Focused Guide · Waterproof formulas are designed to resist water, so a water based cleanser mostly pushes them around. Oil dissolves them. This guide picks the formulas in the set whose brands publish waterproof removal positioning, and explains the dry skin, full minute technique that makes any of them work.

Cleansing Balms for Waterproof Makeup

Waterproof mascara and long wear foundation need time, oil and patience, in that order. Four verified premium picks that do the dissolving without the rubbing.

No. 1

The Selection

4 listings that answer this brief.

Farmacy Green Clean cleansing balm 100 ml white jar with green balm smear

No. 1

Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm

Best for Waterproof Mascara

The sorbet textured meltaway balm with a farm grown greens blend

Farmacy positions Green Clean directly at waterproof makeup and SPF, and the sorbet melt coats lashes evenly without dragging. Scoop with the spatula, press gently over closed lashes, and give it the full minute before you emulsify.

Suits

Full glam and waterproof mascara wearers who want a soft sorbet texture, an included spatula, and a balm the brand positions for stubborn long wear formulas

Skip if

You need a fragrance free formula. The lime, bergamot and orange oils give this jar a clear citrus scent

Format: Sorbet texture balm in a jar, spatula included
Size: 100 ml / 3.4 fl oz
Key ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, ginger root oil, moringa seed extract, papaya fruit extract
Texture change: Balm to silky oil to milky lather
Formula note: Fresh lime and bergamot scent; not tested on animals as printed

View on AmazonPremium listing verified: Official Farmacy listing on Amazon with From Farmacy storefront attribution; manufacturer Farmacy Beauty as printed in the product details

No. 2

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm

Best for Long Wear Foundation

The spa ritual balm that turns from balm to oil to milk

The listing leads with waterproof makeup removal, and the rich oil phase that appears mid massage is what lifts long wear base products. The milk finish means the dissolved makeup rinses away instead of redepositing at the hairline.

Suits

Anyone who wants the full evening ritual: a rich balm that rewards a slow massage and leaves dry or mature feeling skin soft rather than stripped

Skip if

You avoid fragrance in skincare. The original formula carries a pronounced blend of nine essential oils, so choose the Naked version or Clinique instead

Format: Solid balm in a jar
Size: 100 g / 3.5 oz
Key ingredients: Padina Pavonica, starflower oil, elderberry oil, Optimega oil, rose and mimosa waxes
Texture change: Balm to oil to cleansing milk
Formula note: Mineral oil free; nine essential oils including lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus

View on AmazonPremium listing verified: Official Elemis listing on Amazon under ELEMIS Skincare with From ELEMIS storefront attribution; brand is a long standing Premium Beauty presence on Amazon

No. 3

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Best for Sensitive Eyes

The fragrance free benchmark every other balm gets measured against

Ophthalmologist tested as published and fragrance free, with a brand removal figure above 95 percent across makeup, sunscreen and pollutants. For contact lens wearers and easily stung eyes, it is the waterproof pick with the least drama.

Suits

Fragrance free loyalists, sensitive eyes, and anyone who wants a thorough balm to oil cleanse with zero scent and a completely clean rinse

Skip if

You want the sensory ritual of an aromatic spa balm, or a formula padded with treatment oils. This one is deliberately plain and functional

Format: Solid balm in a jar
Size: 125 ml / 3.8 oz
Key ingredients: Safflower seed oil, caprylic/capric triglyceride, tocopherol
Texture change: Solid balm to silky oil
Formula note: 100 percent fragrance free; allergy tested, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested as published

View on AmazonPremium listing verified: Official Clinique listing on Amazon with From Clinique storefront attribution; manufacturer Clinique Laboratories, LLC as printed in the product details

Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil tall white bottle with purple emblem

No. 4

Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil

Best Oil Option

A single step Japanese camellia oil that rinses to a milk

Tatcha publishes that its camellia oil removes waterproof makeup, even mascara, as part of a one step routine. The fluid format reaches the lash line faster than a solid balm, which suits wearers who dislike pressing product over the eyes.

Suits

Those who want an oil that behaves like a complete cleanser rather than a first step, with the elegant one to two pump routine Tatcha publishes

Skip if

You prefer a thick balm massage or a fragrance free formula. This is a fluid oil with a camellia scent profile

Format: Liquid cleansing oil in a bottle
Size: 150 ml / 5.1 fl oz
Key ingredients: Japanese camellia oil, rice bran oil, Hadasei-3 (green tea, rice and algae)
Texture change: Oil emulsifies into a milk on rinsing
Formula note: Camellia scent as printed; positioned as a two in one makeup remover and face wash

View on AmazonPremium listing verified: Official Tatcha listing on Amazon with the brand named as manufacturer and part number CC01210T as printed in the product details; Tatcha is a Luxury Stores presence on Amazon

No. 2

Questions, Answered

Why does my waterproof mascara survive a first pass?

Usually time, not product. Waterproof mascara needs around a minute of contact with oil before it lets go. Press the balm over closed lashes, wait, then massage in small circles. If you rinse within seconds, even the strongest formula here will leave shadows behind.

Should I use a separate eye makeup remover as well?

For the four picks in this guide, a separate remover should not be necessary on normal waterproof makeup. Extremely stubborn theatre or swim proof products may still need a dedicated pass. If you find yourself rubbing, add more product and more time rather than more pressure.

Widen the lens in the full Best Cleansing Balms and Makeup Removers 2027 ranking, or return to the Cleansing Balms and Makeup Removers hub.

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