Merumaya Mineral Cleansing Paste

(AD/gifted item) I remember trying the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm a few years ago when it launched (you can read the review here) so it's lovely to revisit the brand again and try another product.
The Mineral Cleansing Paste* at a glance is essentially an exfoliant and cleanser in one, but if you dig a little deeper you'll find that it's full of thoughtful ingredients which benefit the skin in some interesting ways.

Merumaya Mineral Cleansing Paste Review

With sweet almond oil and glycerin at its base, the cleansing paste is nourishing and hydrating while the exfoliating action is down to something called Corindon 100 which is a biodegradable fine white powder made from crystals.

Other ingredients include Zinc (in two forms) which provides some antioxidant protection and has antimicrobial properties to help prevent breakouts and Magnesium for its anti-stress and anti-fatigue effects as well as its ability to help maintain the skin's barrier.

The Mineral Cleansing Paste also contains Copper which helps the skin to form elastin (which gives skin that lovely bounce and suppleness). Copper also aids in the production of melanin and the absorption of iron.

Speaking of Iron, it's also included in the mineral cleansing paste as it gives skin a healthy glow and also has anti-inflammatory properties and stimulates collagen production.

Silicon is in the mix as it's a key player in collagen formation and also helps to improve elasticity and resilience.

Designed for all skin types, the cleansing paste can be used every day, but I'd say the frequency of use would be determined by just how sensitive your skin is and how often you feel like you want to use a physical exfoliating product (though this is very gentle).
I've been using it a few times a week (alternating between an acid exfoliant and this) and I'm pretty pleased with the results.
In the short term, immediately after use, it leaves skin beautifully smooth and sort of 'polished' and ready to receive serums and moisturiser.
In the long term (I'm talking two weeks here rather than months), skin is overall brighter and smoother and I'm certain that sebaceous filaments (little dark spots often mistaken for blackheads) are reduced and my overall tone is more even.

To use the Mineral Cleansing Paste, you just squeeze some out of the tube, massage it all over the face (obviously be careful around the eyes), add a bit of water and massage a little more and then rinse away.
It really is quite a lovely product and if you're a fan of gentle exfoliating products or you're looking to add one to your stash, you can find the Mineral Cleansing Paste at Merumaya.

Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner Review

Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner Review

I have a lot of love for Merumaya as a brand. Yes, the Gentle Exfoliating Toner is only the second product of theirs that I've tried and reviewed, but as far as the brand and ethos goes, Merumaya is pretty outstanding. The founder, Maleka and her team are so kind and engaging with their customers which is so refreshing and really makes a world of difference, so well done Merumaya!
When it comes to the Gentle Exfoliating Toner I am definitely inclined to share my opinion - this is one product to get excited about. Fans of acid toners and acid toning newbies alike, prepare to rejoice.

This toner is a brightening, clarifying glow-giver that takes the sting out of acid toning. So, if you've tried exfoliating acids before and couldn't quite get on board with the whole oh-my-god-my-face-is-on-fire sensation, I recommend you give this a try.
The hint is in the name - this toner is gentle. But gentle does not equal ineffective by any means.

The exfoliating toner contains a natural AHA complex that includes Lactic Acid, that essentially peels away dead skin cells to leave the face feeling smooth and looking bright. The acids are balanced beautifully with hydrating superstars Hyaluronic Acid and Natural Betaine that leave the surface of the skin plumped and soft. In other words, you're getting a fantastic acid exfoliation and a hefty dose of hydration, all at once. It's a win/win situation really.

In terms of scent, in place of that chemical smell usually associated with acids (which admittedly, as a hardcore acid fan I am quite fond of) the Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner is fragranced with Merumaya's signature blend.

I have had the *Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner for a couple of weeks and I've gotten through a quarter of the 128ml bottle. I wanted to look at both the instant and long term effects of the product on my skin and I can wholeheartedly say that I am impressed.
Immediately after use, skin is brighter with a noticeable glow - but none of that tightness that often comes with acid toning. After weeks of use, pores appear clearer, skin tone is more uniform and my face feels more hydrated in general. I really, really like this product.

The Merumaya Gentle Exfoliating Toner retails at a very reasonable £17.50 and is for all skin types. You can find our more by visiting Merumaya.

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm Review

I'm always interested to try skincare from brands I haven't used before and the Melting Cleansing Balm has been a nice little introduction to Merumaya.

I'm a major fan of balm cleansers but have only ever used ones that come in tubs, so the Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm has been a bit of a revelation for me.

Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm Review

Not only is it packaged in a tube (which some may argue is more hygienic than sticking your finger in a tub countless times) but the balm cleanser is a pretty special formula that actually turns into a milk when water is added. This little trick makes it relatively easy to rinse away and you don't have to put in as much elbow grease as you might with a traditional balm cleanser. 

Designed for use on a dry face, the cleansing balm spreads easily and pretty much annihilates makeup with the help of some gentle massage. You then add a little warm water and continue to massage as the balm turns milky.

I've removed the cleanser using just my hands and found it wasn't quite enough (though this is just a personal preference) so tried again with a damp flannel, which is how I usually remove cleansers anyway and found it more effective. Once removed, you just go in for your second cleanse using the same motions.

The end result is cleansed, comfortable and conditioned skin. Conditioned might sound like an odd word to use in describing a cleanser but it's the best word I can think of- my face felt pillowy soft and 'fed'. It's not a 'squeaky' sort of clean (we don't want that anyway!) but sort of nourished and cleansed all at once. If that makes sense?

This wonderful, hydrated feeling is down to the addition of Sweet Almond Oil and Echium Oil, which is sort of like a vegetarian version of fish oil and is rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9. The cleanser also contains Mangosteen Fruit Extract which is rich in vitamins and anti oxidants, and is nicely rounded off with the signature Merumaya scent- something I've seen many people rave about!

Overall this is an incredibly gentle balm cleanser that is nothing short of a pleasure to use. It's a yes from me!

At £20 Merumaya Melting Cleansing Balm has an affordable price point, especially when compared to other balm cleansers. You can find it at Merumaya.com and John Lewis.

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