little white truths

As you may know, I've been using a lot of Ethique products this year because I'm trying to cut down on the amount of plastic packaging I bring into the house, and I like this brand so I've wanted to cycle through what it offers.

Unfortunately, however, I don't like this cleanser at all and I wouldn't buy it again because it's a hassle to use. And unfortunately again, I have three bars to get through because you get three in each box, so it's going to be with me for a while.

Ethique claims/product details:

• There really is no other name for this amazing cleansing balm in bar form
• SuperStar! is a multitasking wonder bar that is a face cleanser, moisturiser and makeup remover in one
• Leaves behind a nice layer of hydration without being slick or greasy
• Leaves skin silky smooth with its combination of cocoa butter, kokum butter, coconut oil and cleansing castor oil
• Sweet orange essential oil helps break down oil and grease, and leaves you smelling super sweet
• Created to cleanse away the dirt of the day including eyebrow gel, tinted moisturiser, liquid eyeliner and mascara
• For all skin types, but especially dry ones
• Made in NZ; certified carbon neutral company; 100% biodegradable; compostable packaging; certified palm oil free; gluten-free; certified cruelty free and vegan
• RRP $29.95 AUD for 70g, but do shop around

Verdict

I don't like this product at all and I can't wait to finish it, although I'm only getting to the end of my first bar now and I have two to go - meaning it will be in my collection for a while. Foo.

It's a cream-coloured product with no scent (perhaps mine is older so the scent is gone). You get three bars in one box and it wasn't easy to prise them apart because they'd merged together. In size and shape they're little ovals that fit neatly into the palm of your hand (a bit smaller than an egg).

To use this you're meant to wet it (or wet your face) and then massage the product over your skin. You're then meant to remove it with a damp face cloth to complete the process.

What I find first of all is that it doesn't work that well when it comes to makeup removal. Yes it will remove some, but you really need to massage it and I need to use too much pressure to do this so my face doesn't like it. It doesn't work that well on stubborn makeup either (eg it does very little for my mascara).

The worst thing about the product, however, is that it's an absolute pain to remove. Yes some of it will come off on the cloth, but I'm always left with a greasy, waxy coating on my skin after I've used it - and I need to use another cleanser to remove this product after use, and then a third cleanser to actually cleanse my skin. I don't want to use three cleansers. I only want to use two.

Do note that I've had a look at the online reviews of this product, and while some people like it, plenty of people have noted the same issues I have (see eg nourishedlife.com.au). That is, it's too thick and hard to spread (so you feel like you're rubbing your face raw when you use it), it's not that effective and it's a pain to remove.

Overall I don't like this product and I can't recommend it for the reasons mentioned. While I like Ethique overall as a brand, this cleanser doesn't hit the mark for me and I wouldn't buy it again. Indeed, it's so annoying to use that I've given it a 'disappointing products' tag.

Not for me.