Quick Answer
Use the Radiance Cleansing Balm as the first step of your evening double cleanse, before your water-based cleanser, to melt away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities without stripping your skin.
Why the Balm Goes First in Your Routine
In Korean skincare, the order matters as much as the products themselves. The Radiance Cleansing Balm is an oil-based cleanser designed to dissolve oil-based impurities like sunscreen, sebum, and waterproof makeup. Water-based cleansers can't break these down effectively, which is why the balm should always come first in the evening.
Applying the balm after your water-based cleanser would leave a residue and prevent your subsequent skincare products from absorbing properly. Following the correct cleansing balm order ensures your skin is truly clean and ready for the next steps.
When to Use the Balm: Morning vs. Evening
The Radiance Cleansing Balm is primarily an evening step. In the morning, your skin only needs a gentle water-based cleanser or just water, since you haven't been exposed to makeup or environmental pollutants overnight.
If you wear heavy sunscreen or makeup, you might consider a quick balm cleanse in the evening only. Over-cleansing can strip your skin's natural oils, so keep the balm for your nighttime routine unless you have a specific reason to use it in the morning.
What to Do After the Balm
After using the balm, follow with a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining water-soluble impurities. This is the classic double cleansing method. Then continue with your toner, essence, serum, and moisturizer.
If you have dry or sensitive skin, you might skip the second cleanse in the morning, but in the evening it's essential for a thorough clean without over-stripping.
Step-by-Step: How to Use the Radiance Cleansing Balm
- Start with dry hands and a dry face: Scoop a small amount of the balm with the spatula and massage it onto your dry skin. This allows the balm to melt and bind with oils and makeup. Checkpoint: Ensure your hands are dry, or the balm will emulsify too early and not work effectively.
- Massage gently in circular motions: Work the balm over your face, focusing on areas with heavy makeup like the eyes and lips. Use light pressure to dissolve impurities without pulling the skin. Checkpoint: Don't rush—spend at least 30 seconds to ensure thorough makeup breakdown.
- Add a little water to emulsify: Wet your fingertips and continue massaging. The balm will turn into a milky texture, which helps lift away the dissolved impurities. Checkpoint: If the balm doesn't turn milky, you may have added too much water at once.
- Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water: Rinse until no residue remains. Lukewarm water is best—hot water can strip your skin, and cold water won't remove the balm effectively. Checkpoint: Feel for any leftover film; if present, rinse again.
- Follow with your water-based cleanser: Complete the double cleanse with your regular foaming or gel cleanser to remove any remaining water-soluble impurities. Checkpoint: Your skin should feel clean but not tight after this step.
- Continue with the rest of your routine: Pat your skin dry and immediately apply toner, essence, serum, and moisturizer while skin is still slightly damp to lock in hydration. Checkpoint: Don't wait too long between cleansing and moisturizing.
Product Spotlight
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Radiance Cleansing Balm: Even the most stubborn waterproof mascara is no match for our buttery cleansing balm. Infused with rice and grain extracts to stay gentle while effortlessly melting away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. This makes the balm ideal for the first step of double cleansing, ensuring you remove even heavy makeup without harsh rubbing.
Radiance Cleansing Balm
Now that you know the correct cleansing balm order, you can confidently incorporate the Radiance Cleansing Balm into your evening routine for a thorough yet gentle cleanse. Remember to follow with your water-based cleanser and continue with your skincare layers for best results.
