Everyone who wears makeup knows that, eventually, it’s going to have to come off. This is usually easier said than done, however. Some removers are too harsh for your delicate eye area or lips, while others may not do a thorough job of removing all traces of your favorite products.
Read on as we explore the best makeup removers for your needs.
Table of Contents
1. Gentle Makeup Remover
One of the most delicate areas of your face is around your eyes. Almost all makeup removers contain at least some amount of oil, which can cause irritation if you use these types of products too often or on the area surrounding your eyes.
There are gentle makeup remover options available that are formulated to be safe for removing eye and lip makeup without causing irritation. These usually contain aloe vera gel or cucumber extracts, which are very soothing on sensitive skin.
For those who prefer to use a liquid makeup remover instead of a wipe, simple green diluted with water is an excellent option as it is non-irritating and safe for the eyes as well as the lips.
2. Oil-Based Remover
Many of the most popular makeup removers on the market are oil-based. These products contain mineral or almond oil as their base ingredient, which allows them to dissolve even waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
There are some disadvantages to these types of removers. First of all, not everyone prefers using an oil-based product on their face. While these products are gentle for eyes and lips, they may not be the best option for oily or acne-prone skin as oil can exacerbate these conditions.
Oil-based removers also tend to leave an oily residue after use, which some people find off-putting. As a result, some people don’t feel clean after using these products.
However, if you have sensitive skin or eyes, oil-based removers are a good choice as they dissolve makeup very easily and cause no irritation or redness even for those who have very sensitive skin.
If you wear waterproof makeup products often, consider investing in an oil-based remover as these are the only ones that can dissolve waterproof formulas effectively.
3. Water-Based Remover
Water-based removers are the other popular option available on the market today. Made with isopropyl alcohol and witch hazel as the main ingredients, these types of removers are usually clear or light blue in color. This type of makeup remover works well for all skin types and removes even water-proof mascara quickly and easily.
Another advantage to this product is that it doesn’t leave a greasy residue behind and is very mild and gentle. Many people find that their skin feels clean and fresh once they’ve removed their makeup with a water-based remover.
As an added bonus, many companies now sell water-based removers as pre-moistened pads or wipes, which make them even more convenient to use. While you can purchase these types of removers in a bottle or tube, these pre-moistened wipes are very handy for when you’re away from home and don’t have easy access to a sink for washing your face.
4. Makeup Remover Wipes
In recent years, makeup remover wipes have surged in popularity as a convenient and affordable way to remove your makeup. Many companies now sell these types of products in different scents and formulas for every skin type.
One benefit of using a wipe instead of a liquid or gel remover is that you can cleanse your face with just one product rather than having to use a separate remover for your eyes and lips. Wipes are also very compact, which make them excellent for traveling or keeping in your gym bag.
The main downside to these types of wipes is that they usually contain alcohol, which can be irritating for sensitive skin. While there are now plenty of gentle wipes on the market today, it’s still a good idea to patch test before reaching for them on a regular basis.
In addition, wipes usually contain a small amount of fragrance as well as preservatives and stabilizers. Although these ingredients are unlikely to cause irritation, you might prefer a product that is more natural if you have sensitive skin or don’t want any unnecessary additives on your skin.
5. Makeup Remover Cleansers
Makeup remover cleansers are very mild and designed to be used with cotton balls or pads instead of rinsed off like traditional liquid removers.
These cleansers feature a creamy texture that is both gentle and luxurious feeling on your skin. They remove foundation, blush, eye shadow, and lipstick quickly and easily without any tugging or irritation.
Since makeup removers usually contain a little bit of oil, they can help keep your skin hydrated and soft after you’ve removed your makeup for the day. Many people find that their skin feels moisturized and supple after cleansing it with a gentle cleanser instead of rinsing it off with water.
The only real downside to these types of cleansing products is that they leave a greasy residue behind, which can make your skin feel like it’s covered in oil. While this may be beneficial for keeping your skin moisturized and soft, some people find it annoying and uncomfortable.
This type of makeup remover is also not appropriate for all makeup products. You will need to use a traditional remover for eye makeup, as these cleansing products are not strong enough to remove stubborn waterproof formulas.
If you wear heavy mascara or eyeliner every day, consider investing in an oil-based remover designed for this type of product. These typically feature specially formulated compositions that can cut through even the most stubborn of waterproof formulas for an easy and pain-free removal experience.
Final Thought
No one makeup remover is best for everyone, which is why it’s important to experiment with different types of products before settling on a final choice. If you find that your skin feels uncomfortably tight or dry after using a particular product, try switching to another type of makeup remover to see if it makes a difference.
