Makeup Removers

Cleansers vs Makeup Removers

When should you use a makeup remover and when a cleanser? While both of them clean dirt, oil, and impurities, makeup removers do a tad bit extra. Cleansers are mostly creamy or foamy formulas that contain oils emulsified in water. They remove dirt, impurities, oil, and sometimes a little makeup too. On the other hand, makeup removers are liquids formulated with oils that majorly remove all traces of makeup. They dissolve even your waterproof makeup leaving your skin squeaky clean.

Why Use A Makeup Remover?

• It removes even the tiniest trace of makeup which might irritate the skin and clog pores.
• It removes dirt and impurities from the skin surface. This promotes cell renewal by removing the dead skin cells.
• It prevents pimples, blemishes, blackheads.
• It lets your skin breathe freely.

Types of Makeup Removers

• Cream Makeup Removers: Cream makeup removers are often milk-based. They are ideal for dry, dehydrated skin as they don’t strip off the natural oils and moisture of the skin. Massage the formula on your skin before rinsing it with water. They are moisturizing formulas with a liquidy, milky texture.
• Oil-based Makeup Remover: Oil-based makeup removers are your best pick if you use waterproof makeup. They dissolve the stubborn waterproof makeup without ripping off the natural oil balance of the skin. Formulated with oils, they are greasier than usual makeup removers. So, wash your face with a foaming cleanser to remove the greasiness. It is suitable for all skin types.
• Micellar Water: Micellar Waters are the biggies in the makeup remover game. They can be used as a cleanser, toner, or even as a makeup remover. They are formulated with micelles diffused in water which absorb oil, dirt, and makeup. They also contain glycerine and mild humectants which cleanse the skin effectively. They are available in both liquid and wipes form, suitable for all skin types.
• Makeup Removal Wipes: Ideal for satisfying your lazy soul, makeup removal wipes remove makeup only on the immediate surface levels. Choose gentle cloth wipes that don’t harshly scrub your skin. However, for thorough cleansing, you will always require a better liquid formula.

How To Choose The Right Makeup Remover

Just like cleansers and moisturizers, makeup removes also come in different formulas for different skin types. You will have to choose a makeup remover that is gentle, yet properly cleanses your skin.

• Choose a makeup remover with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide if you have oily or combination skin. It will help remove the excess oil from your skin along with the makeup.
• Choose a foaming makeup remover for dry skin. It will both remove your makeup and restore the moisture of the skin.
• Choose an oil-free makeup remover if your skin is prone to clogging. This makeup remover will be gentle on your skin while cleansing makeup. It is also suitable for all skin types.
• Choose a cream-based makeup remover for sensitive skin. This makeup remover doesn’t require any wiping, making it safer and less irritating for sensitive skin.
• Choose an oil-based makeup remover or micellar water to remove eye makeup. Remember, the skin of your eyes is sensitive and often has waterproof makeup like eyeliner. Hence, use a gentler formula and avoid scrubbing harshly.
• Choose alcohol-free, fragrance-free, preservative-free makeup removers. These ingredients will irritate your skin and might as well lead to breakouts.

How To Use A Makeup Remover?

Here’s a step-by-step guide to remove makeup the correct way.

• Wash your hands. You don’t want the dirt and bacteria on your hands to transfer to your skin while you are trying to clean it.
• Use a fresh cotton pad. Be it micellar water or an oil-cleanser, a cotton pad will make it easier for you to remove the makeup with a few gentle swipes.
• Cleanse gently. Don’t scrub the cotton pad rigorously on your skin. Sweep it gently a few times to get rid of all your makeup.
• Rinse the residues. After effective removal of makeup, use a face towel soaked in hot water or simply splash warm water on your face. This will remove any residue from the skin surface.
• Tone your skin. It will help restore your skin’s pH balance, removing the residual dirt. It will also prepare your skin for moisturization.

We have rounded up the best makeup removers for your different skin types and for different kinds of makeup.

Best Waterproof Makeup Removers

• Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
• The Body Shop Camomile Waterproof Eye and Lip Makeup Remover
• Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
• Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover
• Simple Dual Effect Eye Makeup Remover
• Burt’s Bees Eye Makeup Remover Pads
• Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
• Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Best Makeup Removers For Sensitive Skin

• Glossier Milk Jelly Cleanser
• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Cleanser
• Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion
• Neutrogena Makeup Remover Night Calming Cleansing Towlettes
• Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser
• Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
• Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Remover

Best Natural Makeup Removers

• Foxbrim Naturals Coconut Milk & Honey Face Cleanser
• Era Organics Facial Cleansing Oil & Makeup Remover
• Earth Science Eye Makeup Remover
• Aromatica Natural Coconut Cleansing Oil
• Conscious Coconut Organic Coconut Oil
• Viva Naturals Sweet Almond Oil