The cleansing guide
This balm starts dry. This face wash brings in water. Knowing the difference makes the order much easier.
Two cleansers on the bathroom shelf can raise a simple question: which one comes first? The answer comes from what each formula is designed to do—and how its directions ask you to use it.
If you use both, cleansing balm goes first.
Use the balm for makeup removal, remove it fully, then follow with the face wash as directed. That does not mean every routine needs two cleansers. Choose the steps you need rather than adding a second wash by habit.
01 / A different starting point
Balm and face wash do different jobs
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm begins on dry skin and changes texture as you massage and add water. The Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap Mild is lathered with water and applied to a makeup-free face. That difference explains their order when both are part of your routine.
| What to know | Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm | Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap Mild |
|---|---|---|
| Place in the routine | Elemis cleansing balmMakeup-removal step, before a face wash if using both | Clinique Mild face washFacial cleansing after makeup removal |
| Start with | Elemis cleansing balmDry hands and dry skin | Clinique Mild face washLather in your palms with lukewarm water |
| What happens next? | Elemis cleansing balmMassage into an oil, then add water to emulsify | Clinique Mild face washMassage the lather over makeup-free face and neck |
| How to remove | Elemis cleansing balmRinse or use a warm, damp cleansing cloth | Clinique Mild face washRinse thoroughly and pat dry |
| Formula detail to check | Elemis cleansing balmOriginal balm; avoid direct eye contact | Clinique Mild face washMild formula, intended for dry-combination skin |
This sequence follows each product’s directions. It is not a requirement to buy both, or a manufacturer-tested pairing.
02 / Choose with a purpose
Two formulas, clearly explained
The balm step
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Consider this original cleansing balm when you want a makeup-removal step with a balm-to-oil texture that turns milky with water.
- Begin with dry hands and dry skin.
- Massage the balm into an oil, then add water to emulsify.
- Remove with water or a warm, damp cleansing cloth.
Avoid direct eye contact. Check your own pack’s directions; other versions of the balm can have different guidance.
Explore the cleansing balm
The face-wash step
Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap Mild
This is the Mild formula for dry-combination skin. Its directions start with a makeup-free face, making it a face-wash option after makeup removal.
- Lather between your palms with lukewarm water.
- Massage over makeup-free face and neck.
- Rinse thoroughly, then pat dry.
Choose the formula for your skin type. Mild is a specific version, not a blanket recommendation for everyone.
Explore the Mild face wash03 / Put it into practice
A simple order for a two-cleanser evening
- Start with the balmFollow its dry-skin directions instead of wetting your face first by habit.
- Add water and remove it fullyFinish the balm’s cleansing step before reaching for the next formula. Do not mix the two products together.
- Use your face wash, if neededLather and apply as directed to your makeup-free face. A second cleanse is a choice, not a goal in itself.
- Rinse and pat dryComplete the wash before moving on to the rest of your routine.
04 / Keep the routine yours
Common cleansing questions
Do I have to double cleanse every day?
No universal two-cleanser rule follows from these directions. Consider what you are removing, the products you already use, and their instructions. There is no reason to add a second product simply to make a routine longer.
Can I use the balm by itself?
The balm has its own complete removal step. Follow that first. A separate face wash is an optional addition to your routine, rather than a substitute for rinsing or removing the balm properly.
Should my face be wet before the balm?
For the original formula featured here, start with dry hands and dry skin. Add water after massaging. Always check the exact product you own rather than assuming all balms have the same instructions.
Is the Mild face wash right for every skin type?
It is the dry-combination version. Choose by the formula’s stated skin type and your own needs; “Mild” does not mean all versions are interchangeable.
Can I use this balm around my eyes?
Follow the original balm’s caution to avoid direct eye contact. Do not apply eye-use instructions from a different formula or version to this one.
Start with a cleanser you understand
Choose a clear purpose for each step, follow the formula’s directions, and keep your routine as simple as it needs to be.
Explore skincareApplication references: Original balm application; balm removal and cautions; Mild face-wash directions.
