The invention relates to a composition in the form of a water-in-oil emulsion comprising an aqueous phase dispersed in an oily phase and containing: a) at least one fatty acid ester of a polyol; and b) at least one hydrophobically modified polysaccharide chosen from inulins, celluloses and derivatives thereof, starches and agars, and mixtures thereof. In particular, the fatty acid ester of a polyol is polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/-sebacate. It also relates to a process for caring for, making up and/or removing makeup from the skin, including the scalp, the hair and the lips, comprising the topical application of such a composition to the skin, the scalp or the lips.