E.L.F. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm Review

This popular drugstore balm promises soft skin and a clean rinse without a luxury price. I tested it on waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, and daily sunscreen to see if it lives up to the hype.

Check Price on Amazon

We may earn a small referral fee

Overview

E.L.F. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is a budget-friendly, balm-to-oil makeup remover designed to break down sunscreen, long-wear foundation, and eye makeup while leaving skin soft. It targets the same experience you get from more expensive cleansing balms, with a creamy sorbet texture that melts on contact and emulsifies with water into a light milk. The formula is vegan and cruelty free, and the jar is typically around 2 ounces, which makes it carry-on friendly and easy to finish before it goes stale.

This balm is part of the Holy Hydration line, so the marketing callouts emphasize comfort ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides. That aligns with how it feels on skin. It starts cushiony, offers generous slip for massaging away makeup, and rinses without leaving a waxy film if you use the right amount. It is not a heavy fragrance-forward product. There is a faint base scent many users barely notice, which makes it approachable for most, though highly fragrance-sensitive shoppers should always patch test around the jawline first.

Price tends to land in the low teens, which is striking for how effectively it removes daily sunscreen and makeup. If you are used to pricey balms, you may miss the weighty jar or extras like an included spatula. The trade is clear: minimal frills, dependable performance, and a texture that rivals options two to three times the cost.

Who it’s for

This cleansing balm is a smart pick if you want a daily first cleanse that removes makeup and sunscreen quickly without tugging. It is well suited to normal, combination, and dry skin types because it has a soft, cushioned glide and does not strip. Oily and acne prone skin types can absolutely use it too, especially if you follow with a water-based cleanser. The emulsifying agents help the oils rinse away cleanly, but the double-cleanse step keeps pores feeling fresh.

If you regularly wear long-wear foundation, waterproof eyeliner, or transfer resistant lipstick, this balm has the melt you need. Eye comfort is solid for most, with no harsh tingling during testing. Like many balm cleansers, it can cause temporary cloudy vision if it meets your lashes directly, so take your time massaging and keep your eyes closed until you emulsify and rinse. Contact lens wearers should remove lenses before cleansing for the best experience.

Anyone sensitive to stronger fragrances will appreciate that the scent is subtle and fades fast. If you are extremely reactive to any fragrance, plan a short patch test behind the ear or along the jaw for a few days before you commit to full-face use.

How it feels and performs

Texture is where E.L.F. gets it right. Scoop out a dime-size amount and the balm feels like soft sorbet that loosens instantly on dry skin. There is no waxy drag, no gritty particles, and no graininess. As it melts, you get a smooth slip that makes it easy to work across the face without pulling at delicate areas like the lash line and under eyes.

Removal power is excellent for everyday makeup. It erases long-wear foundation and most liquid liners in one pass. With waterproof mascara, you will likely want a little extra time and a second pea-size dab. Hold the balm on lashes for about 10 seconds, then gently wiggle from roots to tips to avoid rubbing. Stain-prone lip colors come off with a brief massage and a soft cloth, though extremely tenacious lip tints may leave a faint halo that a second cleanse or micellar touch-up will finish.

Rinse-down is what separates a great balm from one you never reach for. This one emulsifies fast. Add a splash of lukewarm water and it transforms into a light milk that lifts away with a few passes. If you use too much product, you may feel a slight residue. The fix is simple: use less next time, or follow with a gentle gel or cream cleanser. After rinsing, skin feels comfortable and balanced, not tight, with a soft sheen that fades once you pat dry.

Eye comfort is above average for a drugstore balm. There is no burning on skin in typical use and only a brief cloudy film if it gets into the eyes, which clears after a thorough rinse. Do not rush that rinse. Spend 20 to 30 seconds emulsifying around the lash line, then lightly sweep a damp microfiber cloth along the eyes to remove the last traces.

As for breakouts, the balm is designed to lift makeup and sunscreen and then rinse away. Most acne prone testers do well with it as long as they do a second water-based cleanse. If you are very clog prone, keep the massage time efficient, rinse generously, and stick with a gentle second cleanse to prevent any residual film.

How to use for best results

1. Start with dry hands and a dry face. Scoop a dime-size amount for everyday sunscreen and makeup. For heavy or waterproof looks, begin with a nickel-size amount and be prepared for a small top-up for the eyes.
2. Warm the balm between fingertips, then massage over face for 30 to 60 seconds. Use light pressure and slow circles to lift foundation and sunscreen from creases around the nose and chin.
3. For eyes, close your eyes and press the balm onto lids and lashes for 10 seconds before gently wiggling along the lash line. Avoid aggressive rubbing. If wearing contacts, remove them first.
4. Wet your hands and emulsify. Add a few splashes of lukewarm water until the balm turns milky, then continue light massaging for another 15 seconds.
5. Rinse thoroughly. If you prefer a perfectly clean finish, follow with a gentle water-based cleanser. Pat dry with a soft towel.

Pro tips that make a difference:

• If you notice a residue, you are likely using more product than needed. Cut the amount back by a third and rinse longer before you assume the balm is heavy.
• Pair with a microfiber cloth or soft muslin on heavy makeup days. Lightly sweeping with the cloth after emulsifying removes stubborn mascara smudges without tugging.
• Traveling soon. Decant a few days’ worth into a clean 10 gram mini pot to keep your main jar clean and leak free.
• Patch test if you are sensitive around the eyes. Apply a tiny amount near the outer corner for a few nights to check for redness or watering.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Soft sorbet texture that melts fast and spreads easily, strong performance on sunscreen and long-wear base makeup, gentle around the eyes for most users, rinses clean with minimal residue when used in the right amount, affordable price and travel friendly size.
• Cons: Waterproof mascara may need a second pass and a cloth, a brief cloudy film can occur if it gets into eyes, jar format means you need a clean scoop to avoid contamination, those who dislike any after-feel may prefer to always double cleanse.

Final verdict

E.L.F. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm hits the sweet spot for value and performance. The texture is creamy and quick melting, the rinse is clean, and the price makes daily double cleansing more affordable. It excels as a first cleanse on makeup and sunscreen. If you wear heavy waterproof mascara, plan on a deliberate eye massage and possibly a second dab plus a cloth to lift the last traces. The finish is comfortable rather than squeaky, which most skin types will appreciate, and any soft after-feel is easily cleared with a gentle follow-up cleanser.

If you are shopping for your first cleansing balm or replacing a pricier favorite, this one is an easy yes. Sensitive users should still patch test, and very oily or easily congested skin may prefer to double cleanse every time. Everyone else gets a reliable, pleasant balm that turns an end-of-day chore into a quick, cushioned routine.

See also

If you love a bargain that performs, you may also enjoy our look at smart swaps in Best Drugstore Dupes for Luxury Cleansing Balms, where we compare texture, rinse, and removal power. For those who need serious staying power off in minutes, check out Best Cleansing Balms for Waterproof Makeup (That Rinse Clean) for options that handle tubing mascaras and long-wear liner.

If you prefer liquids over balms, our guide to Best Cleansing Oils for Acne-Prone Skin (High Slip, Low Clog) breaks down formulas that rinse clean without congestion. And for quick or travel nights, see Best Makeup Remover Wipes: Fast, Gentle, No Tugging, plus our deep dive into a soothing eye-safe option in the Optase Life Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover Review.

FAQ

Does E.L.F. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm remove waterproof mascara without stinging?

It removes most waterproof mascaras with a deliberate technique and enough product. Hold a pea-size amount on closed lashes for about 10 seconds, then massage gently from roots to tips before emulsifying with water. Most users do not experience stinging, though a brief cloudy film can occur if product enters the eye. Rinse thoroughly and use a soft cloth to finish if needed.

Will this balm clog pores or cause breakouts?

The balm is designed to emulsify and rinse, which helps reduce residue that could linger in pores. Many acne prone users tolerate it well when they follow with a gentle water-based cleanser. If you are highly clog prone, keep massage time efficient, rinse generously, and double cleanse every time to minimize the chance of congestion.

Is it fragrance free?

The scent is very light and not perfume-like, and it fades quickly. While it does not present as highly fragranced, those who are extremely sensitive should still patch test around the jawline or behind the ear for several days to confirm comfort before applying around the eyes.

How much should I use for daily sunscreen and makeup?

Start with a dime-size amount for a full face of sunscreen and everyday makeup. For heavy long-wear or waterproof looks, use a nickel-size amount and expect to add a pea-size extra for the eyes. Using more than you need can increase residue, so adjust down if your skin feels coated after rinsing.

Do I need a second cleanse after using this balm?

If you like a perfectly clean finish or have oily or acne prone skin, a second cleanse is a good idea. On light makeup days, many people are happy with the balm alone, especially if they rinse thoroughly and emulsify well. For consistently clear pores and a weightless feel, a gentle gel or cream cleanser after the balm is a reliable routine.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on our site.