Quick Answer

Living Cleansing Balm melts away makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum when massaged onto dry skin. Use it as the first step of a double cleanse, then follow with a water-based cleanser. Avoid wetting your face first—this balm works best on a dry surface.

Why Use a Cleansing Balm for Makeup Removal?

Cleansing balms are oil-based, so they dissolve oil-based impurities like foundation, waterproof mascara, and SPF more effectively than water-based cleansers alone. Living Cleansing Balm is infused with antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamin E, which nourish the skin while cleansing. This makes it a good choice for dry or sensitive skin types that need extra moisture during removal.

Unlike makeup wipes that can tug at the skin, a balm glides on and rinses clean without stripping your moisture barrier. The sorbet-soft texture transforms into an oil upon contact, allowing you to reach every contour without irritation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the emulsification step is the most frequent error. After massaging the balm, add a few drops of water to turn it into a milky emulsion before rinsing—this helps lift every trace of makeup. Another mistake is using too little product; a generous scoop (about the size of a coin) ensures full coverage. Lastly, don't rush the massage: 30–60 seconds gives the balm time to break down stubborn layers.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Makeup with Living Cleansing Balm

  1. Start with dry hands and a dry face: Scoop a generous amount of Living Cleansing Balm (about the size of a dime to a quarter) and warm it between your fingertips until it turns into an oil. Common mistake: applying balm to wet skin dilutes the oil and reduces its ability to dissolve makeup.
  2. Massage gently onto your face: Using circular motions, spread the balm over your entire face, focusing on areas with heavy makeup like eyes, lips, and the T-zone. Massage for at least 30 seconds to let the balm break down foundation, mascara, and sunscreen. Don't scrub—let the oil do the work. Rubbing too hard can irritate the eye area.
  3. Emulsify with water: Add a few drops of water to your hands and continue massaging. The balm will turn into a milky lotion that lifts makeup away from the skin. Skipping this step leaves a greasy residue. Emulsification ensures everything rinses clean.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water: Splash your face with water until all traces of the balm and makeup are gone. Pat dry with a clean towel. Hot water strips the skin; cold water won't remove the oil effectively. Lukewarm is ideal.
  5. Follow with a water-based cleanser: Complete your double cleanse by using a gentle water-based cleanser like The Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel to remove any remaining water-based impurities. This step is non-negotiable if you want to prevent breakouts and keep pores clear.

Products That Help

  • Living Cleansing Balm ™: As the first step of your double cleanse, massage this luxurious, sorbet-soft oil cleanser into the skin to melt away oil-based impurities such as sunscreen, makeup and excess sebum while nourishing the skin with antioxidants, essential fatty acids and vitamin E. This balm does double duty: it removes makeup and delivers skin-nourishing ingredients, so you don't have to sacrifice hydration for a deep clean.
  • The Cleansing Duo: Makeup, city grime, pollution — our skin is exposed to so many impurities throughout the day, that can lead to premature aging, breakouts and rough skin. By incorporating the Living Cleansing Balm (an oil-based cleanser) and The Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel (a water-based cleanser), you’ll be sure to remove these dulling elements from the surface. Pairing the balm with a water-based gel ensures you remove both oil and water-based residue, which prevents clogged pores and keeps skin smooth.