Whether you’re new to the makeup game, or you’re a beauty veteran, you know one thing to be true: the number one beauty tip will always be to take good care of your skin. This includes using the best makeup remover to ensure that none of your pores remain clogged and your skin can breathe after a long day of wearing makeup. But how do you know which one to use?
The answer is: it depends and there are a lot of things that you need to consider so you can start to narrow down your search.
One of the key points here is if you plan to use another facial cleanser after your makeup remover, or if you want your makeup remover to remove and cleanse all-in-one.
Remove then Cleanse
All you need to do in this case is choose between a water-based remover or an oil-based remover. Water-based removers are best for “natural” makeup days, while oil-based removers are best for “glam” makeup days or waterproof makeup. All that is to say, your skin type really doesn’t matter here when using this method since you will be using other products afterwards. So, after using your remover, you can then continue with your skincare routine as per usual.
Remover and Cleanser All-In-One
If you want your remover and cleanser all-in-one, then this will be a more difficult choice. The remover you choose needs to be for not only whether you had a natural or glam makeup day, but you should also have a strong preference for the one that is best for your skin type. Having dry, combination or oily skin will affect your choice, as will if you have sensitive skin, mature skin, or skin concerns such as rosacea, eczema or are acne prone.
The List
Below we have compiled a list of the top makeup removers in the game right now, and once you read through the list you’ll see why.
In addition, there are two things to keep in mind about this list. First, there are no makeup wipes. Makeup wipes are generally not recommended as they just smear the makeup around the face rather than cleaning it off, and they’re not very environmentally friendly. Also, most of these may leave a residue and will still require you to rinse your face with water after use.
- Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser and Makeup Remover
Base: Water
Skin Type: All
All-In-One: Yes
Price: $14.99
Like all micellar waters, this cleanser uses Micells to cleanse the skin. Micells are small molecules that come together and gently lift makeup, oil and dirt off the skin.
- Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Base: Water
Skin Type: All, recommended for those with sensitive skin or skin concerns.
All-In-One: Yes
Price: $15.99
This remover is the most recommended remover by dermatologists.
- Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Base: Water
Skin Type: All, recommended for acne-prone and oily skin.
All-In-One: No
Price: $11.97
This remover is a top pick for removing eye makeup on glam days as it is tough on makeup while being gentle around the eyes.
- Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover
Base: Water
Skin Type: Combination, sensitive, oily and acne prone.
All-In-One: No
Price: $32.00
Something to keep in mind about this remover is that despite being water-based, this remover can remove glam day makeup.
- Farmacy Green Clean Makeup-Removing Cleansing Balm
Base: Oil
Skin Type: All, especially dry skin.
All-In-One: Yes
Price: $60.66
- Lancome Bi-Facial Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
Base: Water and oil
Skin Type: All
All-In-One: No
Price: $46.00
To use this remover, you have to shake it to mix it together. The oil phase breaks down makeup while water rinses everything away.
- Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser
Base: Oil
Skin Type: All
All-In-One: Yes
Price: $46.00
- DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Base: Oil
Skin Type: All
All-In-One: No
Price: $30.00
- Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
Base: Oil
Skin Type: Dry
All-In-One: Yes
Price: $36.00
- Tatcha Camellia Cleansing Oil
Base: Oil
Skin Type: All, recommended for mature skin.
All-In-One: Yes
Price: $68.00
When using this remover keep in mind that despite being oil-based, this remover is not recommended for glam days.
The Elixuer Team
