cold Cream, but it was a little bit hard to wash off. As soon as I heard Dr. Dray talk about this product, I ordered it and I've been hooked ever since. Not a single day of red eyelids. And no waterproof mascara left behind.
Thank you, Cheryl Anne. I'm definitely going to try it! I have VERY sensitive skin and eyes, so the Hada Lobo sounds perfect. The Clinique Cleansing Balm does work very well, but I have a feeling I would use less product if it was an oil. I think the Hada Lobo would be a more economical option to use. Thanks again for your feedback! : )
Love solid balms as first cleanser. Right now my favourite is Biotherm balm-to-oil which have a scent until it emulsifies. Have a really tenacious SPF (the brilliant Elizabeth Arden Pro TAP 50) and waterproof mascara and Biotherm b-t-oil is the only one I've tried that get them both. Wish there were more options in my country but we're getting there.
I have used the Clinic Take The Day Off & I liked it. My first makeup remover was the IT makeup remover & I Loved it, but it is more expensive than the Clinic. I wear waterproof mascara and I swear by Lancôme eye makeup remover. I know that is an extra step, but it really takes the mascara & eyeshadow off. Thanks for all the testing and it is great to know the Clinic works the best!😍
I have been using the Philosophy face cleanser for years and I can actually open my eyes while this is on them. They recently came out with a new formula that is paraben free and is suppose to be even gentler but as I said I have never had a problem with the Philosophy Purity cleanser.
I really do love cerave hydrating cleanser but I just can’t use it, the instant it touches my skin it burns and stings really badly. I have tried it three different times, same result. I personally use boscia makeup breakup cleansing oil first, then I use one of three cleansers, depending how my skin feels. The ones I use are drunk elephant jelly cleanser, Kate Somerville cleanser, or first aide beauty cleanser. Some mornings I will use Clinique pep Star cleanser with salicylic acid, to help if I have any breakouts. I try my best to choose more moisturizing cleansers. The boscia cleansing oil is the best one I have ever tried.... highly recommend.
Completely agree! The Clinique balm is one of the best products for makeup removal out there. Dissolves even the most stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
