Clinique • Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm • Cleansers

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mousquerader on 11/16/2012 2:15:00 PM more reviews by mousquerader

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive, Warm   Hair: Black, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

Amazing makeup remover. I purchased this because I felt like my previous makeup cleansers were too drying and harsh, and I didn't like how it burned my eyes when trying to rub off mascara. I rub my finger tips into the balm until it starts melting a bit into an oil, and then I rub it all over face (without wetting it) in circles for a minute. It quickly dissolves waterproof mascara and the notoriously hard-to-remove Revlon ColorStay liquid foundation, with ease. I then rinse with warm water, and it surprisingly comes off quite easily for something that feels so oily and petroleum jelly-like; I don't even feel like there is residue left over. I went over it with a toner, just to be sure it got everything off, and there was not a speck of makeup on the cotton pad!

I highly recommend this wonderful product as a fast, gentle, non-drying makeup and sunscreen remover. At $28.50, it's a bit pricy, but it's a nice-sized 3.8 jar, and only a little bit of product is needed each use, so I feel like it is worth it. I will never be without this again!

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Katie411 on 11/11/2012 7:32:00 PM more reviews by Katie411

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Brunette, Relaxed, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

A great cleansing oil that emulsifies with water and rinses away nicely. I use Avene Cleanance Gel afterwards as I'm oily, acne proned but my skin doesn't feel greasy after using just this balm.
I've started using Revlon Colorstay and this removes it really well. I was worried about the price and quantity, but I have to agree with other reviewers that it does seem to last a long time. I've used it many, many times and the jar has hardly got a dent in it. I wish was cheaper, but at the sametime I will keep using this for now, as it works and doesn't give me breakouts. It's also easier for me to get than a Japanese oil online etc. I can get this easily in the UK.

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zannie on 11/9/2012 9:59:00 AM more reviews by zannie

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I do not know how people operate without this. I love the stuff and while it is expensive in terms of initial outlay, it lasts forever. I don't think I buy it more than once a year. Only gripe is the packaging - because it is quite oily, the blurb on the outside rubs off.

When I use it, I use it before cleanser, but that is because I have oily skin so am paranoid about breakouts. I have never used it without cleanser as well.

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*TOP REVIEWER* amyfarrahfowler on 10/26/2012 3:56:00 PM more reviews by amyfarrahfowler

Age: 44-55   Skin: Other, Tan, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

In a word... AMAZEBALLS. I don't know why I waited so long to try this because it's changed my (skincare) life. I have used cleansing oils for several years (Shiseido, Shu Uemura, Boscia, DHC, etc) but never liked any of them as much as TTDO Balm... and ya know why? It's because with TTDO Balm I do NOT have to use a cleanser afterward. It's fragrance free and removes all of my makeup just like an oil BUT it rinses super cleanly and leaves my face feeling balanced and happy. REN has a product that is similar and works just as well however it smells like roses (which I like, though some people don't) and is MUCH more expensive per ounce. I highly recommend this and will repurchase.

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*TOP REVIEWER* kyl77 on 10/7/2012 2:56:00 PM more reviews by kyl77

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Other, Medium   Eyes: Green    

This is such a great product. It's a fragrance-free balm that liquifies into an oil upon skin contact and rinses clean away. A second cleansing isn't necessary. Just tone and moisturize and you're good to go. This is a great product if you're wearing sunscreen or a full face of makeup. I can also see it as more of a cold cream style cleanser for those with very dry or irritated skin. A really unique product.

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*TOP REVIEWER* OSusanna on 9/30/2012 9:33:00 PM more reviews by OSusanna

Age: 36-43   Skin: Very Dry, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I am impressed but I do find it drying. I like that it seems to take off 75% of my eye makeup (and I wear waterproof mascara) and all of my face makeup, but I've noticed that I have some flakes on my nose and around my eyebrows that I didn't have before I started to use this remover. Most times I do not follow up with another cleanser after using this because it appears to leave my skin a little dry already. I've been using it a week now and it doesn't appear to cause any breakouts or other problems. My face feels very clean after using this.

EDIT: I used up the entire tub but I then switched to Clarins Pure Melt because it is much more moisturizing. This Clinique product is very effective but it caused flaky skin with daily use.

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*TOP REVIEWER* ashleyanders on 9/23/2012 8:09:00 PM more reviews by ashleyanders

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

Update April 2013: Just a quick edit on how I use this now. I take some on my finger, rub over the eye area until the mascara feels dissolved, then get my fingers wet and massage that into the eye area to help emulsify the product more. Then I blot the product and makeup off with a wet cloth. Wiping it off was too irritating and drying, and rinsing it off was messy and sometimes drying as well. This method works very well, I just make sure to press the towel over my skin a few times and it picks up all product.

Claims - True or False?
1) Lightweight: True
2) Quickly dissolves makeup: True
3) Transforms from balm to oil upon application: True
4) Rinses off completely: Mostly true
5) Non-greasy: True
6) Non-drying: Mostly true

Packaging:
The balm comes in a purple-tinted glass jar/tub with a metallic plastic screw-on lid. Top and bottom are completely flat which makes for easy storage. The lid comes off and goes back on with ease. Ingredients are placed on the bottom, and instructions/use are printed on the side of the tub; both are very legible. Did not come with extra unnecessary packaging. Based on its formulation a tub design is really the most ideal for the product. Q-tips or spatulas can be used in lieu of clean fingers if hygiene is of that big a concern to you.

Formula:
A white and fragrance-free, thick balm. It feels quite silky and without any tackiness or heaviness. It's not so hard as to make it difficult to take what amount you need. When massaged into skin it becomes a thinner, oilier substance that rinses off fairly well with just water. When wetting the balm over the skin and massaging it becomes more of a milky substance.

Performance:
I do not wear facial makeup and only use this for eye makeup removal, so I cannot attest to its abilities in removal of those forms of cosmetics. However for the eye area it really is a fantastic remover. I had previously tried the bi-phase version of the same line and while it also removed makeup well it was irritating, drying, and the packaging posed some issues for me. This balm removes makeup very quickly and without any additional irritation that a cotton round can cause for more sensitive eyes/skin. It is designed to rinse off completely in water, but I'm not sure if it does. After rinsing I don't feel like I get any residue transfer onto my fingers so it might just be that the skin is far more moist after use as opposed to actual residue. Either way it doesn't concern me enough to deter its use. The only difficulty I had with this remover was when removing waterproof mascara. I normally don't use waterproof but had been testing a new mascara out and while the balm removed it it definitely took more time and massaging, and I'd sometimes be required to use the balm a 2nd time after rinsing. So keep in mind that with waterproof mascara you may need to either double cleanse or simply use a larger quantity of remover. A double cleanse usually does dry out the area a bit, and removing it with a cotton round seems to also lead to dryness; it is best removed by simply rinsing for me. Otherwise it really does remove my makeup entirely with absolutely no residual makeup showing up in the morning. To use I take a small amount onto my finger, massage it right onto my eye area for a while until the makeup seems to be entirely dissolved, and then wipe off with a wet cotton pad. You can proceed to massaging the skin with wet fingers before rinsing but for me this seems to be more likely to dry my skin out. I have also used it for clean up when applying makeup by swiping a q-tip over the top, wiping onto the area, and then wiping with a wet q-tip. As far as breakouts are concerned, I'm not yet sure if it bothers my skin or not. I am very careful to not get it too far away from the eye area but so far my undereye area is still looking good.

Bang for your Buck:
The tub cost $34CAD for 3.8oz. For only eye makeup removal I'd assume that it will last at least 6 months but likely longer as I do not use that much of the product nor do I wear makeup every day. for much heavier makeup it may be used up faster - I'd recommend using as little as possible first and then picking up more product as needed as opposed to starting off with a large glob in order to preserve the product.

Final Consensus:
This really is a great remover, although very sensitive skins and those prone to eczema or acne should use the product with caution. I find it to be more convenient than my previous bi-phase removers and it removes makeup both better and with what seems like less product. I'd definitely recommend this to those seeking a makeup remover, be it for face or just eyes.
* Overall Rating: 4.5/5
* Price: 3/5
* Packaging Quality: 4/5
* Repurchase: Yes.

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cherryjane on 9/16/2012 8:28:00 PM more reviews by cherryjane

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Hazel    

I will never stray from this product again! It's by far the best makeup remover for me. It's a one-step process. I don't have to use wipes prior to remover - this gets it ALL off.

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daisy7113 on 8/31/2012 10:55:00 AM more reviews by daisy7113

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

This is a great product for removing makeup. I have oily skin and have no problems with this causing breakouts, etc. It glides on very nicely and risnes off nicely. I start with this and then follow with my Acnce Solutions 3 steps.

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Lalatrue on 8/30/2012 4:08:00 PM more reviews by Lalatrue

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

I am using this balm for couple of years now and can't not find any better substitute. I hope that they won't discontinue this great product. I apply it every evening on my entire face. On my eyes i first apply a bit of water before the balm as it helps to dissolve my mascara faster. I massage it for 20 seconds all ove rmy face and rinse off with water and then remove all residues with a cleansing gel. I don't know how I would remove all the makeup layers without this product. I don't like lotions because you can't apply them with your fingers right to your skin. I love this product!

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*TOP REVIEWER* EIGNA on 8/5/2012 4:33:00 PM more reviews by EIGNA

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Blond, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Blue    

I love this makeup remover. I was looking for a replacement for my MAC cleanse off oil and needed something to remove tenacious makeup without irritating fragrance or that would leave a greasy film after being rinsed off. This one rinses clean and doesn't irritate. I can use it around my eyes unlike the MAC oil which would often leave my vision cloudy. It thoroughly removes my makeup with easy, unlike makeup wipes that irritate with multiple swipes. Not the biggest fan of the open jar packaging but I'm sure it's too thick to be packaged otherwise. Price is comparable to the MAC, so I'm only loosing out on extra back2mac. I will definately rebuy though I am tempted to try out the Take the day off cleansing lotion.

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*TOP REVIEWER* Reservechic on 7/22/2012 8:52:00 PM more reviews by Reservechic

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

When wearing makeup, I normally remove as much as I can with either a makeup remover wipe or a warm face towel. And, then I would follow this up with my normal cleanser.

Normally, I don't wear waterproof makeup. However, I have started using products from the It Cosmetics line (such as their Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer and Matte Bronzer) that are actually waterproof. So, this is why, I decided to actually give this product a try.

This product is AMAZING! It quickly dissolves both waterproof and non-waterproof makeup off of the face. It rinses easily away. It is completely fragrance free. And, it doesn't clog my pores at all.

To remove my makeup, this has become my go to product. It truly is one of the best products that Clinique makes!

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blairXwitch on 7/22/2012 10:59:00 AM more reviews by blairXwitch

Age: 36-43   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Blond, Wavy, Fine   Eyes: Green    

This is the best oil makeup remover I've ever used.
It removes every trace of makeup very well, and it has never, ever caused irritation or broken me out (and I've been through 7-8 tubs already).
It has no scent, it emulsifies easily and it doesn't take too much to clean your whole face.
One tub lasts me about 2 months.
The only thing I'm not too fond of is the tub container, I'd rather have a pump bottle, but I'm afraid to stray for only this petty reason, as I don't want to buy something else that wouldn't perform as well.
I also wish it was cheaper, but what can we do...

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laquiche on 7/22/2012 10:45:00 AM more reviews by laquiche

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Relaxed, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

Love this product! it removes perfectly make up! i like the feel when you use it, putting my fingers in this paste and then massaging my face with it!
I find it a little bit expensive for a cleanser but it is so good that i repurchase it all the time. Please Clinique, do a take the day off cleansing OIL!!!!

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baybao on 7/5/2012 5:27:00 PM more reviews by baybao

Age: 25-29   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

I like the texture, and the fact that it does take off my make up (especially eye make up) without any effort, but this breaks me out very very badly, and clogs my pores so bad that I have so many closed white heads on my face, would not use it again.

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gnikole2003 on 6/23/2012 9:34:00 PM more reviews by gnikole2003

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

yes !
i would buy this product over and over again !
i just love how it melts and glides on my skin , it also a big help with some flakes caused by my retin-a , leaves my pores clean which gives the impression that they have shrink-ed and best of all removes make-up , sunscreen and waterproof mascara like a charm , all you need is to massage lightly for a minute to break-down everything , but i usually continue massaging for another 2 minutes or so , splash some water to emulsify , massage 30 secs more
package is perfect , and although might seem small for the price you paying , trust me you do need less thank you think
i was using way too much when i first got my jar
i used in the past Liz Earle's hot cloth cleanser which basically works on same principles , just it never left my skin quite so "clear" , Mac's cleanse off also did not impressed me as much
i've also had a problematic experience with jojoba oil which clogged me like crazy
in all cases i have used and still do , a muslim cloth for mild exfoliation purposes ( i have not used physical exfoliants in years ) , and i follow with a foaming cleanser of choice - at the moment its Clinique foaming mousse
i have been using this for over a month now , with no issues and will definitely repurchase when i finish this jar although to my surprise i can say it does last quite a while

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diamondnehal on 6/17/2012 10:21:00 AM more reviews by diamondnehal

Age: 30-35   Skin: Combination, Olive   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

this is the best cleanser i have ever used, and my god i have used so many over the years always searching for a better one, always waiting patiently for the present one to finish so that i can try another. finally i have found the one!! i does everything i need from a make-up cleanser, it takes my make up off, it leaves my skin soft and clean and doesnt need too much effort.

some people have commented on the packaging because it comes in a jar, but that doesnt bother me cos i never put my fingers in jars as i always use mini spoons or spatualas to scoop out what i need so my product remains bacteria free. i love how this product comes as a balm and i only need a small pinky fingernail amount for my face and neck, it turns into an oil when it is spread into the skin. rub into the skin for half a second and rinse and it takes every thing off in one go including foundation, concealor eye shadow and waterproof mascara and lipstick.

im a big believer in the the double cleanse so i always repeat twice but to be honest its not necessary cos the product does such a great job the first time. i love love this balm. i have tried the cheapest to the most expensive cleansers but none have worked so well. i have tried from olay to la prairie and creme de la mer so i have tried the low end to the high end but not one holds a candle to this. you have to try this, its brilliant and at last makes me feel that i am not harming my skin when taking my make-up off at the end of a long day.

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bexidaisy on 6/3/2012 7:36:00 PM more reviews by bexidaisy

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Blue    

I really love love love this product, and I agree with all of the great reviews, but I do want to draw your attention to a packaging flaw (or something like that!)

I have gone through 3 of these tubs in 2 years, and each of them has had the same issue.
About 2/3 of the way in, the tub suddenly gets really oily. Not the product, but the tub. As if the product around the edge of where you've used has melted (as it does in your hands). It's not an issue, except it leaves a big, greasy mark on anywhere you put the tub.
I've tried wiping the tub all over and it STILL happens - as of yet I haven't found a cure haha!
It's only a minor issue, but still - DO NOT put the tub on any fabric, or leave it on a nice wooden surface - in the bathroom it's fine :)

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lilmissmoodygirl on 6/3/2012 4:49:00 PM more reviews by lilmissmoodygirl

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Red   Eyes: Blue    

This is definitely my Holy Grail makeup remover. I love how it's a solid balm at first, and then turns into an oil! You get so much product for your purchase, and it lasts forever. I've had the same jar for around 6 months now and I still have plenty of product left. I didn't really know it was a total cleansing balm, I've been applying this to a cotton pad and using it as a simple eye makeup remover, which it works great as. It doesn't burn my eyes. I apply it generously, rub off the makeup, and then rinse with a gentle cleanser and the remover turns nice and creamy and washes off everything. I also really love this product because while still being oil-based, it isn't overly greasy and doesn't make my skin feel disgusting. I will definitely be repurchasing this makeup remover once I run out, and will be trying it as a cleansing product also! Good work, Clinique.

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jacko90 on 6/1/2012 10:31:00 PM more reviews by jacko90

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Fair, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Wavy   Eyes: Green    

Love this stuff! Takes all of my makeup off while leaving my skin feeling moisturized!

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