Put in the simplest of terms; we are all far too familiar with our skin. Whether you have oily, dry, acne prone or combination skin, we have all stood in front of the mirror endlessly picking and/or squeezing, pushing and prodding; wondering how we got to this point. With such an inclusive variety of skincare products, brands and formulas on the market, when it comes to the daily task of removing your makeup and caring for your skin, what’s your best option? To put an answer to all questions, we spoke to Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme (@dr_ifeoma_ejikeme), clinical skin expert, aesthetic medical doctor and founder of the Adonia Medical Clinic (@adonia_medical_clinic), who opened our eyes to the benefits and purpose of cleansing balms.

“Cleansing balms are a form of skin cleanser that remove dirt, pollution and often makeup from the skin” says Dr Ejikeme. “They have an immediate feel of making your skin feel quite supple and moisturized without stripping your skin. So even before you go about putting on a serum or moisturizer, a balm will give you that hydrating feeling.”

What sets a balm apart?

“Cleansing Balms in general have lots of different ingredients that will usually give them a bit more of a slippery, lotion like texture, and they won’t tend to foam. So, when you’re looking at ingredients in a good balm, they will often include surfactants and emulsifiers. I think there’s a misconception where people think oil removes oil. The way I like to think about it is: if you have a greasy plate you don’t need oil to remove the grease. The skin is quite similar.”

What is the best method in applying a cleansing balm?

Whether it’s a one or two step process, if you’re wanting to do things right, following the recommended method in applying a cleansing balm is a must. And according to Dr Ejikeme, the magic happens in a double cleanse. Simply put, “Put a pea size into your hand and then rub into the skin, give it a massage into the skin and use water to rinse off.” To complete the two-step process, go in again with your regular cleanser.

In terms of method, we have all thought the question, does hands or flannel really make a difference? Well, with a cleansing balm, it really does. “Using your hands is the best way to go about applying, as the balm comes into its own by actually being in contact with the skin, says Dr Ejikeme. “If you squeeze the balm into a flannel, the flannel will reap the benefits and not your skin. So, apply straight to the face, rub and rinse.”

Glossary break Surfactant: A product that removes and breaks down grease from the skin Emulsifier: Emulsifiers are used to bind contrasting ingredients (such as oil and water) together

How do you know which balm works for you?

“On the whole, cleansing balms are great for dry skin types. As they are often oil based, there is always the concern that if you have oily skin, they can be invasive. However, there are balms that are formulated for oily skin and are non-comedogenic.”

“If you have an acid breakout and you’re inflamed, I wouldn’t recommend using a balm; however, there are some balms that are formulated that are non-comedogenic, so that they can be used on oily or acne prone skin. In this case, I would use the balm and then go in with a foaming cleanser to remove all the access oils and any residual product so you get the benefit of both,” making sure to remove all the dirt, grease and build-up with the balm and all the excess product with the foaming cleanser. The over-riding rule suggested by Dr Ejikeme being: “If you have oily skin, wash the balm off completely, if you have dry skin, play it by ear.”

“If you have oily skin, wash the balm off completely, if you have dry skin, play it by ear.”

Dr Ejikeme

How often should a cleansing balm be used on the skin?

There are too many questions to ask when it comes to skincare routines. One being, how often should we commit to using a skin balm? In Dr Ejikeme’s eyes, the rule book is simple. “Use a cleansing balm when you feel you have a lot of build-up on your skin in terms of product, pollution or something you really want to get off.” Even for those suffering with sensitive skin, cleansing balms won’t fail you. “When your skin is feeling too sensitive for your regular cleanser and you want to wash your face, but you don’t want to feel completely stripped.”

At the Adonia Medical Clinic, their philosophy is to ‘help you rediscover your skin health and vitality’ to provide ‘a holistic approach to skin that embraces both new and traditional approaches.’ The clinic offers education, a range of non-surgical aesthetic treatments, fillers and specialised skincare treatments; some that specifically cater towards hydration and cleansing.

For cleansing: The Adonia Ultimate Facial:

“When you’re needing a good cleanse and you want to remove any makeup from the skin, we have the Adonia ultimate facial. This is one of our most luxurious facials. There’s the hydro element which removes all dirt and grease from the skin, without having to do extractions, and then we follow that up with Microdermabrasion which will then exfoliate the upper layers of the skin. Then we really start healing the skin with the oxygen facial and the LED light. These two helps to stimulate collagen and improve the bodies ability to maintain its water balance. “

Glossary Break: Non Comedogenic: A fancy term for products that are suitable for those with acne prone skin as they won’t block pores.

For Hydration: The Adonia AquaGold Facial:

“24 karat gold hollow needles allow me to place different ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and more directly into the skin. It is a really lovely treatment if your skin is feeling parched and dehydrated; leaving you with rejuvenated skin.”

Especially as we have now felt the effects of the cooler season, cleansing balms really come into play this time of year. With all the environmental stresses of the wind, rain and artificial filters, now is the time for cleansing balms to shine. “With these changes, what happens is a difference in the barrier function of the skin. When we have any disruption to the barrier, our skin feels dry and it feels irritated so we have to support the skin. And we support the skin with ingredients, things like hyaluronic acid and ceramides which are known to help repair that barrier.”

Convinced? Here are Dr Ejikemes’ Top Cleansing Products that have been put through her test, so you don’t have to:

£ 25.00

Ren Skincare Perfect Canvas Clean Jelly Oil Cleanser

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£ 88.00

Sisley Triple-Oil Balm Make-Up Remover & Cleanser

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£ 24.99

Indeed Labs Watermelon Melting Balm

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£ 8.00

Herbal Essentials Miracle Cleanser with Sunflower Oil & Glycerin

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£ 21

Clarins Gentle Foaming Cleanser

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£ 55

Eve Lom Cleanser 100ml

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£ 46

Syrene Aquagel Oil to Foam Cleanser

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Words and Interview By Clare Stephenson, Graphics By Millie Pollok

The post The Essential Cleansing Tips For Glowing Skin with Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme Skin Expert and Renowned Aesthetic Doctor. appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Blush is the secret weapon we all need in our makeup bags. Although in recent years it has been overshadowed by its older sister, bronzer, blusher is the key to creating a gorgeous lived-in, glowing complexion. Right now, it is all about the cream, liquid, and jelly blushers. Say goodbye to the old powder and say hello to your buildable, blendable, and workable next best friend. Although it has gained an unfavorable association with doll-like makeup and red rosy cheeks, it is time we bring blusher back and live in our best skin!

e.l.f MONOCHROMATIC MULTI STICK

£4.50

Choose from either Berry Pop or Peach Pop to add a gorgeous pop of colour to your complexion. Sheer enough to create a subtle flushed hint yet pigmented enough to build for an impact, we love this cream blush for its universality. Being jelly textured, this blush melts seamlessly into your skin, making it super easy to use and blend. Infused with Watermelon and blended with Argan Oil, Vitamin E and Castor Oil, this blush is almost good enough to eat. Cruelty Free, Vegan and priced only at £6.00, we love this e.l.f blush.

SMASHBOX L.A LIGHTS BLENDABLE LIP & CHEEK COLOUR

£26.00

Inspired by the luminosity of L.A light, Smashbox’s blendable lip and cheek colour is a cream dream. Coming in two colours, Beverly Hills Blush (peachy pink with golden shimmer) and Hollywood & Highlight (sheer pink pearl), these create a gorgeous natural glow. With a blending buffing sponge on the end and rounded dome shape, the structure of this blush makes for an effortless application. We love this blush for its dedication to creating the perfect creamy lamination.

NARS LIQUID BLUSH

£25.00

Creator of the world-famous, iconic, and bestselling ‘Orgasm’ blush, NARS’ liquid blusher is a makeup bag essential. Available in a spectrum of four shades, this product is truly gorgeous. Enhanced with the nourishing monoi and tamanu oils, the consistency is deliciously silky and rich, meaning its appearance can range from delicate, sheer, and shimmering to bold, impactful and matte. What we love about this blush is that it caters to everyone – every look, every skin tone and every intention and all for £25.00.

ICONIC LONDON SHEER BLUSH

£18.00

Buildable, natural and flattering: this sheer liquid blush is a staple in any makeup artist’s bag. With such a delicate consistency, these are perfect for adding a subtle yet noticeable glow to your complexion. Picture the delicacy of an English rose but with a little more kick! Use this blush for a soft-focus, illuminated look.

BENEFIT BENETINT

£15.50

A true icon! Originally created in the 1970s, Benefit’s liquid blush is utterly life-proof – in fact, if it is the longevity that you’re searching for, look no further. Nothing beats this tint when it comes to staying power because it simply does not budge! Dab this rose onto your cheeks and lips for an instant pop of colour – lifting your complexion to the sky!

CHARLOTTE TILBURY PILLOW TALK LIP & CHEEK GLOW

£30.00

This product gives us pure Hollywood retro vibes- and we love it! A blush for both the cheeks and lips, this cream texture is a brilliant multitasker. Created to mimic the effects of ‘love, joy, passion, and dreams’, Charlotte Tilbury’s blush is ideal for anyone looking to create a radiant, youthful glow.

GLOSSIER CLOUD PAINT

£15.00

Aesthetic dream, Glossier’s Cloud Paint is oh so cute! Inspired by NYC sunsets, this gel-cream blush comes in 6 buildable shades that you can mix, layer and experiment with to your heart’s desire. This weightless formula works perfectly on any skin type, giving your cheeks a healthy, just pinched hue! If you’re looking for a simple addition to your routine, this product is your next BFF.

MILK MAKEUP MINI LIP + CHEEK

£13.00

Mini, multi-purpose and packed with plant butters? Could this get any more perfect? If, like us, you struggle to get up in the mornings then this one step beauty hack is both a life and lateness redeemer. Harness the glow of those busy days with this cream blush, an easy tool to transform your everyday look and give you the complexion we all so desire.

BOBBI BROWN POT ROUGE FOR LIPS AND CHEEKS

£22.50

Best-selling and multi award winning, this pot really does do it all. Available in three different shades, this product is a one pot does all. Blot it on your cheeks and lips for a rich punch of colour or blend subtly into the apples of your cheeks for an undertone of colour.

LAURA MERCIER CRÈME CHEEK COLOUR

£24.00

Laura Mercier’s Crème blush offers a subtle yet beautiful product that leaves your cheeks looking flushed and fresh on those no-makeup-makeup days. Adding this product to your makeup bag will give you the confidence you need to take on the day. This cream blush is yours to play with its translucent formula being tailored to be built up to your desired look.

Words by Hannah Emery

Graphics by Lucy Gifford

The post The Power of Powder-less: Cream Blushes For An Autumn Cheek Glow appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Let’s face facts, applying sun cream may be the only pitfall about being on holiday. Yes, SPF is absolutely mandatory and the key ingredient for bronzed skin, but the process of getting there is simply a faff and a sticky mess. Well, let us introduce you to the world of stick sun cream. Yes, you heard that right. That is sun cream in a solid formula.

So, for those avid cream haters out there, everything you hate about your squeezy tube lotion, a stick won’t give you the same problems. And here’s why…

They are non-sticky

We’ve all been there. You’ve just applied a fresh layer of sun cream only to be covered in sand 10 seconds later. Sometimes it makes you want to pack up your things and leave the beach altogether. Well, that won’t be the case with a stick cream. The majority of them have a non-sticky formula. Yeh, that’s right sand. You’ve been defeated.

Convenient for touch-ups

Stick creams are beach bag friendly and don’t run the risk of giving the inside of your bag a makeover if it leaks anywhere. While most stick creams are water and sweat resistant, the convenience of them means you can quickly re-apply and carry on. Bish, bash, bosh.

Good for those hard to reach areas

Tip of your nose. Ears. Toes. Under bikini straps. They all tend to get neglected when it comes to sun cream application. Well with a stick, you have no excuse. A few strokes over those areas and you can say bye-bye to streaky burns.

Ideal for delicate skin

Yes, you could spend your time applying a stick cream all over your body, and maybe squeezy tube cream is better for that. But applying regular liquid SPF can be a hella awkward to apply around sensitive eyes or even on your lips. So, that’s where a stick can step in, keeping your eyeballs SPF free.

No white cast

We have all gotten carried away when it comes to creaming up for the day. It’s one thing to be sensible, and another to apply so much that you end up looking like a ghost. Which just isn’t the look you want to achieve on holiday, right? Well, get a load of this. With stick creams, you don’t even need to rub them in. Now that really is a holiday.

Check out our go-to stick sun creams that we’ll be reaching for this summer. Trust us, once you go stick, you won’t be going back.

1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Stick SPF 50+ £8.25

2. Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defence Stick SPF 50 £15.00

3. Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Sol Stick SPF 50 £24.00

4. Clinique Targeted Protection Stick SPF 35 £19.00

5. Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30 £22.50

Words and Cover by Clare Stephenson

Graphics by Georgia Walters

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The post Everything You Need to Know About Sun Sticks appeared first on Voir Fashion.