If you mostly wear light, everyday makeup, micellar water is usually enough. If you wear waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation or a full face for an event, you want a cleansing balm, because it's oil-based and actually dissolves those formulas. Plenty of people end up using both: balm on heavy-makeup days, micellar water on easy days or as a quick second step.
Both, in one set
The Daily Duo pairs Daily Wipe Out, a no-rinse micellar water, with Daily Meltdown, a cleansing balm for waterproof and full-glam makeup. Both are vegan and cruelty-free. Shop the Daily Duo →
What's the difference?
They work in completely different ways.
Micellar water is mostly water with tiny clusters of cleansing molecules (micelles) floating in it. The micelles grab onto dirt, oil and light makeup, and you wipe them away with a cotton pad. Most micellar waters don't need rinsing, which is why they're popular for quick nights and travel.
A cleansing balm is a solid oil-based cleanser that melts when you rub it between your fingers. Oil dissolves oil-based and waterproof makeup, so a balm breaks down long-wear foundation, sunscreen and waterproof mascara that water-based cleansers struggle to move. You massage it in, then rinse or wipe it off.
| Micellar water | Cleansing balm | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Water | Oil |
| Best for | Light, everyday makeup and quick refreshes | Waterproof mascara, long-wear and full makeup, sunscreen |
| Waterproof mascara | Often struggles | Yes, dissolves it |
| How you use it | On a cotton pad, wipe | Massage onto dry skin, then rinse or wipe |
| Rinse needed? | Usually not | Yes, or follow with a second cleanse |
| Good for travel | Very | Yes, but a little messier |
Does micellar water remove waterproof mascara?
Sometimes partly, but usually not well. Waterproof mascara is designed to resist water, and micellar water is mostly water. You end up rubbing, and rubbing is what loosens lashes. For waterproof formulas, start with an oil or balm and use micellar water afterwards to clear what's left. Our step-by-step guide to removing waterproof mascara walks through it.
If your mascara isn't waterproof, micellar water is often all you need. Tarantulash, for example, is smudge-proof and humidity-resistant but not waterproof, so it comes off with micellar water.
When to use which
- Light makeup, tired evening: micellar water on a cotton pad, done.
- Waterproof mascara or long-wear foundation: cleansing balm first.
- Full makeup for an event, or lots of sunscreen: balm first, then micellar water or your normal cleanser.
- Travelling or at the gym: micellar water, because there's no rinsing.
How to use both together (the two-step routine)
- Balm on dry skin. Take a small scoop of Daily Meltdown, warm it between your fingertips and massage it over your face. On the eyes, press and hold for a few seconds instead of rubbing.
- Remove it. Add a splash of lukewarm water so the balm turns milky, then rinse, or wipe with a soft damp cloth.
- Finish with micellar water. Sweep Daily Wipe Out over your face on a cotton pad to pick up any last traces around the lash line and hairline.
That's a double cleanse without a long routine. On light-makeup days, just do step 3.
Mistakes to avoid
- Putting balm on wet skin. Water gets in the way of the oil. Start dry.
- Scrubbing with micellar water. If it isn't shifting, switch to a balm instead of pressing harder.
- Skipping the rinse after a balm. A light film left behind can feel heavy. Rinse, or follow with micellar water.
Products in this guide
Daily Duo Makeup Remover Set – Micellar Water + Cleansing Balm $51.00
Daily Wipe Out micellar water plus Daily Meltdown balm: the two-step removal Jo uses before every look.
Shop the Daily Duo →Frequently asked questions
Is micellar water or cleansing balm better?
Neither is better overall. Micellar water is quicker and good for light makeup. A cleansing balm is better for waterproof, long-wear and full makeup because its oil base dissolves those formulas.
Can I use micellar water after a cleansing balm?
Yes. Using micellar water after a balm is an easy way to remove any leftover balm and makeup, especially around the eyes and hairline.
Do I need to rinse micellar water off?
Most micellar waters, including Daily Wipe Out, are designed as no-rinse. If your skin feels like there's residue, a splash of water is fine.
Does a cleansing balm remove waterproof mascara?
Yes. Because it's oil-based, a cleansing balm dissolves the waxes and film formers in waterproof mascara. Press it onto closed eyes, wait a few seconds, then wipe downward.
Can I use a cleansing balm every day?
Yes, if your skin likes it. Many people use a balm every evening as the first step of their routine, and micellar water on lighter days.
Related reading: How to remove waterproof mascara without losing lashes and How to build a real-life makeup routine.
