An oil based cleanser helps break down makeup, sunscreen and excess skin oil. That makes it particularly useful for waterproof makeup. Check your balm's directions for the areas and makeup types it covers: Garnier Erase It All Hyaluronic Acid Makeup Cleansing Balm, for example, is intended for face, eye and lip makeup, including waterproof mascara. A separate makeup remover is not a required step before that balm.12

How do I use a cleansing balm on makeup?

Follow your balm's own directions rather than treating every formula as interchangeable. Here is the sequence Garnier gives for Erase It All Hyaluronic Acid Makeup Cleansing Balm:1

  1. 1Start with dry hands and dry skin. Scoop a small amount of balm.
  2. 2Massage the balm over your face, eyes and lips to melt makeup and sunscreen.
  3. 3Wet your fingertips and keep massaging. The balm turns into a milky lather; this mixing with water is called emulsifying.
  4. 4Rinse thoroughly with warm water. If you are finishing here, pat your skin dry.
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Use the makeup removal step when you wash off your makeup, typically at night. Garnier also directs morning and evening use of this balm as a cleanser, but that does not mean you need to wash twice at each session. Makeup removal happens during the massage and rinse, not after weeks of use.1

Does an oil cleanser go before a water based cleanser?

Yes, if you double cleanse, use the oil cleanser or cleansing balm first and the water based cleanser second. The first step breaks down oily residue; the second removes water soluble dirt and sweat. Rinse the balm with lukewarm water, leave your face damp, gently massage in the second cleanser, then rinse and pat dry.2

Double cleansing can help with waterproof makeup or waterproof sunscreen, but most people only need one thorough wash with a gentle cleanser. Two cleansers are an option, not a promotion to a higher rank of face washing. Garnier lists a second cleanse after this balm as optional.12

When should I avoid adding another cleanse?

If extra washing leaves your skin dry or irritated, cut back: overwashing can damage the skin's protective barrier. Choose gentle, unscented cleansers and avoid harsh or excessively drying formulas. For dry, sensitive skin, a cream cleanser is less drying than a foaming cleanser. Oil based cleansers can cause breakouts in acne prone skin, especially when used alone.2

Where this answer comes from

  1. 1Erase It All Hyaluronic Acid Cleansing Balmgarnierusa.com
  2. 2Double Cleansing Method Explainedhealth.clevelandclinic.org