I Can’t Stop Using the New Kiehl's Ultra Facial Hydrating Overnight Face Mask as a Cleansing Balm — Here’s Why

My Experience Using the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Mask

Given how dry my skin is, I was excited to try a formula that sounded so comforting and hydrating. I love the rich, balmy consistency — it reminds me of slathering on shea butter straight from the tub. It melts into a creamier consistency as you apply it, which makes it easy to spread all over your face. Surprisingly, my favorite way to use the product is as a cleansing balm on full-makeup days. I scoop some of the formula out using my fingers (if you’re worried about hygiene, you can use a small spatula), rub it into my skin and watch traces of foundation and blush come off when I wipe it away with a cotton pad. I follow that with my typical cleanser and warm water, and am left with skin that feels clean and soft, not stripped. I’ve never tried a cleansing balm before, but I now swear by this one for taking my makeup and sunscreen off.

As an overnight mask, I can see myself reaching for this on days where my skin is so dry it’s flaky. I’m always seeking out the most hydrating, nourishing skincare products I can find, but I think I would prefer using this more consistently as a mask if its texture were closer to that of a moisturizer. Despite this one qualm, it does make my skin feel pillowy soft the next day, so if you like the texture, you might enjoy it as a mask. But for me, integrating the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask as part of a double-cleansing routine has worked wonders!