• Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS
  • Twitter
My Women Stuff
  • About Me
  • Contact Me
    • For PR
  • Budget Beauty »
    • Save & Splurge
  • Makeup »
    • Eyes »
      • Brow pencil
      • Mascara
      • Eyeshadow
      • Eyeliner
    • Face »
      • BB Cream
      • Blush
      • Bronzer
      • CC Cream
      • Concealer
      • Foundation »
        • Cream Foundation
        • Liquid Foundation
        • Cushion Foundation
      • Highlighter
      • Loose Powder
    • Lips »
      • Lip Gloss
      • Lipstick
      • Lipbalm
    • Makeup Brushes
  • Skincare »
    • Cleanser »
      • Cleansing Balm
      • Cleansing Cream
      • Cleansing Gel
      • Cleansing Milk
      • Cleansing Oil
      • Cleansing Water
      • Makeup Remover
    • Mask
    • Moisturiser
    • Scrubs
    • Serum »
      • Vitamin C
      • Retinol
    • Sunscreen
    • Toner/Lotion
    • Treatment »
      • Acne
      • Anti-Aging
      • Brightening/Whitening
      • Hydrating
    • Bath & Body »
      • Body Lotion
      • Body oil
      • Hair
      • Shower Gel
    • Facial Oils
  • Tips »
    • Tips & Discussions
    • Blogging Tips
  • Lifestyle »
    • Cooking at Chez PB
    • Beauty Services »
      • Hair Salon
      • Facial
      • Spa
    • Fashion »
      • Bags
      • Jewellery
      • Shoes
    • Home
  • Brands
  • Product Reviews
    • Beauty hor d’oeuvres
Home » Product Reviews » The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm is good stuff but something about it bugged me

The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm is good stuff but something about it bugged me

May 8, 2017 Paris B 24 Comments

The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair serum is iconic. It is also a favourite of mine, partly for sentimental reasons (I know that’s a weird reason to like a product, but it worked for me for many years when I was younger) and because I still find it effective at giving my skin the glowy boost it needs when my skin is tired. It works for me that way.

The Advanced Night Repair serum stood out on its own, in its little brown bottle in the Estee Lauder stable. But it’s now the core of a brand new range, with the introduction of the Ampoules, a Mask in Oil and also, strangely enough, a cleansing balm!

estee lauder advanced night micro cleansing balm

The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm comes in a jar with a shiny golden cover, bearing the iconic stripes along the edge, that brings it within the Advanced Night range of products.

There was a lot of rave about this, and I had quite a few people telling me I had to give it a go, because everyone knows I love cleansing balms and this was a good one to add to my repository. I’d had it with me for a while, and I’m going to tell you that it’s good. I will not deny it.

Yet, something bothered me about it. There was a niggling feeling at the back of my mind that I could not quite ignore, and just a few days ago, the penny dropped. Now, I’m ready to tell you what I think! 😀

The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm is a lightweight balm that cleanses skin, and is easily removed by emulsifying with water. In many ways, this is like a solid cleansing oil, and is perfect for those who are transitioning from using cleansing oil to a cleansing balm.

The product comes in a flat jar, and you can scoop out its contents with any spatula you have on hand, if you’re the sqeamish sort, or use your fingers like I do, if you aren’t. You don’t need very much because once you warm it up between your palms, it softens and turns into a texture approximating a thick oil.

estee lauder advanced night micro cleansing balm

I have found it useful for removing light makeup if you’re feeling lazy. Light makeup for me is a tinted base (e.g. a tinted moisturiser, cushion foundation, BB or CC cream), brows and maybe blush. For days when I have on more makeup or a foundation, I always cleanse first with a micellar water to remove the worst of the makeup, and then move on to this as my cleanse, before finishing off with a cream cleanser. I have tried removing makeup with it. It can work, if you use a face cloth to remove, but I otherwise don’t feel that it’s sufficient.

Like a cleansing oil, remember to use it on dry skin and dry hands. This is because, like a cleansing oil, this one will emulsify on contact with water, and you can then rinse it off as you do a cleansing oil. Remember to keep emulsifying as you go, massaging all over your skin, not merely splash it off. These tips still apply.

What this Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm is then, is your first cleanse. Follow up with a second cleanse for a proper cleanse of your skin, especially in the evening.

What I like about it? It’s effective. It’s easy to use, and it doesn’t irritate my skin. It cleans my skin and does not strip it, so my skin feels comfortable and clean. When I use my acid toner after that, there is no residue on my cotton pad. You do not need very much. I scoop out some with a finger, and massage it over my face to make sure it picks up the grime. I like it very much. There is little to no scent in the balm.

But remember that niggling feeling that I had that wouldn’t let me rest? I worked out what it was.

estee lauder advanced night micro cleansing balm

The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm is a DEADRINGER for the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm! I absolutely kid you not.

It is no wonder that I found the texture and formula so familiar every time I used it! Even the packaging is similar, with the Estee Lauder one looking a tad more elegant in its frosted jar and golden cover, while Clinique’s looks a little more utilitarian with it’s signature purple jar and silver cover.

I haven’t replenished my Clinique TTDO Cleansing Balm for a while, so I didn’t have any on hand to compare side by side. But I’m going to stick my neck out and say that they are very very similar. In fact, based on the ingredient lists that you’ll see below, the formula is for the most part, exactly the same, with some additional ingredients in this Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm.

To be honest, I’m not surprised, as Estee Lauder and Clinique are under the same umbrella group anyway, and some sharing of technology is to be expected. Given that the two products are practically the same, and considering the price differential, I’m going to suggest that as nice as this EL cleansing balm is, just get the Clinique one, and save the difference for a lipstick 😉

IN A NUTSHELL

The Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm is a lightweight cleansing balm that comes in a solid texture, but softens into a thick balmy oil texture with the heat of your palms. Use dry hands and dry face to work with this, by warming up the product and massaging it all over your skin. You can emulsify to wash off, or use a face cloth, as I do. It leaves skin clean, comfortable and does not strip the oils so it doesn’t feel dry and tight. I’d use this as your first cleanse and follow up with a second cleanse after this. While it can remove light makeup, I feel that heavier makeup needs a makeup remover before hand, especially for waterproof makeup. It is good, but there is a more affordable option, within the same EL Group!

PROS: Not scented, Lightweight balm texture makes it easy to massage into skin, Emulsifies with water for easier cleansing, Can remove light makeup, Does not strip skin and leave it feeling dry and uncomfortable, Easy to travel with

CONS: Pricey

WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who likes using cleansing balms that emulsify, Anyone familiar or new to using cleansing balms

PRICE: RM175 | US$45 for 70ml

WHERE TO BUY: Estee Lauder counters and boutiques, Sephora stores and online, Ulta, Nordstrom

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm vs Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

I don’t have the exact products, but I remember what the Clinique one is like, and it’s super similar!

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm ingredients:

Ethylhexyl Palmitate; Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil; Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride; Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate; Polyethylene; Peg-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate; Water\Aqua\Eau; Silybum Marianum (Lady’s Thistle) Extract; Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract; Algae Extract; Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile); Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender); Methyldihydrojasmonate; Tocopherol; Bht; Linalool; Phenoxyethanol <41968>

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm ingredients:

Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Caprylic / Capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Polyethylene, PEG-5 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Water / Aqua / Eau, Tocopherol, Phenoxyethanol

clinique take the day off cleansing balm

This is from my earlier review of the Clinique TTDO Cleansing Balm.

I’ve highlighted in bold the common ingredients in both cleansing balms. In the Estee Lauder one, there are some additional ingredients which may or may not deliver benefits to your skin. However, as this is a cleansing product that you immediately wash off, I am not convinced that any soothing or antioxidant ingredients, will really benefit the skin. That’s just me though, so work within your understanding and beliefs.

The other thing I want to point out is the price differential which is accurate as of today in 2017.

  • Estee Lauder ANMCB: RM175/US$45 for 70ml (RM2.50/US$0.64 per ml)
  • Clinique TTDOCB: RM135/US$29 for 125ml (RM1.08/US$0.23 per ml)

I think it’s a no-brainer which to go for 😛

But don’t let me influence you 😛

Oh heck, let me! 😀

Have you tried this Estee Lauder cleansing balm? DO you like it?

I’ve looked around online but no one seems to have noticed or picked up on the marked similarity between the Estee Lauder and Clinique cleansing balms. They are so similar as to practically be the same – price and slight additional ingredients notwithstanding. So really, just pick whichever you like and that suits your budget. But I think I know which you (and I) will pick! 😉

Paris B

Share8
Pin2
Tweet2
12 Shares
24 Insightful comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Disclaimer: Featured product was a press sample for consideration. Our commitment is to honesty and fairness. For review guidelines please read the disclaimer.
Share8
Pin2
Tweet2
12 Shares

YOU MAY FIND THESE THESE POSTS HELPFUL TOO!

About Paris B

Paris B is a 40-something beauty and skincare enthusiast with a practical and very critical view of beauty products and the world of beauty. Her mission on My Women Stuff is to deliver clear, honest reviews and facilitate discussions about beauty trends and life, tempered with a healthy dose of humour. Let the buyer's remorse be ours not yours! When not testing the newest skincare creams and lotions, or playing with makeup, find her testing her culinary skills in the kitchen at Chez PB. Read more about us here or leave a comment below or connect with us on social media at Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!

PREVIOUS POST: If you feel the need to up your acid toner strength, try the Peter Thomas Roth Glycolic Acid 10% Toning Complex
NEXT POST: Your Say: Are you a paper bag hoarder? What do you do with your paper bags?

24 comments ... Read or JOIN THE DISCUSSION

  1. LeGeeque says

    May 8, 2017 at 9:05 am

    OK. Sold. I’ve lost count of the number of Clinique Cleansing Balms I’ve bought. I strayed a little while to go to the Dr Lewinns Cleansing oil but the balm is so much more travel-friendly. I scoop a tiny bit into travel jar and off I go. I love the Clinique one because of how fuss-free it is. It just works. No fuss, no muss, does exactly what it needs to do. Now, if only more things in life were that simple, eh?

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 15, 2017 at 12:10 pm

      Yes I have to agree about how portable the balm is. I can scoop out some for travel as well, and it’s fairly affordable and easy coz you can just emulsify vs using a flannel. At home, I’m more likely to use a flannel, or if I’m in a fancy hotel with nice face towels (they must wonder what’s happened to their face towels 😛 ) Yeah, I think EL was really pulling the wool over our eyes in this case!

      Reply
  2. Juan says

    May 8, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    You’re so funny!! Thank god I didn’t get it the other day thanks to sephora black card 20% sale. They didn’t bring this into sephora yet or perhaps the sephora outlet I went to was out of this product. That said, I’m a big fan of Bobbi brown’s cleansing balm because of its fresh tangerine scent. So, I don’t think I’d pick up this one.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 15, 2017 at 12:10 pm

      Saved you money! 😉 The Bobbi Brown one is very refreshing! And lasts forever and a day too!

      Reply
  3. Amalia says

    May 8, 2017 at 2:00 pm

    I’m not alone in this world! Also quite similar and excellent in ingredients is the Camomile Cleansing Butter from The Body Shop.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 15, 2017 at 12:11 pm

      Yay Amalia! 😀 I tried the TBS one but I didn’t like how it felt on my skin after cleansing. I can’t deny it’s affordable and effective though! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Lily says

    May 8, 2017 at 4:24 pm

    I used up all my cleansing balms! I have a few bottles of cleansing oils lying around though. I remember liking the Biotherm one better than the Clinique, but I love the Bobbi Brown Extra Cleansing Balm most. Good to know about this one, I was curious, so thanks!

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 15, 2017 at 12:12 pm

      Wah good on you for using up your balms! 😀 I’d never tried the Biotherm one (didn’t even know they had one LOL!) and I remember you love the BB one – that lovely fresh citrus scent! And how it lasts forever LOL

      Reply
  5. ChynnaBlue says

    May 8, 2017 at 11:07 pm

    Thank you for this and for posting the ingredients. I am allergic to lavender, so I’ll be sticking with the more affordable Clinique version as well.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 15, 2017 at 12:12 pm

      Glad to have helped! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Anna Lim says

    May 9, 2017 at 5:29 am

    I used to like EL ANR and I’m no marketing expert, but I can’t believe how much they’ve been diluting the ANR sub-brand with all these new products. Must be making a pretty dollar, but … when these newer products are nothing special it just rubs the gloss off the original product, you know what I mean?

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 15, 2017 at 12:13 pm

      That’s a very interesting view point you’ve raised Anna and I have to say that I tend to agree. ANR is a serum that is good and which works. It really doesn’t need all the new-fangled cleansers (because EL already has them in other ranges). The Ampoule and Mask in Oil I can understand, as an extension of the line, but the cleansers I’m afraid I don’t understand their place 🙂

      Reply
  7. Wan says

    May 9, 2017 at 7:29 am

    I took a quick look at your first pict prior to reading the whole story,and my o my,clinique just popped out of my mouth,I love clinique balm,I have use 3,I used to use banila and co in between the clinique to try the cheaper option,but i kept thinking of clinique and I will order clinique before halfway using banila and co. I even tried the crabtree and evelyn,but I hated it,it wont emulsify at all,I might use it as my brush cleanser. I kept coming to clinique balm after every other balm that I tried. I have never got my hand into TBS chamomile balm though. Maybe someday.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 15, 2017 at 12:16 pm

      I tried Banila & Co but nope. I struggle to even finish it because I detest it! I’d much rather get Clinique’s balm. Oh funny you should mention Crabtree & Evelyn! It reminded me that they ventured into skincare but they’re really quiet now aren’t they? I was interested in the balm but I’m glad I never went there LOL! The only things I buy from C&E now are their cookies and jam. Oh so heavenly! 😀 I tried the TBS one which many people love, but it’s one that doesn’t sit well for me unfortunately.

      Reply
  8. Cecilia Wong says

    May 9, 2017 at 8:42 am

    Has anybody tried the Pixi Caroline Hirons double cleanse? I actually have it already, but I need to finish some other cleansers before I open it. I don’t like too many opened bottles around.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 15, 2017 at 12:17 pm

      I haven’t Cecilia. I do have the Pixi Cleansing Balm though, which I haven’t dug into as I’m trying to finish off at least 1 tub before I open it! I do have the CH one coming in the mail so I might review it in the future. It’ll be interesting to know what you think of it. I like some of her philosophies, but I’m no fangirl haha! 😀

      Reply
  9. Margaret Cheong says

    May 9, 2017 at 3:00 pm

    Ha…..I love how you catch them offguard, as the ingredients are too similar. The extra price for the extracts is not worthy as the cleansing process is too short for them to be absorbed into the skin. Soothing extract maybe useful after the skin is aggravated with so much makeup the whole day.

    I am using micellar water and bi-phase makeup remover for stubborn ones. I find them adequate so never use cleansing oil before. One day I might try.

    I love your blog. You are honest, detailed and knowledgeable.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 15, 2017 at 12:21 pm

      Aww thank you Margaret, it means a lot to me! Apparently, I wasn’t the first person to catch them out, but the other was Caroline Hirons on a video (and I didn’t know cos I don’t watch videos) so in a way, I guess I’m correct to say that I really didn’t read any other post talking about it 😀 I do tend to agree that cleansing is too short to have ingredients penetrate the skin. What’s more important is that it is soothing and cleanses skin well. Do you use a cleanser after your micellar water? Just curious because I know there’s 2 schools of thought and I belong to the wash off, double-cleansing category 🙂

      Reply
      • Margaret Cheong says

        May 15, 2017 at 3:53 pm

        I would wash off the remnants of micellar water using the normal foaming cleanser so my skin will be very taut and dry. I would normalise them with a generous slap of cream afterwards before my skin falls apart…..LOL!

        I tend to gravitate towards Asian’s blog (including you) because I find the Caucasian skin is very different from ours. The products that they recommended can’t be found here also.

        Reply
        • Paris B says

          May 15, 2017 at 5:25 pm

          Haha good call washing off the micellar water! 😀 In some ways I tend to agree with you about Caucasian skin being different. Their weather and water too are different and that makes products perform differently I feel. That said, I do use a lot of Western brands, as I’m sure you’ve noticed 😀 I’m just glad for online shopping that allows us to try different types of products from different parts of the world 🙂

          Reply
  10. Unpaletteable says

    May 14, 2017 at 9:00 am

    Oh those cheeky devils! A dupe of their own product for three times the price! Thanks for doing the detective work there.

    I’m currently trying the Antipodes Grapeseed Butter balm, but the lack of emulsification is bugging the hell out me to be honest. I love a hot flannel, but I’ve grown used to the reassuring milky breakdown stage that tells me it’s all being rinsed off.

    Reply
    • Paris B says

      May 15, 2017 at 5:15 pm

      I can’t take full credit – apparently Caroline Hirons spotted the dupe too but it was on video (and I don’t watch videos) so I missed it! That said, yes they are sneaky! You wouldn’t think the quantity was less because the tub feels the same, but the ml is less. I love the Antipodes but you are right about how sticky it can be on skin. I also find that it messes up my flannels something awful! But I do love it still – makes my skin so soft and lovely 🙂

      Reply
      • Unpaletteable says

        May 15, 2017 at 10:40 pm

        Yes, my flannels are all turning yellow! The jury is still out on whether it’s helping or hindering my skin but imma give it a while longer til I hit a verdict. I also wonder if it’s performing better for you as you’re in a hotter country – my English bathroom hovers around 16C so the balm is that bit stiffer here.

        Reply
        • Paris B says

          May 29, 2017 at 11:30 am

          Ah you could be right about the difference in temperature. I can imagine it might be harder to warm up and spread if it was harder. It’s like my May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon. Here’s, it’s like an oil for me. But I see that everyone else’s is like a lovely solid balm!

          Reply

Comment Policy:At MWS we love reading your comments. However, if you are new to leaving comments you may benefit from reading the comment policy first.

What's your view? Share it! Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

My Women Stuff by Paris B

Welcome to My Women Stuff, a beauty blog based in Malaysia, written by veteran blogger, Paris B. What you can expect is honesty, critical views & a healthy dose of shared life lessons sprinkled amongst beauty product reviews. What you shouldn't expect is a page filled with unnecessary narcissistic photos. MWS is a blog for those who love to read, because we love to write! Read More about MWS and Paris B

Subscribe for weekly updates of all published content

BEAUTY & LIFE TIPS

2 finger sunscreen guideline

Sunscreen Tip: The 2-finger guideline to using enough sunscreen

protect skin after sun

Sun damaging your skin? Here’s how I protect mine after prolonged sun exposure

expensive skincare worth it

Your Say: Is expensive skincare ever worth it?

Instagram @parisbmws – You don’t know what you’re missing

A few of you asked me about this serum when I shar A few of you asked me about this serum when I shared about it last. So here it is on the blog 😊 #notsponsored #iboughtitmyself 
#yeouth #yeouthskincare #yeouthvitamincandeserum #parisbmws #skincareblogger #skincareblog #budgetbeauty #affordablebeauty #iherb #vitamincserum
Learnt an easy way to measure how much sunscreen i Learnt an easy way to measure how much sunscreen is enough for your face! Watch the video but read more on the blog for where I got the info from and find out if this is enough for me 😁 www.mywomenstuff.com
#wearsunscreen #parisbmws #sunscreentips #skincaretips #skincareblogger #over40blogger #over40skincare #sunscreenmalaysia
Ooh makeup! 😆 So there’s this blush I’ve b Ooh makeup! 😆
So there’s this blush I’ve been using a lot of recently. Absolutely loving it! Review on the blog!
#shiseido #shiseidomakeup #shiseidomalaysia #shiseidominimalistwhippedpowderblush #luxurymakeup #japanesemakeup #jbeauty #parisbmws #over40makeup
Pity there are no ang pows to collect this year. T Pity there are no ang pows to collect this year. The bag was big enough 🤣
#iamaplasticbag #anyahindmarch #parisbmws #anyahindmarchmalaysia #anyahindmarchbag
Let’s take a photo, Sherlock! How hard can it be Let’s take a photo, Sherlock! How hard can it be? 
Famous last words 😅 Can’t believe how tiny he was last CNY. I could make him do whatever I wanted. Now, he’s got a mind of his own and it’s “no treats, no work!” 🤪
It’s an unusual Chinese New Year this year. It’s the first time since I left home that I did not make an early morning drive home for CNY for the reunion dinner (I always do so to beat traffic). It’s the first time I’m spending CNY in KL. It’s the first time my hair is looking such a mess for CNY 😂
Regardless, we do this not for ourselves but for others so we can have more joyful CNY celebrations to come. 
Wishing all of you a Happy, healthy Chinese New Year filled with Ox-picious tidings 🧧 Gong Xi Fa Cai and enjoy the festive break! ❤️
Low key CNY celebrations this year. No need to dre Low key CNY celebrations this year. No need to dress up or put on makeup since we’re staying home, but I’ll be damned if I don’t smell like a million bucks from head to toe! 🥰
I never appreciated hair mists but the Chanel No. 5 Hair Mist is a nice, light way to enjoy the perfume. Who says you can only spray on your hair? 😬
What’s your CNY shaping up like?
#chanelmalaysia #chanelperfume #chanelno5 #parisbmws #chanelfragrance #n5 #n5100years #welovecoco
Join over 10500 followers on Instagram

ABOUT ME · CONTACT ME · DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT · PRIVACY · ARCHIVES

© Copyright MY WOMEN STUFF 2007 - 2019 · All Rights Reserved