Black Friday has officially kicked off at M&S, with beauty fans quickly seizing the opportunity to grab discounts on some of the retailer’s most popular skincare brands. One standout is Emma Hardie, which has seen a flurry of price reductions across its top-selling cleansers and moisturisers, including a brand-new vitamin C cleansing balm that shoppers claim leaves their skin noticeably brighter.

Emma Hardie’s Vit C Brilliance Cleansing Balm is now 25% off, reducing the price to £21.50 from £29, saving customers £7.50. The balm is a fresh take on Emma Hardie’s cult favourite Moringa Cleansing Balm, which is also included in the M&S sale for those who prefer the original formula.

This new glow-enhancing version is packed with vitamin C, cranberry seed oil, and vitamin E. All are selected for their brightening and skin-reviving benefits, which are particularly useful now that the colder weather tends to leave complexions looking a bit dull.

It does contain added fragrance, giving it a refreshing, spa-like feel, though those with very sensitive skin or a preference for unscented skincare may want to patch-test first. In that case, Paula’s Choice might be a better option as it famously doesn’t use scents in its formulas.

Each Emma Hardie balm comes with a super-soft dual-sided cleansing cloth to elevate your routine. One side is gentle microfibre for everyday cleansing, while the opposite muslin side offers light exfoliation for a smoother, more polished finish, reports OK!.

To apply, work the balm into dry skin, then dampen the cloth with warm water and remove for a fresh, radiant complexion. Devotees of the product might also wish to explore the Emma Hardie Vitamin C Moisture Boost Cream (£39.75 from £53), another luminosity-enhancing treatment from the same collection that delivers intense hydration whilst brightening the complexion.

Another fragrance-free moisturiser worth considering is La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Sensitive Moisturiser, presently discounted to £16.50 from £22 at Look Fantastic. One customer commented: “I have been using this for a few weeks around my eyes, mouth and nose, and it helped with my dry, sensitive skin.”

Returning to Emma Hardie’s Vit C Brilliance Cleansing Balm, it has received excellent feedback from customers. At M&S, this individual commented: “Really lovely texture and great skin follows. I will rebuy.”

Nevertheless, another M&S customer remarked: “Thought I’d try this for a change as I usually buy the (original) one. It’s nice enough, but I think the other one lasts better.”

Meanwhile, an enthusiast via Emma Hardie’s official website added: “Just as fabulous as the moringa cleansing balm with an added zing to my face. It looks brighter.”

And another person commented: “My wife loves the Vit C Brilliance Cleansing Balm. Even better than the original.”

A Brilliance Cleansing Balm customer via Space NK: “What a lovely new version. I thought it would be very different from the original one, but it’s not, just like the original, but with Vitamin C. Lovely product, very hydrating and brightening cleanser”.