Cleansing Balms & Oils To Remove Summer Makeup, From Sunscreen to Waterproof Mascara

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You may find you often have to use a lot of product to ensure that your makeup stays intact through all your hot summer adventures.

In addition to your typical beauty and skincare routine, your summer skin needs SPF for sun protection, a gripping primer to keep your base in place, and a mattifying setting powder to keep sweat and oil at bay.

However, the longer and better your makeup stays on, the harder it likely is to remove. Not to mention, all that sweat and dirt trapped under your flawless base might be contributing to clogged pores. That is, unless you're double cleansing with a cleansing balm, followed by your favorite face wash!

While convenient, a makeup wipe alone isn't going to remove all that sunscreen, primer, setting powder, or even the rest of your summer makeup, before bed. Cleaning balms and oils are your best line of defense for effortless makeup removal.

These products are designed to help break up and melt away whatever you've got on your face. These makeup removers are tough on grime and makeup but gentle on your skin, which means they won't strip your face and neck of important natural oils. Experts have even said that cleansing oils can cause less skin irritation and dryness compared to using a cleanser alone.

Better still, cleansing balms and oils can do more than just remove dirt and debris, they can also have added skincare benefits, most notably hydration.

If you don't already have a cleansing balm or oil in your summer skincare routine, worry not.

The E! shopping experts made a list of the best ones, including editor-approved picks that will change your makeup removal game.

My personal favorite is Banila Co's best-selling Clean It Zero cleansing balm. It effortlessly melts away makeup (even stubborn waterproof mascara) with ease. Since it's made with vitamin E, grape seed extract, and olive oil, it leaves my skin feeling silky soft – never stripped – after every use. Plus, at just $22, you get a large tub that lasts, and it's a steal compared to many other cleanser options. 

Feeling like splurging on a cult-favorite brand? Elemis's beloved Pro-Collagen cleansing balm is infused with hydrating elderberry and starflower oil. Senior commerce editor Lily Rose is a fan of the brand. 

And if oils are more your speed, try the Milky Mushroom gentle cleansing oil from Miranda Kerr's brand, Kora Organics. It contains nourishing sunflower seed and mushroom extract. Its ingredients make it a great option for those with oily skin.

No matter how many layers of skincare and makeup you put on this summer, these cleansing balms and oils will help you get rid of every last bit of sweat, grime, and makeup before you go to bed.

Shop cleansing balms and oils

From Banila Co's editor-approved Clean It Zero balm, to picks from Elemis, Paula's Choice, Kora Organic, and more, these cleansing balms and oils are tough on makeup but gentle on skin.