At the end of a long, busy, hectic day, even a simple task like washing your face and removing makeup can seem arduous.
Next time you’re nodding off while reading or watching tv and contemplating hitting the sack with your makeup still on, remember this as motivation to remove it: Sleeping with makeup on causes clogged pores, breakouts, dull skin, and premature aging.
It is important to remove all makeup every night and cleanse the skin so it can breathe and renew while you sleep.
Not removing your makeup before bed allows the debris and pollution your face is exposed to during the day to remain in your skin, creating damaging free radicals. Leaving makeup on while you sleep also doesn’t allow it to recover from daytime stressors like UV exposure, which further develops fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Think of removing your makeup as part of a pampering nighttime routine. It always starts with cleansing your face, followed by the rest of your bedtime skin care regimen.
With an endless array of makeup removers on the market today, finding the one that’s right for you may seem daunting.
When choosing a makeup remover, look for one that’s compatible with your skin type, as well as how much and what type of makeup you are removing. Are you trying to cut through full-coverage foundation, waterproof mascara, and long-wear lip colors, or are you more of a makeup minimalist with just powder, BB cream, and lip tint? Either way, you don’t want a makeup remover that’s too harsh; it should effectively and gently remove makeup while leaving your skin clean and hydrated.
Makeup removers are generally formulated with either water-based or oil-based solvents. A water-based formula works better at removing water-based makeup while oil-based is better for oil-based makeup. Like removes like.
Dry, mature, and sensitive skin also tends to be more compatible with oil-based removers that won’t strip away natural oils, while oily and acne-prone skin types are better matched with water-based removers for a deep clean without adding excess oil.
A growing trend that’s gaining traction with many skincare experts and celebrities is the Korean skincare routine known as “the double cleanse.”
Dating back to the fourteenth century, the double cleanse simply means cleansing the face twice with two different cleansers; one oil-based, followed by another that’s water-based. The logic behind this is that the oil-based cleanser will remove excess oil, pollutants, product residue, sebum, and SPF, then the water-based cleanser removes dirt and sweat that can clog pores.
Essentially it gives you the best of both formulations for super-clean skin and a fresh canvas for your nighttime creams and serums.
Makeup removers come in many different forms from creams, gels, and balms to wipes and waters.
Micellar water has become an increasingly popular option since its advent in the 90s because it’s gentle and good for all skin types. It draws impurities out by clinging to and dissolving dirt, oil, and makeup while leaving the skin hydrated.
It’s strong enough to remove mascara, yet gentle enough not to remove lashes. Being so gentle also makes micellar water perfect for sensitive skin.
Foaming cleansers are a great choice for oily or acne-prone skin, as well as breaking up heavy makeup. Balms and creams work best for dry and mature skin while gels work wonders on the delicate skin around the eyes as they remove waterproof makeup and leave the skin hydrated. Wipes are best for when you are in a rush or traveling, but they also make excellent erasers for makeup mistakes or when you want to change your look up mid-day.
Try to steer clear of any makeup removers containing alcohol, fragrance, ammonium lauryl sulfate, or sodium lauryl sulfate as these ingredients can be harsh and drying. Instead look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and plant oils.
When using a makeup cleanser, always use warm water; water that is too hot can strip skin of natural oils while too cold can restrict pores from opening and releasing dirt.
Massage whatever cleanser you choose into damp skin while focusing on the T-zone. Never pull, tug, or rub too hard, and be sure to note the expiration date and throw away any product that has a change in color, texture, or scent.
Explore 10 of the best makeup removers for various skin types & budgets that get the job done while leaving your skin intact
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water & Waterproof Makeup Remover
Suitable for all skin types, this wallet-friendly micellar water from Garnier is a makeup remover, cleanser, and toner all in one. It gently removes even stubborn waterproof and long-wear formulas with no rinsing needed, leaving skin hydrated. The water-based, oil-free formula is made with no parabens, fragrance, silicone, or sulfates, making it perfect for sensitive skin types.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
A lightweight balm that transforms into a silky oil when massaged into the skin, this remover dissolves long-wear and waterproof makeup with ease. It cleanses while nourishing the skin with a safflower seed oil base that’s non-comedogenic, non-greasy, and non-drying. This balm is suitable for all skin types, but especially dry, mature, and sensitive skin. It’s free of alcohol, sulfates, and fragrances as well.
La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water Ultra
This micellar water is a no-rinse cleanser with dirt-encapsulating micelles that attract dirt, oil, makeup, and down to microscopic pollution particles like a magnet. It gently cleanses and tones the skin while removing 99% of long-wear makeup. Rich in natural antioxidant selenium and hydrating glycerin, it is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive. It’s also paraben, oil, and sulfate-free, as well as non-comedogenic.
Lancôme Bi-Facial Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
An award-winning, no-rinse eye makeup remover that cleanses and nourishes lashes, this formula is gentle enough for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. Shake to activate the bi-phase formula of lipids and water that work together to lift even stubborn waterproof eye makeup and remove residue. This water-based remover is also suitable for all skin types.
Fresh Soy Makeup Removing Face Wash
A face wash that maintains the skin’s pH level while softening and increasing hydration by 10 % for all skin types and tones, this wash uses key ingredients such as aloe vera gel to calm and cool, borage seed oil to nourish and soften, cucumber extract to calm and soothe, rose water to balance, and amino acid-rich soy protein to maintain the skin’s elasticity and suppleness. A little goes a long way with this cleanser, and the fresh cucumber scent evokes a spa experience.
Burt’s Bees Facial Cleansing Towelettes
Another convenient option for those on the go are these wipes that are simple, effective, and easily remove all makeup with no need for water. Each one is soaked in cotton extract, rice extract, and aloe vera, keeping skin moisturized, refreshed, and balanced. They’re formulated without parabens, phthalates, petroleum, SLS, or fragrance, and are made with 100% plant-based, repurposed cotton, so they are environmentally friendly and home compostable.
Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
This extremely gentle and moisturizing water-based lotion quickly removes all makeup; even waterproof and long-wear formulas. It easily rinses off, leaving skin soft and smooth with no greasy residue. This lotion-based cleanser is suitable for all skin types with its refreshing citrus scent. Simply massage it into a dry face and rinse with warm water.
Clinique Take the Day off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips
This classic is Clinique’s best-selling makeup remover that dissolves and lifts away even the most stubborn long-wear and waterproof products. The water-based formula is suitable for all skin types, leaves no residue, is non-irritating, and won’t sting the eyes. This formula is vegan and free of gluten, alcohol, SLS, SLES, and talc. Strictly a makeup remover, this product is meant to be followed with a separate cleanser.
SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser
This ultra-gentle cream cleanser effectively removes impurities, excess oil, and long-wear makeup while delivering essential hydration and leaving no residue behind. It combines allantoin, glycerin, and orange oil to soften and restore the surface of the skin, making it suitable for dry, normal, and sensitive skin types. Mild enough to use multiple times a day makes this cleanser the perfect choice for double cleansing, plus it’s paraben, sulfate, soap, alcohol, dye, and synthetic fragrance-free.
Makeup Eraser The Original Makeup Eraser
This unique, unconventional option uses only water to saturate millions of hair-like fibers that stand straight up (rather than a loop, like a traditional wash cloth) to work together as a suction cup as the fibers adhere to makeup, dirt, and oil in the pores, pulling it up and out of the skin. The short fibers on one side erase makeup with gentle circular motions while the longer fibers on the flipside exfoliate the skin. It is machine washable and reusable, as well as 100% vegan, environmentally friendly, cruelty-free, and hypoallergenic.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com
