Equate Wipe the Day Away Cleansing Balm A Hot Mess of a Review

I was terribly excited to get my hands on the new Equate Wipe the Day Away Cleansing Balm which is currently being compared to Clinique Take the Day Off. Equate Beauty’s Wipe the Day Away Cleansing Balm is the same size but a lot cheaper at $12.79 compared to $29 dollars for Clinique’s. I love a great deal so, when I was at the evil empire recently (Walmart) I picked up a jar.

Technically, I was about to pick up two jars but some hidden force told me not too. Thank god, I didn’t because this stuff is a hot mess.

Cleansing Balms are becoming increasingly popular here in the US and if you’re not interested in splurging on Clinique’s formula that’s quite alright as there are a few alternatives that are cheaper such as the new E.L.F. Hydrating Melt Cleanser as well as Yes to Coconuts Ultra Hydrating Melting Cleanser. Believe me, those two are far superior budget options compared to the Equate formula.

Equate Wipe the Day Away Cleansing Balm is a solid cleansing balm that removes makeup, dirt, and oil. If you’ve never used a cleansing balm before they are pretty much like a cleansing oil in a solid form. Typically they have a soft, balmy formula that resembles Vaseline. They are meant to be applied on dry skin, massaged on your face until they melt down into an oil of sorts, and rinses away with water. When water is added this typically breaks down the balm and emulsifies it which allows it to rinse clear away. Ahh yeah Equate’s formula struggles with that last bit.

At first application I was impressed with the Equate formula. It’s a lot softer and a bit more melty compared to Clinique’s formula. As I massage it on it turns a bit more oily compared to Clinique’s formula and does an excellent job breaking down makeup. Unfortunately, like many new cleansers lately it does say to avoid contact with eyes and does mention not to get it into eyes and if you do rinse with water. There are so such warnings on Clinique’s formula however, it deserved to be mentioned that the Yes to Coconuts formula also says to avoid contact with eyes. Considering Equate’s formula had a very strong petroleum or oily-like fragrance I decided to not use it around my eyes as recommended on the directions. I thought it broke down my facial makeup well but was incredibly disappointed I couldn’t use it around my eyes as I find cleansing my face while avoiding my eyes is a pain.

Now the real issue for me was when I added water. A little water typically breaks down a cleansing balm and emulsifies it (it’ll go milky like a cleansing oil). At this point you can completely rinse it away. Clinique’s formula rinses off completely and leaves my skin soft buy never greasy or oily. Unfortunately, Equate’s formula was a nightmare to rinse off. Whether you use a little or a lot it is impossible to rinse off. It practically repels water and acts as a sealant of sorts. I felt like I had applied Vaseline to my face and was attempting to rinse it off. In the end, I had to wet a wash cloth with very warm water and wipe it off because it refused to budge and left a horrible film on my face.

The good news? It removes my makeup very well and it didn’t dry my skin out.

The very bad news?

It’s impossible to rinse off, smells horrible, and left me feeling rather greasy. Plus let’s not forget you can’t use it on your eyes.

Needless to say I wouldn’t recommend purchasing Equate Wipe the Day Away Cleansing Balm and the fact they compare it, on their jar no less, to Clinique’s formula is a bit of a joke.

Don’t bother, this one is a hot mess.

But if you must it is available at Walmart as well as Walmart.com but don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Tried it?

Do share!