Beauty
The Best Makeup Removers For Every Skin Type (+ Our Picks)
Photo courtesy Adobe Stock
Beauty
The Best Makeup Removers For Every Skin Type (+ Our Picks)
Oils, balms, gels, milks— makeup removers come in all shapes and sizes. But with so many options, how do you choose the right one for your skin? Let’s break it down.
When we drift off to dreamland, our skin starts to do some important work. It enters repair and restore mode to counteract the stressors that damage our skin during the daytime hours, like pollution and UV rays. Collagen production goes up, blood flow increases and cell turnover is boosted while we snooze, and what’s more, skin is more receptive to skincare products, allowing active ingredients to penetrate deeply and work their magic.
For all these reasons, it’s no surprise that we should be heading to bed every night with clean skin—and that means investing in the right makeup remover is key.
Which makeup remover is right for you?
Different skin types have different needs, and the same is true for makeup removal. The right one will suit both your skin type and the type of makeup you like to wear, making it easy to wash off the day while keeping your visage looking and feeling healthy.
Milk
This gentle, hydrating formula works wonderfully for dry, sensitive and mature skin types, removing makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of natural oils.
How to use: Apply with fingers or a cotton pad, gently massaging in circular motions until makeup dissolves. Rinse with water.
Our picks:
Photo courtesy Avène
Jouviance Hydractiv Cleansing Milk, $27
Photo courtesy Jouviance
Balm
A balm is a great choice for those who wear heavy makeup—the rich buttery texture melts away foundation and stubborn products like liquid eyeliner and mascara. Dry skin will love the nourishing formula and, because oil dissolves oil, oily skin types can use a balm to control sebum without overdrying.
How to use: Warm a small amount in your hands before massaging onto dry skin to dissolve makeup. Add a bit of water to emulsify and rinse with lukewarm water.
Our picks:
Elemis Black Cherry Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, $94
Photo courtesy Sephora
Watier Solution Confort Cleansing Melting Balm, $41
Photo courtesy Watier
Foam
Creamy and purifying, foam regulates oil and tightens pores—but may not be strong enough for long-wear makeup. Typically, foaming cleansers work best to wash away light makeup rather than the heavier waterproof formulas. A bubbly lather thoroughly cleanses pores, making this formula a great option for oily, acne-prone skin.
How to use: Dampen face, apply a small amount in your hands, massage gently over the face and rinse.
Our picks:
Clarins Gentle Renewing Cleansing Mousse, $46
Photo courtesy Sephora
MERIT Great Skin Double Cleanse Makeup Removing Cleanser, $44
Photo courtesy Sephora
Wipes
While super convenient for removing makeup quickly and on-the-go, wipes should be followed up with a proper cleanser for a deep clean, especially if you don heavy makeup.
How to use: With gentle strokes, run the wipe across your face to remove makeup, then wash your face to cleanse away any remaining impurities.
Our picks:
Aveeno Calm + Restore Nourishing Make-Up Removing Wipes, $14
Photo courtesy Aveeno
Sephora Collection Glowing Cleansing Wipes, $10
Photo courtesy Sephora
oil
Gentle and effective, cleansing oils deeply clean pores—even on oily skin. They’re especially great at removing stubborn makeup. A makeup-removing oil can be used for just about every skin type, as it helps restore hydration while washing away excess sebum. Lovers of longwear makeup and water-resistant SPF will appreciate an oil’s ability to dissolve them away without disrupting the skin barrier.
How to use: Warm a small amount in your hands, massage gently over face (including eyes and lips), add water to emulsify, then rinse with lukewarm water.
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleasing Oil, $54
Photo courtesy Sephora
Curel Intensive Moisture Makeup Cleansing Oil, $30
Photo courtesy Shoppers Drug Mart
gel
With its light texture and refreshing feel, cleansing gel is a great choice for normal, combination or oily skin. The formula purifies and removes excess sebum for an ultra-clean feel.
How to use: Dampen skin, apply a small amount of gel, lather over face and neck and rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water.
Our picks:
Uriage Refreshing Makeup Removing Jelly, $19
Photo courtesy Amazon
La Roche-Posay Face Cleanser with Pure Vitamin C, $33
Photo courtesy Amazon
micellar water
This gentle cleanser feels like plain water, but actually contains cleansing molecules called micelles that trap stubborn dirt, sebum and makeup. Thanks to its gentle cleansing action, micellar water is suitable for both dry and oily skin, as it controls oil without causing irritation.
How to use: Pour onto a cotton pad or reusable cloth, gently apply to face, neck and lips without rubbing. Rinse if desired.
Our picks:
Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Moisturising Micellar Water Makeup Remover, $25
Photo courtesy Amazon
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water, $15
Photo courtesy Amazon
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