We put moisturising balms that work wonders on dry and oily skin to the test

IF you want a cleanser that won’t strip the skin’s vital moisture, opt for a balm.

They use oils and emollients to break down make-up, dirt, sweat and excess oils.

5

Great for dry and oily skins.

Budget

5

Dr PAWPAW Your Gorgeous 3 in 1 cleansing balm, 50ml. £15, lookfantastic.com: Contains papaya seed oil to nourish skin and olive oil to hydrate, moisturise and repair.

Antioxidant jojoba oil heals and conditions the skin too.

Can be used on wet or dry skin.

The very soft, squidgy tube is more hygienic than dipping fingers in pots.

Smells delightful, fresh and slightly fruity.

Non-greasy, it has the texture of a soft vaseline and is easy to rub in.

Not quite as buttery as Elemis but for the price, a winner.

Mid-range

5

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, 100g. £48, uk.elemis.com: Described as the “ultimate cleansing experience” that nourishes as a balm, removes make-up as a cleansing oil and hydrates as a cleansing milk.

This contains rose and mimosa waxes with elderberry, starflower and “Optimega” Oils.

It smells amazing thanks to nine essential oils including lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus. I loved it.

A little goes a long way.

Buttery soft and easy to use as it instantly turns into an oil on your skin.

The best of the three at dealing with stubborn make-up and I love that it turns to a cleansing milk when you add water.

My favourite.

Luxury

5

Lumity Skin Nutrients 4-in-1 Cleanse, 100ml. £60, lumitylife.co.uk: Contains safflower seed oil – which is rich in magnesium and vitamin B6 – other oils, fruit extracts and mango seed butter.

Jojoba beads exfoliate and charcoal powder removes oil.

Smells great and warms on your face so you feel like you’re in a spa.

It cleansed away my make-up but I struggled to remove all the exfoliating beads and was scared to rub near my eyes because of them.

You can use it as a mask too, a great multi-tasker.

But the colour!

My sink and flannel were black.

Would love it without the charcoal.

Pick of the week

5

PRAISED for its anti-aging and brightening benefits, vitamin C also protects against sun damage.

This vitamin C product from Dr Rita Rakus, of Channel 4’s 10 Years Younger, has transformed my skin.

Contains 10 per cent L-ascorbic acid.

Not cheap but worth it.

A tiny bit under moisturiser gives an amazing glow.

C-10 Dr Rita Coll­ec­tion, £84, drritarakusshop.co.uk.

This post first appeared on thesun.co.uk