Earlier this year, Imagination PR invited me to the Soho Hotel to learn more about the new launches from Balance Me, a beauty brand and skin care line that seeks to “enhance balance and promote a sense of well being.”
I am a big fan of Balance Me’s products, they were one of the first beauty brands to be featured on Biteable Beauty (four and a half years ago!) and up until the new products my firm favourites were Balance Super Moisturising Hand Cream and Oil, and the Stellar Balm (because I am a sucker for a balm!)
Arriving at the event, the thing that struck me was I had no idea how wide a selection of products Balance Me had these days, there was an array of skincare, something else that surprised me as I always think of Balance Me as primarily body care! It is truly a well-rounded beauty brand.
The new products I was at the event to learn about were the Balance Me BB Natural Perfection with SPF25, Protect & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner, and Balance Me Collagen Boost Restore & Replenish Cream Cleanser.
First up, Balance Me BB Natural Perfection with SPF25.
I don’t really wear very much foundation or skin-perfecting makeup as I’m blessed with pretty good skin. If I’m going into town though I do like to wear a layer of something to protect (more from the pollution than the sun though!) and I did get into wearing Balance Me BB Natural Perfection with SPF25.
It’s supposed to be suited to most skin colours however, I did find that once I had a tan it was too light for me, but I do have a deep tan. On all other fronts, it is a great product; easy to apply, only a small amount needed and instant radiance achieved!
Balance Me BB Natural Perfection with SPF25 can also be worn as a primer. I haven’t tried this yet as I don’t wear much makeup normally, but with the Christmas party season on its way, I may well give it a go yet!
I would say, skin tone dependent, that this product is suited to most skin types. Great for creating radiance in dull skin, protective for sensitive skin, dry skin is hydrated by rosehip and Abyssinian oils, and mature skin types benefit from blackberry leaf extract, which firms and smoothes.
Next up, Balance Me Collagen Boost Restore & Replenish Cream Cleanser.
I LOVED this cleanser – my cream cleanser obsession continues! The formula is proven to improve collagen production in the skin, thanks to a collagen boosting pea protein-peptide complex it contains.
It has a rich, creamy consistency and the unmistakable note of bergamot shines through. Reading the ingredients, you’d be forgiven for thinking that this was a moisturiser, for there are SO many moisturising and nourishing oils and butters – sweet almond oil, shea butter, mango seed butter, cocoa seed butter, kukui nut oil, camellia oil and rosehip oil!
I used this cleanser on dry skin, applying with fingers in small, circular motions. For removing eye makeup, I used neat on cotton pads. To remove in both instances, I either used a hot cloth cleansing method, or toner and cotton pads, dependent on my mood!
My skin felt so soft after use, moisturised before moisturising so to speak. A great cleanser, which I would highly recommend for pretty much every skin type!
Overall, I would recommend this beauty brand to anyone looking for a natural alternative to their skin and body care lines.
Finally, Balance Me Protect & Shine Shampoo and Conditioner
This is a sulphate- and silicone-free shampoo, which apparently helps to soothe sensitive scalps, balance oil, keep hair grease-free for longer, whilst gently cleansing, enhancing shine and smoothness.
When I used this shampoo on its own (one of my ways of putting a shampoo through its paces) my hair definitely felt as though it needed more moisture. The smell is lovely and grapefruity – great for summer! As there are no sulphates here, it is a low foaming product.
Ingredients wise, as well as grapefruit oil, include aloe vera and chamomile (great for sensitive scalps), red mandarin oil to add gloss and shine, and vitamin E-rich wheat proteins to strengthen.
The conditioner has argan oil to help nourish and strengthen hair, as well as sweet almond, lavender, juniper and black pepper oil. The fragrance is also tangy grapefruit, which I love!
What I didn’t love so much is the fact I didn’t seem to be able to rinse all remains of this conditioner away. No matter how long I rinsed for, and no matter how little product I used. Now, I have a lot of hair, and the hairs themselves are quite fine, and this is not the first time I’ve had this problem with natural conditioners, believe me!
I’ve looked for other reviews online and I seem to be the only one who has struggled with this issue. If you’ve tried these products to good or bad effect I would love to hear from you below in the comments box!
