The easiest way to remove waterproof mascara is with an oil-based cleanser, applied to dry skin before any water touches your face. Waterproof formulas are built to resist water, so a water-based cleanser or a wet cotton pad often just pushes the mascara around instead of breaking it down, which is what leads to rubbing, tugging, and that gray smudge that won't fully budge. Rael's Miracle Clear Purifying Twist Up Cleansing Balm is formulated for exactly this, an oil-based balm that melts into makeup on contact and is clinically shown to remove longwear foundation and waterproof mascara in one use.
Why Waterproof Mascara Is Harder to Remove Than Regular Mascara
Waterproof mascara is formulated with waxes and oil-based film formers so it holds up through sweat, tears, and humidity. That same water resistance is what makes it stubborn at the end of the day. A cleanser that's mostly water often has a harder time breaking down that bond, which is why so many people end up scrubbing at their lash line with a cotton pad. Oil-based cleansers help dissolve the waxes, oils and film-forming ingredients in waterproof mascara, allowing it to lift away with less rubbing.
How to Remove It Without Irritating Your Skin
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Start on dry skin, with dry hands. Adding water too early dilutes the balm before it has a chance to break down the makeup.
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Massage in gently. Warm the balm between your fingertips, then work it over your face and closed eyes. You should feel the mascara start to loosen rather than needing to rub.
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Add water to emulsify. Once the makeup looks dissolved, splash on lukewarm water and keep massaging until the balm turns milky.
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Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. A soft cloth works better than rubbing with a towel, especially around the eye area.
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Follow with a second cleanser if you want a full double cleanse. Rael's Miracle Clear Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser is designed to follow the balm as Step 2, clearing away any remaining residue and leaving skin feeling clean rather than stripped.
For a closer look at the full process, see how to use cleansing balm in 5 steps.
What the Twist Up Format Changes
Most cleansing balms come in a jar, which means scooping product out with fingers or a spatula every time. Rael's version dispenses from a twist up base instead, so there's no double dipping and less mess at the sink. A half turn is generally enough for light, everyday makeup, while a full three quarter turn covers heavier looks with more waterproof product to break down.
The Clinical Numbers Behind the Claim
In a 40-participant clinical study (ages 19 to 59), the Miracle Clear Purifying Twist Up Cleansing Balm removed 97% of longwear foundation and waterproof mascara in a single use, while helping reduce excess oil and support hydration. It's also formulated with Jojoba Oil and Tamanu Oil to help dissolve makeup while supporting the skin's natural moisture, plus Rice Bran and Heartleaf Extract to help support a calmer, more balanced-looking complexion afterward. It's dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, so it's designed to be used safely around the eye area, including directly over mascara and eyeliner.
FAQs
Does cleansing balm really remove waterproof mascara?
Yes, when the formula is oil-based. Rael's Miracle Clear Purifying Twist Up Cleansing Balm is clinically shown to remove 97% of longwear foundation and waterproof mascara in one use, based on a 40-participant clinical study.
Is it safe to use cleansing balm around my eyes?
Rael's cleansing balm is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested for use around the face and eye area, including directly over eye makeup. Massage gently rather than rubbing, and avoid getting product directly in the eyes.
Do I need a separate eye makeup remover if I use a cleansing balm?
Not usually. An oil-based cleansing balm is formulated to handle waterproof eye makeup along with the rest of your face in one step, so a separate remover generally isn't necessary.
Why won't my waterproof mascara come off with my regular face wash?
Most everyday face washes are water-based, and waterproof mascara is designed to resist water. An oil-based cleanser like a cleansing balm breaks down the formula directly instead of relying on water alone.
How do I use the twist up cleansing balm?
Twist the base to dispense (about half a turn for light makeup, three quarters for heavier makeup), massage onto dry skin to melt away makeup, add water to emulsify, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with the Miracle Clear Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser for a full double cleanse.
