Cleansing Balms - cheaper alternatives? does anyone want to help me research?

[OoohMrCoyne]

I've been using various brands of cleansing balm / thick gloopy cleanser to be removed with a cotton washcloth and warm water. I usually add these to my Christmas or Birthday list, as I can't really afford to buy them regularly myself. I love the concept and it's definately working for me, but I can't help feeling we are being ripped off... bigtime. I really object to anything priced over £10 for an average sized pot.

Here is a list of products which are lovely and DO work, but are just way toooo pricey for, basically a pot of: oil, beeswax and essential oils (and in most cases lots of preservatives too):
Eve Lom / Amanda Lacey / Vaishaly: all about £60-65 (!? why?)
Organic Pharmacy Carrot / Neils Yard Rose / Emma Hardie Moringa: £30-£35
REN Purity / Spiezia / Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish: £17-£20

Yesterday I found out that Boots make 'Botanics Organic Cleansing Balm', which is in theory 95% organic, a 15g pot is just £6.63! The reviews look promising, although I'll probably stick with the cloths I already have. I have ordered some online. I have still got some Emma Hardie and Liz Earle on the go that I can compare the results with. Must admit I'm generally not keen on Boots products.

Does anyone know of any other cleansing balms, reasonably priced (below £10), which are as good as the expensive ones?

Has anyone tried actually MAKING a cleansing balm? Any recipes?

Or using another similar product as a cleansing balm, eg: Waitrose Bottom Butter? Just thought of that and will try it!

I never got on with Eve Lom. Tooooo greasy for me and the smell was revolting.

I use Ponds Cold Cream, well massaged with my fingers and then hot muslin clothes to remove.

My skin is good. Not just for my age. And it's clean (though I do like to wear makeup daily).

I have tried to start threads about this before with no takers, so hope am not the thread killer!
I have reluctantly gone back to the Eve Lom,after having tried the boots one,
it's OK but feels waxy on the ski, doesn't 'melt' like the EL.
I like th Liz Earle polish jobby, but think it is for a younger skin, it's good for my daughter.
I do resent paying so much for vaseline with herb smell, but it works for me.
Just amazed noone has copied it, surely the ingredients can't be that top secret?

helltotheno I posted a link further above to feature I did on coconut oils with 5 or 6 different ones, and yes, I wash my muslins in machine.

I also did a feature on amazing 4 ply muslin cloths but they're £££

On a budget I'd say Liz Earle are the best for that price range OR Superdrug own - all the others are awful (Organic Pharmacy, Balance Me, Boots, Suti, etc)

Hi Miss Foodie,
In the Liz Earle range is there only the original cleanse and polish or is there a thicker one? Might try the superdrug one, will have a look at your oil cleaning link too.

I am a recent convert using coconut oil to cleanse and can recommend it. its cheap natural organic not full of harmful chemicals - and, you can eat it! google moneysaving expert/ coconut oil - there's pages extolling its virtues as a cleanser, moisturiser and its cholesterol beating properties. Make sure you buy a good virgin organic one - not H and B as not as pure as they say it is. i use www.coconoil.co.uk

Liz earle cleanser gave me exczema - so don't take things at face (lol) value :-)

Akamuti is amazing

Thanks MissFoodie. Great advice as always :)

Can anyone link to a decent coconut oil for me? Theres sooo many when I google

"I like th Liz Earle polish jobby, but think it is for a younger skin"
I use it twice a day and am (ahem) over 50. I find it keeps my skin moist and I never need to put cream on my face at night.

Coconut oil is also fab for thick curly hair like mine instead of serum.

PinotMN: www.coconoil.co.uk - go for the virgin one about £9.49 a tub

Thanks MissFoodie and CrazyNell for the recs, missed that first time.

Would the oil not bring on zits though? That's my main worry....

spots?????? no!!! :)
here's the link: www.yumetcetera.com/2011/05/coconut-oil-ultimate-cleanser.html

OMC by the way, are you looking for a balm or cleanser? Liz Earle is not a balm......so just checking!
Soap and Glory is £7 in Boots and they have it on 3-for-2

Wow thanks for that, the article really sold me. Am going to give one of these a go :)

I use Vaishaly and if you're on their mailing list you buy one get one free every December and I find those two last me the year which isn't too bad really.

Vaishaly is very nice, however, I have one big issue with it which is that it stings my eyes, so defeats the purpose, I'm going to feature it on yum soon, just haven't got around to it!

helltotheno, if you dont love it as a cleanser you can always make super healthy oat bars with it!!!! ;)

Oh I don't put it on my eyes - I use a different eye make up remover.

I thought so, but to me, the whole point is to be able to use it all over and for it to remove mascara - Vaishaly is one of only 2 I have tested that stung my eyes......and I've tested dozens!

Oh my eyes are very sensitive to I don't do that with any cleaners - its lancome bi-facils and thats it

I've got super sensitive eyes and use cleansers (both cream, oil and oil based balms) on my eyes also, never had any problem, except with Vaishaly and another french one!

and ps that lancome one is full of silicone :)

Oh dear. The Sanctuary has made my face go all red! And I don't normally have bad reactions to anything ouch