Review: Merumaya Cleansing Balm

Cleansers are an essential part of my skin care routine, while I'll never stray from using the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel; I’m always game for testing and trying new products. The Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm has a light, balmy consistency, which makes it the perfect morning cleanser, or a great double-cleanse after removing makeup in the evening.

Full of omegas and triglycerides, this cleanser boasts an incredibly gentle and moisturising formula. Imbued with a distinctive scent, it removes all traces of makeup without any irritation.

The comfortable gel formula emulsifies once you start working it into the skin. I usually massage for about 20 seconds before rinsing it off with a hot flannel. While the scent is a little too overpowering, it definitely leaves the skin feeling fresh and clean.

If you are looking for a mid-priced cleanser that isn’t too stripping, this is a good option.

Bioderma Hydrabio Eau De Soin

After scouring all the big pharmacies in Strasbourg, I found the Bioderma Hydrabio Eau de Soin at a nondescript pharmacy with a neon 'nouveaux' sticker underneath it. I’m a sunscreen hoarder and the fact that this was an on-the-go SPF mist tickled my fancy.

Hydrabio Eau de Soin is an ultra-light, alcohol-free mist that provides SPF 30 UVA protection and hydrates the skin  — all in one stunningly simple step. Housed in a dinky bottle, this aerosol spray offers the perfect solution to the perennial sunscreen reapplication problem. 

On first application I didn't like it because it felt greasy and didn't sink into the skin. Then I tried spraying it over makeup and fell in love with how it added a dewy glow without making it look cakey. The water-based formula feels weightless and doesn’t leave behind a white cast. This sunscreen boasts skin beneficial ingredients like apple extract, vitamin PP and the patented Aquagenium that helps to retain moisture naturally present in the skin.

Priced at €10.50, Bioderma Moisturising Anti-UV mist is free of fragrance and parabens.