This is a first-step cleanser, so you apply it to a dry face with dry fingers, massage it alllll around your face, and then wash it off with water. I find this takes off most makeup, excepting for really dark eyeliners, and provides a very comfortable-feeling cleanse. Fair warning: this is the History of Whoo, so it's fragranced. Buying a $40 first-step cleanser may seem excessive, but this is a perfect "treat yo self" sort of item -- it's luxurious while still being useful, and will probably last a couple months, at least.