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The number one rule of skincare: never go to bed with makeup on.
It’s something that Parisian brand Typology take really seriously, so create products that make it as simple as possible for you to do so. There’s a whole world of jargon and ingredients lists longer than the IKEA checkout queue when it comes to skincare, but what I love about Typology is that they break it down to the bare minimum: What it does, what it’s made of, how to use it, and who it’s for.
I’ve been a big fan of Typology for a while now – sustainability champions, simple, no-nonsense skincare with eco-friendly products and packaging, what’s not to love?
From face scrubs to hair oils, each time their parcels land on my doorstep I’m always excited to give it a go and learn about the active ingredients and what they can do for your skin.
Recently, I’ve been using a few of their new releases as part of my winter skin routine – including a dreamy cleansing balm I simply can’t get enough of.
The Typology makeup remover balm comes in their easily recyclable aluminium tubes, and has a really thick, luxe, balm consistency. The brand recommends massaging the balm into dry skin, feeling it turn to oil at your fingertips. As it’s worked into the skin it melts away makeup and helps rid the skin of pollution and sebum as part of a first cleanse. When rinsing with water, the oily texture becomes milky, making it easier to rinse, but also feels incredible on the skin.
Priced at £16.50, it’s a really affordable product for how rich and luxurious it feels, and is made from 100% natural ingredients. Made in France, it’s certified vegan made with camellia, buriti, coconut and sunflower seed oil with sunflower wax, too. The cleanser is suitable for all skin types, but is particularly good for people suffering with dry skin, like I do, thanks to it’s nourishing active ingredients.
Makeup removal is an absolute non-negotiable – and if you only do it by halves, then the rest of your routine might as go down the drain. Typology said: “Make-up removal and cleansing is an essential step in any skincare routine. Once free from impurities and make-up residue accumulated on its surface, the skin is then ready to receive skincare.”
Read more: Five brand new hair care products from Typology Paris
I like to use the cleansing balm as step one of a double cleanse, either going back in with the balm or a gel cleanser to make sure all that stubborn mascara has gone, and working into the hairline, edges of the nose and never forgetting the neck.
I found it to be really gentle, even around the eye area, with a light fragrance. The balm can also be used on other areas where you might be suffering with dry patches or eczema, like elbows and ankles.
I followed the cleanser with the exfoliating cleansing gel, which is a 5% PHA with aloe vera. So, first question – what is a PHA?
A PHA is a poly hydroxy acid, which is one of the different kinds of chemical exfoliants – another you may have heard of is an AHA, only the PHAs are gentler on skin, and promote natural hydration. In this gel, the PHA is combines with soothing aloe vera, which is known for its moisturising and restorative properties.
Other active ingredients included in this gel are inulin, which is a natural pre-biotic to help balance the skin, and sweet orange essential oil, which offers antibacterial properties and a subtle citrus scent.
This micro-exfoliant helps unclog pores and smooth out the skin, and can be used both morning and night. The gel foams as it’s massaged into the skin, and provides the power of a chemical based exfoliant without feeling like your skin has been stripped.
Suitable for all skin types, the exfoliator costs £17,50, and is recommended for dull or blackhead-prone skin. Those with large visible pores may also benefit from using this product, too, as it really helps free the skin from pollution and impurities.
To finish off the routine, I used the Typology hydrolate organic cornflower, which has been designed to soothe the skin and depuff the under eyes. The product is perfect for anyone that suffers with tired, sore eyes, or sensitive and reactive skin, but it suitable for all skin types.
I added a few drops of the anti-inflammatory product to a Typology reusable makeup remover pad, and dabbed it under each eye before swiping across any other areas of concern. Typology suggest keeping this in the fridge for extra soothing power and to promote blood circulation.
The reusable makeup removal pads are gorgeous, and would make an amazing Christmas gift for our eco-conscious friends. They’re £15.80 for a set of eight, which also comes with a little pouch in which to keep them. Made with bamboo fibre, cotton fibre and a small amount of polyester for comfort, they make for sustainable makeup removal that can be used with a myriad of products, from cleansing oil to micellar water.
Read more: Typology: trying a new AM/PM skincare routine with the latest brand to hit the UK
The bamboo naturally contains porous particles that absorb excess oil from the skin, whilst cotton is known for its soothing and antioxidant properties. Polyester is added to make the pads feel softer and more comfortable against the skin – it also helps to avoid skin irritation from rough cotton. Not only that, but it extends the life of your pads as it makes them more durable when it comes to washing them, too.
I like to use one of these pads each day, and then pop seven of them in the wash, leaving the eighth for that day where I’m waiting for them to air dry!
