Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm

How do you follow in the footsteps of an iconic beauty product like Advanced Night Repair, which is one of the best-loved anti-ageing products on the planet? That's clearly been exercising the research team at Estée Lauder, but they've finally come up with an offering which looks to enhance the effects of ANR (as it's known in the beauty biz): an oh-so-fashionable sheet mask (which we'll be reviewing in due course), a foam cleanser, and this just-so-brilliant cleansing balm.

We're barmy about balms – have been for a long time. And this super-effective cleanser is quite heavenly to use: great for massaging the skin for an end-of-day boost, while melting away every last microscopic atom of the day's gunk, grime and 'slap'. Unlike many, Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm doesn't feel greasy, melting into a satiny cleansing oil which emulsifies to a milk when you add water. You CAN swoosh it away with nothing but water, actually – although our preference is always, always, a muslin cloth or washcloth.

There's a very subtle scent of lavender and chamomile, which helps with the 'wind-down' ritual, too – all helping to turn us into real-life sleeping beauties...

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm/£36 at www.esteelauder.co.uk