When I started my obsession with cleansing balms (yes, it’s an obsession I’ve curbed temporarily but will, I suspect be back in full force in a few months once I’m more settled) the one that kept popping up in recommendations was the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm.
Naturally therefore, at the first opportunity, I popped off and got myself a tub and dug in. It wasn’t all that smooth a journey though. I had my moments and my doubts about how I felt about this cleansing balm despite all the raves, and I just wasn’t sure.
But, fast forward 4 months and half a tub later, I can safely tell you that I’ve put all doubts aside and although I wasn’t enamoured with it from the get go, I like it now.
I even like it a lot more because of the attractive and relatively wallet friendly price, and because it comes in a large volume and will last a while. Oh and it does a great job as it claims, but with one caveat. I think it works best when used with a face flannel, not merely washed off.
The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is sold as a makeup remover but I don’t use it as one. As I have often explained, I always remove my makeup first, before cleansing and for that purpose, I use a makeup remover or cleansing water (currently, Caudalie which I *gasp* prefer to Bioderma).
For me therefore, the Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is my cleanser.
In the tub, what you get is a white, slightly waxy feeling balm. Pardon the heavily used look of mine. I never quite got the hang of photographing things new because I’d lose the photos by the time I came round to writing a review LOL 😀 If you’re squeamish, use a spatula to dig in. I just use my fingers. I’m not squeamish 😛
You do have to work with dry hands and dry face so take note. I usually dig out a wodge of balm, warm it up between my palms and then work it all over my face. On contact with skin, it loses the heavier balm feeling and has an almost oil slip to it. This was what I did not quite like initially.
I like my balm to stay a balm because I like the whole facial massage thing that goes along with it. I later found out that to remedy this, I used a little more product each time and then I realised that it would retain some of the balmy texture that I enjoyed. Whether this would appeal to you will depend on your comfort level.If you prefer a lighter texture, then use a bit less. If you prefer retaining the balmy texture, be a little more generous. It makes a difference to your personal enjoyment using the product.
What I like about this cleansing balm is that there is no scent and how gentle it feels on my skin. I don’t experience dryness and it does remove any makeup residue very effectively. I usually do a rudimentary cleanse pre-cleansing so my cleansing balms work to clean up the rest.
After massaging for a few minutes, I usually remove it with a warm face cloth. If you don’t want to mess about with face cloths, then you can also emulsify this with some warm water and then rinse it off. I tried it but I didn’t like that. It didn’t feel clean to me, but then I’ve become accustomed to using a face cloth and the lovely soft, clean feeling it leaves my skin. Again, this comes down to personal preference.
I cleanse again, but then it’s my routine. If you are using this as your first step makeup remover, then I recommend cleansing again. If you are using it as a second step cleanser then maybe you don’t have to but I’d still recommend cleansing again. It’s good practice 😛
So yes, 4 months and half a tub later, my verdict is that I like this Clinique cleansing balm. It is affordable and does a good job and there isn’t much more to say about that! 😀
In a nutshell
The Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is a makeup remover and cleanser in one. I don’t use it as a makeup remover but at a first step of cleansing so I cannot rate it’s efficacy as a primary makeup remover. The hard waxy balm texture melts a little on contact with dry skin to become an oil which makes it easy to work with. I like using a little more so I retain the balmy texture which I prefer. You can remove it by adding warm water and emulsifying it, or as I do, use a warm wash cloth for more effective cleansing. I like how my skin feels – it’s clean and not stripped and it cleans off all my makeup residue well. Absolutely worth trying.
Pros: Easy to use, Affordable, A little product goes a long way, Cleans off makeup residue effectively, Not drying on skin
Cons: None
Who will like this: Anyone who likes using a cleansing balm, Anyone who prefers a lighter textured cleansing balm or one step makeup remover
Here is the ingredient list for the Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, which was surprisingly short.
At RM120/125ml I think this makes a great introduction to using a cleansing balm, if you are a novice. At least it gives you the option of not using a face cloth (although I don’t see why you wouldn’t!) and there’s no scent to irritate the nose. Also, the balm to oil texture operates as a transition for those coming over from using cleansing oils. So, this one’s a good basic one to start with!
Are you too a fan of the Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm? Do you use your cleansing balm as a makeup remover?
I wasn’t expecting to be a fan but I am and that’s great because it’s affordable haha! I like using my cleansing balm as a cleanser as I don’t believe in all in one products anymore. Something always has to give and I’d rather keep my cleansing routine separate for best effects and I think I’m reaping the benefits! 😀
Paris B
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Price: RM120/125ml Availability: Clinique counters, Sephora and Online
The clinique cleansing balm is my fav. cleansing balms partly because I kinda like it when it turns to oil (?), I know, I’m weird that way. I tried the Bobbi Brown one and didn’t quite like it -especially its texture-(or I haven’t got used to it yet)- but mostly just frustrated with the gigantic heavy glass packaging- have to be extra exxtraaa careful in wet showers.
Umm, I kinda use the cleansing balm after using bioderma (cliché, I know) to wipe off most makeup off my face then continue with a gentle cleanser after the balm (surprisingly, I dislike using flannels with normal cleansers. Instead I prefer only using it with balms: I know, I’m weird, heh.)
Not weird, Robert. Most people like that it turns to an oil texture because it’s more familiar and easier to work with than a balm that can be harder 🙂 I use more so I get that balm texture that I prefer so it’s just a matter of personal preference. The Bobbi Brown one is a bit sticky but I have to say because I’m trying to finish it up, it’s quite nice, just that I can’t get used to the strong sharp scent! I don’t use flannels with cleansers too, only with my balms so no, you aren’t weird at all … unless I am too 😉
I use it now to replace cleansing oil. Usually i use eye makeup remover first to remove my eye makeup then use it to remove makeup from my entire face. I clean using cloth so that i can be sure that i remove all traces of makeup. Have this clean feeling without feeling tight for my skin
Sounds pretty much like what I do too Peggy 🙂 Except I remove my face makeup first but it’s just personal preference 🙂
I’ve heard great things about this cleansing balm, especially from Val. Haven’t had a chance to get it yet given that I still have quite a number to finish first. But once I’m done with my current stash, this is the first I’ll be getting to try out. I still like the Eve Lom and Antipodes one for now. 🙂
Haha can never have enough to finish my dear 😛 I do try though so I’m being very good about not opening up another tub of balm until I’ve finished this or the Bobbi Brown one I still have lots of. Itching to open a new one but sitting on my hands till then! I still love the Antipodes one too! I haven’t repurchased yet but I want to. I better be more generous with my use then eh?
I have been using this and really like it a lot! I am not a heavy makeup user so use bioderma first to remove and followed by the cleansing balm..works well for me 🙂
Yay for another fan of this balm – it’s surprisingly good right? Considering how Clinique skincare products can be really hit or miss, this is a true hit!
I use waterproof makeup and this is one of my fav makeup removers. I use either this or Shu’s pink or green makeup remover (the normal yellow causes me to break out). I would still say it’s not that cheap though because there’s a makeup remover sold in Sephora for half the price that feels uh-may-zing but it’s always sold out so this is my backup.
Is it the Sephora cleansing oil? I’m told it’s pretty good but because I don’t use cleansing oils anymore I didn’t try it 🙂 I do love this one because it’s so much easier to use and to travel with and I love the whole massaging thing 😀
I’m now using Bifesta’s gel makeup remover, not sure whether it’s akin to the cleansing balm but I’m liking it for its ease of use (no cotton pads needed), no tugging on the skin, and affordability. It’s portable too, I can just chuck it into my gym bag unlike cleansing water/oil which may leak. Ever since I switched to Bifesta cleansing water and gel I don’t know whether I’ll go back to Shu Uemura cleansing oils. The price, oh the price.
I think I know which you mean and while I wouldn’t consider it similar to a cleansing balm because it doesn’t have that balmy texture it probably serves the same purpose 🙂 I haven’t tried Bifesta’s products other than a cleansing water from back in the day when it was called Mandom (I believe) I remember I quite liked it but I never really went on to investigate their products further. Their price tags are very attractive though!
I’ve seen many reviews from UK/US beauty bloggers, saying how much they love this Clinique cleansing balm. I wanted to get it as well soon, as I’ve never used a cleansing balm yet ^_^
Well, if you ever want to try, this one’s a good one to start with 🙂
it’s interesting how everyone differ in their process. i actually turned to cleansing balms because i couldn’t find a makeup remover efficient enough at removing my eye makeup without a lot of windshield wiping. out of all the cleansing balms you’ve tried so far, which one comes out on top if you disregard price?
Ah, not even cleansing oils worked for you? Back in the day, before I actually went back to using separate eye makeup removers, I’d just slap on the cleansing oil and tada! Everything’s gone 🙂 I don’t take cleansing balms near my eyes though. I feel there’s too much tugging going on and old skin can’t handle that haha! 😀 For me, I’d pick Antipodes because it makes my skin feels awesome and I love the texture. I tend to measure every cleansing balm I try to that one which is why I’m very critical, because few have matched up! 😛
i actually think the cleansing balm gives me extra slip to be gentle on my eyes with. cleansing oils broke down the makeup but didn’t always rinse off properly and i’m just too lazy to want to double cleanse. i’m so happy to hear you champion Antipodes! i was hoping that would be your favorite as i’m always looking to add more natural products into my routine! it does make me sad that the tub leaks but i guess i can always depot it for travel
Yay! I was never much of a fan of organic/natural products because they never seemed to work for me and sometimes even gave me reactions but everything I’ve tried from Antipodes has been great so far, so I’m now a huge fan of their brand. Not likely to overhaul my whole skincare routine, but definitely loving most of what I’ve tried from them so far! Happy to know you’re a fan too 😀
I use and love this one, too. But I wish it was scented, although it makes sense that it doesn’t have any to suit sensitive skin types.
Haha that makes us polar opposites when it comes to scent, Marina! 😀 I remember you love strong rose scents too while I run far away from those! But at least we’re in agreement that this is a great product.
I looove this one big time! I’ve been using it for about two weeks now, and I like it for being so simple and effective! Tried to remove waterproof mascara with it the other day, and it totally aced it! I think this will join my short list of “cleansers I will repurchase.”
Yay for liking this too Sunny! I wasn’t thrilled about it in the beginning but I really warmed up to it after a while and I do think its a good product. I haven’t tried using it to remove makeup but I’ll take your word about the waterproof mascara! wow!
I have the exact same feeling about this product too. I didn’t enjoy it and thought it was an overhyped product until recently…I safely declare that I’m starting to enjoy it. It is affordably priced, mild and works. I double cleanse too after using this. I prefer to use more as too little seems as if it dissolves into ‘nothing’ (no oily residue) and that don’t feel like thorough cleaning. I think i’m likely to get another tub once i’ve finished my current one. And yes, i’m going to try out your tip…using it with a face cloth.
Haha Lisa, we truly are skin twins 😀 I too thought it was just meh in the beginning but I’m glad I warmed up to it because of the pricetag. Affordable and effective. It doesn’t get better than that! Oh and you get me about using a little more product right? I’m not keen on the light oil texture coz I like the whole facial massage thing but I can imagine someone who isn’t a fan of balms might prefer that. Do give the wash cloth tip a try. It’s lifechanging! At least it’s changed mine 🙂
I\’m on my second pot of this. It works really well for my sensitive skin. It has never irritated my skin and even La Roche-Posay Toleraine cleansing milk has irritated my skin. It doesn\’t bother my eyes either and I always get it in my eyes. I take the Clinique balm in a small pot for traveling and use it in the morning as well. To remove it I usually wipe wet hands over my face to emulsify it the wipe off with a warm wet cloth. I also like the Wild Rose Beauty Balm from Neal\’s Yard Remedies. I use it to clean, massage and moisturize and a little goes a long way but it\’s much more expensive for only 50 grams and only has a 3 month shelf life when opened. The price balances out though since you can use it for so many things.
That’s great to know Melanie! With the flack that Clinique often gets for their skincare it’s great that this product seems to work well for so many 😀 It’s a great tip to depot some of it for travel. It’ll travel so well too without spilling all over. I plan to try the Wild Rose Beauty Balm some day. I hear it’s wonderful as a cleansing balm too although it could take a little more work, but I hear the results are worth it!
I love this one and I have just purchased my second tub during the Sephora sales. Another girlfriend of mine also raves about this. I like that it is affordable, easy to use, without any scent and cleanses so well. I am surprise that you have so much left after 4 months of usage. My first tub is also 4 months old and I think it would probably last me another half a month. This balm is always sold out in UK due to Caroline Hirons’ endorsement 🙂
Yay for loving this too! I think we definitely have Ms. Hirons to thank for the state of our skin eh? 😉 I don’t use this exclusively hence it lasting me this long after 4 months. I’m trying to finish up the Bobbi Brown one too so I switch between the two when I feel like it. If I don’t, I can’t open another tub and I’m dying to! 😛
NOOOOO!!!! It seems we don’t get it here in Mexico and I want to try it since I’m still in the search of the perfect and affordable first step in double cleansing (I think the first place would be for Nivea’s towelettes for sensitive skin, but always ran out before the month finish because they are only 25 per package).
Are you really half a tube after 4 months of using it daily?
I’ve seen it on Strawberrynet which ships internationally if you want to buy it from there 🙂 I wouldn’t depend too much on towelettes. It’s not good for the skin. I’m not sure what other brands you have, but you could see if anything in my Cleansing balm repository post helps? My tub is at least 4 months but I use other cleansing balms alongside so this isn’t truly a representation of 4 months use. Still, 1 tub can easily last 4 months or maybe a little more depending on how much you use each time because even if you use a little more, you don’t actually use very much and you only use it once a day 🙂
Well, right now I’m using cleansing milk, however I don’t like the sensation after using it but it’s the cheaper alternative. I know I can buy here in Mexico: Bobbi Brown and The Body Shop, but after seeing in Clinique’s website I think I’ll look about their foaming make up remover.
Also I’ll have in mind buy in Strawberrynet.
I don’t like cleansing milk either Efrain, but because I still have some to finish up, here’s what I do to make it feel more comfortable. I pour some into my hand, apply all over my face (dry face, dry hands) and then use a wet wash cloth to wipe away. It makes it feel much cleaner and better. Maybe it’ll help? 🙂
Funny how I didn’t care for this at first, but over time began to like it. I use Lancome eye makeup remover first to remove stubborn eye makeup, then massage this product or cleansing oil on my entire face, rinse off, and finish by washing with tube soap (Shiseido, Bobbi Brown, etc.). It’s interesting how we all have different routines, some using this product last. My only problem with this product is that it is in a tub…not as convenient as a bottle with pump.
I’m amused at how a few of us didn’t like it at first but warmed up to it! I felt the exact same way 🙂 I don’t think this balm would work in a bottle actually. Would be impossible to pump out hehe… 😉
How does it compare to the TBS one? In India, the Clinique balm costs double of the TBS’s one and I’m confused which one to go for! I have a combination skintype.
I’m not sure if you’ve come across my review on the TBS version (here) but I’m not a fan of it so I would naturally pick this one. That said, I know the TBS version gets a lot of love from many, primarily because of the balm to oil texture and the price so don’t write it off just yet. My dislike of it is in the minority 🙂
yay!! you finally did a review on this!! How did you like it compared to the body shop camomile cleansing balm?
Hmm Lana asked me the same question too and my answer will be the same. I wasn’t a fan of the Body Shop cleansing balm (review here) because I did not like the balm to oil texture (It doesn’t retain the balmy texture like Clinique) and because I did not like the scent. Of the two, I’d pick Clinique but it’s because of my personal preference. If the texture of the TBS one sits well with you then it’s a more affordable option (but I seemed to run out of it far more quickly than any other balm I’ve ever used)
This was and still is one of my all time fav cleansing balm. Been using it for almost a decade now and I always have back ups of this. Perfect for travelling too.
That’s great to know Val 🙂 I guess I’m just super late to the party, but it’s a fast fave now too! 😀
Thanks for the quick reply Paris 🙂
I think I might give this a go after I go through everything I currently use 😀 I like cleansing balms and oils, just a life changing moment when I started using them. So gentle to my skin, no harsh rubbing or anything like that. My must haves now, definitely!
YAY! So happy you feel the same way about cleansing balms. They’re so lovely aren’t they and I thoroughly enjoy massaging them in in the evenings. My skin always feels so much better!