I love a good cleansing balm. My all-time favourite is Clinique’s Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. It’s a magical pot that looks rather appealing like lard. But it will melt the makeup from your face like a dream. It doesn’t smell, it doesn’t irritate; it’s a real everyday staple that will help to keep your skin at its best.

At €28 for a tub, though, this everyday staple can add up. If you’re having a bad month – beans on toast and sitting in the dark in the run up to pay day – I've found you a lovely cheaper alternative for Clinique’s Take the Day Off.

Boots Botanics 97% Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm is lovely. It’s solid at room temperature, so you just scoop out a small bit of the balm, warm it in your hands until it melts, then massage into the skin until your makeup has melted away. You need to make sure to double cleanse to make sure all the residue is washed away, but this is a really good cleanser. The make up literally melts away under the balm and you are left with perfectly clean and clear skin.

At €12.99 for a 70ml tub, this is great value. The Botanics cleanser doesn’t emulsify when you add water as the Clinique version does, but with a hot flannel or cellulose sponge, you’ll remove every trace of makeup and cleanser without any difficulty. 

I can’t recommend it enough – it’s 97% organic and contains a blend of various oils including lemon peel oil, sweet almond and jojoba seed oil. The main oil is olive, but at that price, I think the quality is great. Don’t be turning your nose up at olive oil! It makes a great cleanser. the balm has a slightly citrus scent and the texture of very cold butter. I’m quite taken with it. It's even on offer for €8.66 in Boots at the moment.

Have you tried this one? Share your favourite cheaper alternatives in the comments!