Balm vs. Liquid vs. Micellar: The 5 Best Drugstore Makeup Removers That Actually Melt Waterproof Mascara 🐼🧼

Is there anything worse than scrubbing your eyes at 11 PM, trying to get waterproof mascara off, only to wake up the next morning looking like a raccoon? 🐼 I used to dread taking my makeup off. I thought losing a few eyelashes was just the price I had to pay.

But after ruining too many white towels, I went on a mission to find the best affordable makeup removers. I tested 5 drugstore favorites—from viral balms to classic liquids—to see which ones actually melt makeup without the tugging. Spoiler: You don't need to spend $40 to get a clean face.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. All reviews are based on personal experience and not professional advice. Results may vary.

Why Oil is Non-Negotiable 🧪

If you are wearing waterproof makeup, regular water or standard face wash won't touch it. That's because waterproof formulas are made with polymers that repel water. To remove them, you need the "Like Dissolves Like" rule.

You need an oil-based cleanser (or a bi-phase liquid with an oil layer) to break down those stubborn polymers. The oil bonds with the makeup and lifts it off your skin gently, so you don't have to scrub and damage your delicate eye area! 🛡️

👉 Read Next: Speaking of waterproof makeup, check out my review of the Top 5 best mascaras of the year (and then come back here to learn how to remove them!)

⚡ Quick Look: The Winners

• e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Balm: Best overall for a spa-like deep cleanse.
• L'Oréal Dermo Expertise: Best classic liquid for sensitive eyes.
• Maybelline Biphase: Best travel-friendly option for heavy eye makeup.
• Revlon Eye & Lip: Best for removing long-wear lipstick.
• Garnier Oil-Infused Water: Best for lazy nights (no rinsing required).

1. e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm 🧖‍♀️

Best Overall 🏆

I was late to the cleansing balm trend, but this product converted me instantly. It looks like a solid wax in the jar, but as soon as I massaged it onto my dry skin, it turned into a luxurious oil. It literally dissolved my full-coverage foundation in seconds.

The best part? It contains Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides. After rinsing, my face didn't feel tight or stripped like it does with wipes. It felt soft and plump. It takes a tiny bit of extra effort to rinse off compared to a wipe, but your skin will thank you.

✅ Pros	🛑 Cons
Melts everything instantly Hydrating ingredients (HA) Great value for money	Requires water to rinse Can blur vision slightly if it gets in eyes

Why I Like It: It makes taking off makeup feel like a self-care ritual rather than a chore. Plus, the scent is very light and fresh.

Whom to Avoid: Skip this if you don't have access to a sink/water when removing makeup (e.g., camping) 🛑.

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2. L'Oréal Paris Make-Up Remover (Dermo Expertise) 💙

Best for Sensitive Eyes 👁️

This bottle is a legend for a reason. It is a "bi-phase" formula, meaning you see a clear layer and a blue layer. You have to shake it to activate it. I soaked a cotton pad, held it over my eye for 10 seconds, and wiped. The mascara slid right off.

I have sensitive eyes that get red easily, and this one didn't sting at all. It feels very gentle. It does leave a slight oily residue, which is great for conditioning lashes but means you should follow up with a face wash.

✅ Pros	🛑 Cons
Extremely gentle Removes waterproof mascara easily Ophthalmologist tested	Leaves oily film Small bottle runs out fast

Why I Like It: It’s reliable. I know that no matter how much glitter or glue I have on my eyes, this will get it off without irritation.

Whom to Avoid: Skip this if you hate the feeling of oil on your eyelids; you might find the residue annoying 🛑.

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👉 Related: Dewy vs. Matte: 5 best affordable setting sprays (These removers will take off even the strongest setting sprays!)

3. Maybelline Biphase Eye + Lip Makeup Remover 🤏

Best for Travel ✈️

Another classic bi-phase option! The Maybelline version is slightly more potent than the L'Oreal one in my opinion. I found it cut through matte liquid lipstick incredibly well. It’s fragrance-free and enriched with Pro-Vitamin B5, so it helps condition your lashes while cleaning them.

The 40ml size is absolutely perfect for throwing in a carry-on bag. I took this on a weekend trip, and it didn't leak or take up space. Just remember to shake it vigorously before every pour!

✅ Pros	🛑 Cons
Fragrance-free Very effective on matte lipstick Travel-friendly size	Tiny bottle (40ml) Cap can be a bit fiddly

Why I Like It: It’s a workhorse. It doesn’t have fancy packaging, but it gets the job done quickly and cheaply.

Whom to Avoid: Skip this if you need a daily remover for your whole face; the bottle is too small for that 🛑.

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4. Revlon Eye and Lip Make Up Remover 💋

Best for Lipstick 💄

Revlon often gets overlooked, but this remover is a hidden gem. It has a slightly creamier feel than the Maybelline one, although it's still a liquid. I put this to the test against a dark red 24-hour liquid lipstick, and it dissolved the pigment without smearing it all over my face.

It’s very soothing and doesn't leave that "cloudy vision" effect as much as other oil-based removers. It feels very high-quality for the price.

✅ Pros	🛑 Cons
Great for lip products Non-irritating No cloudy vision	Packaging isn't very exciting Harder to find in some stores

Why I Like It: It’s gentle enough that I can use it to fix mistakes (like crooked eyeliner) with a Q-tip without ruining my whole base.

Whom to Avoid: Skip this if you want an all-in-one face wash; this is strictly for spot removal (eyes/lips) 🛑.

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💡 Dermatologist Tip: Experts recommend the "Double Cleansing" method (Oil-based first, Water-based second) for the cleanest skin. Check out this guide by the Cleveland Clinic on how double cleansing works.

5. Garnier Oil-Infused Micellar Cleansing Water 💛

Best for Lazy Nights 😴

This is my "I'm too tired to stand at the sink" hero. Unlike regular micellar water, this yellow version is infused with Argan Oil, so it actually tackles waterproof makeup. I poured some on a reusable pad, wiped my face, and was done in 30 seconds.

It smells amazing (a warm, floral scent) and leaves the skin feeling nourished. While I always recommend rinsing, if you fall asleep after using just this, your skin won't hate you in the morning.

✅ Pros	🛑 Cons
No rinsing technically needed Huge bottle (lasts forever) Smells great	Not as deep cleaning as a balm Contains fragrance

Why I Like It: The value. One 125ml bottle lasts me months, and it cleans my face effectively without any harsh scrubbing.

Whom to Avoid: Skip this if you are sensitive to fragrance; it has a noticeable scent 🛑.

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Compare the Winners 📊

Product	Type	Best For	Key Benefit
e.l.f. Balm	Solid Balm	Heavy Makeup	Deepest Cleanse
L'Oréal	Bi-Phase Liquid	Sensitive Eyes	Gentle & Safe
Maybelline	Bi-Phase Liquid	Travel	Fragrance-Free
Revlon	Liquid	Lipstick	Non-Greasy
Garnier	Micellar Water	Convenience	No Rinsing

How to Choose the Best One for You 🧭

Here is my rule of thumb: If you wear full-coverage foundation and SPF, get the e.l.f. Balm. You need that oil to break down the layers. If you only wear mascara and concealer, a bi-phase liquid like L'Oréal is perfect. And for those nights when you just can't deal with the sink? Keep the Garnier on your nightstand.

👉 Final Step: Once your face is clean, hydrate it! Check out my top 5 best sheet masks for glowing skin.

Final Thoughts

Removing your makeup doesn't have to be a struggle. My personal favorite is the e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Balm because it leaves my skin feeling so soft, but I always keep the Maybelline bottle in my travel bag. Which method do you prefer? Let me know in the comments! 👇

Stay clean & glowing,
Your Beauty Architect

Frequently Asked Questions ❓

1. How do Koreans remove makeup?

Koreans popularized the "Double Cleansing" method. Step 1: Use an oil cleanser (like a balm) to melt makeup. Step 2: Use a water-based foam cleanser to wash away the residue and clean pores.

2. What do dermatologists recommend to remove makeup?

Dermatologists often recommend fragrance-free micellar waters for sensitive skin or oil-based balms for heavy makeup, followed by a gentle cleanser. They advise against scrubbing hard with wipes.

3. Is a Balm better than Micellar Water?

For heavy, waterproof makeup, YES. Balms dissolve stubborn products much faster than micellar water. However, for light makeup, micellar water is sufficient and faster to use.

4. Why do I need to shake my makeup remover?

If you see two layers (clear and blue/yellow), it is a "bi-phase" remover. One layer removes the makeup, the other conditions the skin. You must shake them to mix the ingredients for it to work effectively.

5. How to remove waterproof mascara without losing lashes?

Soak a cotton pad in a bi-phase remover, hold it against your closed eye for 15-20 seconds to let the oil break down the formula, then gently wipe downwards. Never rub side-to-side!

Last Updated: 21 December 2025