How to Choose a Makeup Remover That Will Leave Your Skin Looking Good and Feeling Soft
After a long day or night of full-glam makeup, you need to make sure you remove all the product to avoid clogged pores, potential blemishes and mascara-smeared sheets. So, we consulted dermatologists and estheticians for the best makeup-removers that will leave your skin looking good and feeling soft.
This makeup-removal pick is gentle enough for all skin types and helps fight against signs of aging (think fine lines and wrinkles). Plus, it has hydrating ingredients like aloe vera and green tea extract.
Micellar water
Peek inside the medicine cabinets of models, makeup artists and celebrities, and you’re bound to see a bottle of micellar water. This ultra-gentle cleansing water is a French beauty secret that has been popular in the States for a while, and it’s becoming a must-have for anyone who wants a quick and easy way to remove makeup and cleanse their skin.
Micellar water is a clear liquid that contains one or more types of surfactants. Surfactants are molecules that have a hydrophilic head and a lipophilic tail, which means they attract oil and dirt. When the micellar water is applied to the skin, the hydrophilic heads bind to the sebum and other oils on the face, causing them to break down. As a result, the makeup, sunscreen and other impurities are removed from the face, leaving the skin clean and smooth.
A key difference between micellar water and other cleansers is that micellar water doesn’t require any rubbing or scrubbing to be effective. The water-like formula is applied to a cotton pad and gently swiped across the face, allowing the micelles to dissolve the makeup and sebum. The pads can then be thrown away, and the skin is left feeling fresh and clean.
Another benefit of micellar water is that it doesn’t leave the skin feeling dry and tight like other cleansers. This is because the formula typically contains very few ingredients, including moisturizers such as glycerin and purified water. This also makes it a great option for sensitive skin.
Many of the best micellar water products are alcohol-free and fragrance-free, making them suitable for all skin types. Additionally, some micellar water is available with added skin-protecting ingredients such as peptides and vitamins.
The gentle, non-stripping formula of this micellar water has earned it the top spot in GH Beauty Lab’s latest test. The product does a great job of dissolving makeup and is especially good at removing waterproof eyeliner. Plus, it doesn’t sting the eyes, which is a huge bonus for those with sensitive eyes. Overall, it’s a great choice for those who want a fast and easy way to remove makeup, cleanse and tone the skin.
Cleansing oil
Unlike regular foaming, gel or cream cleansers, cleansing oil can dissolve a full face of makeup without stripping your skin of its natural oils. It can also improve the appearance of your complexion by softening lines and wrinkles. It is a great choice for sensitive skin because it doesn’t contain harsh surfactants that can cause redness and irritation.
Cleansing oils are usually made of a blend of plant oils that vary depending on the formulation. For example, a formula designed for oily skin might contain lightweight fruit extracts while one formulated for dry skin will include heavier oils such as coconut that are packed with vitamins and essential fatty acids.
They also usually contain an emulsifier, which allows the oil and other ingredients to combine with water to form a soapy lather. After using the cleanser, you should rinse it off with lukewarm water. Some cleansing oils have the added benefit of exfoliating your complexion by dissolving dead skin cells and blackheads. You can then follow up with a toner and moisturiser, depending on your skincare routine.
A popular option is Kiehl’s Facial Oil Makeup Remover, which is formulated for the evening (and indicated by its midnight blue packaging). It contains a blend of oils that help to remove makeup and impurities while improving the skin’s barrier. It’s fragrance-free and has a low comedogenic rating, meaning it will not clog pores.
Another good choice is Pure Fiji’s Vitamin C Foaming Oil Cleanser, which can be used as a makeup remover and face wash in one. Its foamy texture is infused with marula oil that helps to prevent moisture loss, as well as squalane and meadowfoam oil that soothe the complexion. It also contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which means it can help with acne, rosacea and other common conditions that can cause redness and irritation.
If you want to try an oil-based cleanser but aren’t sure where to start, we recommend starting with this bestseller. It’s a gentle, nourishing blend of plant oils that is suitable for all skin types. It is rich in antioxidants and emollients, which will leave the complexion feeling smooth and soft.
Cleansing balm
Cleansing balm is an oil-based cleanser that dissolves makeup and impurities from the skin. It is formulated to remove stubborn waterproof makeup and sunscreen, leaving the face feeling clean and refreshed. Balm cleansers come in a variety of textures, including solid, liquid, and foamy, and they work for all skin types. These cleansers are also gentle on the face, removing makeup without stripping the skin of its natural oils. They can be used alone or as part of a double-cleansing routine with a water-based cleanser.
While other makeup removers, such as makeup wipes, focus on removing makeup and dirt from the surface of the skin, cleansing balms help to eliminate more deeply ingested particles, bacteria, and excess oils from the pores. This makes them the ideal option for dry or sensitive skin types. However, if you have oily or acne-prone skin, you should follow up with a traditional cleanser to prevent the pores from becoming clogged.
Unlike cleansing oil and micellar water, which have a liquid consistency, cleansing balms start off as a solid or semi-solid product that transforms into an oil-like formula when massaged onto the skin. Once warmed, the balm gently dissolves dirt, makeup, and impurities from the face, and then rinses away cleanly with water.
Cleansing balm is a good option for all skin types, but it’s especially useful for oily and acne-prone skin. It’s also a great choice for those who wear heavy makeup or eye makeup, as it can easily dissolve waterproof mascara and lipstick. For best results, use a cleansing balm as the first step in your daily cleansing routine.
This makeup remover balm contains a mix of nourishing botanicals, such as shea butter, jojoba and rosehip oils, and hyaluronic acid, to soften the face. It’s also infused with turmeric and ginger for a natural-smelling, refreshing experience. It also comes with a little spatula to make digging into the jar a bit easier and more sanitary.
This cleansing balm has a smooth, creamy texture that melts makeup and grime from the face with ease. Its blend of shea butter, pomegranate, and chamomile helps soothe the skin while brightening and hydrating it.
Makeup wipes
The makeup removers that you use to gently cleanse your skin should be formulated with ingredients that promote skin health and support your complexion. These makeup removers should be free from harsh chemicals, as well. They should be able to dissolve all types of makeup and dirt, including stubborn waterproof mascara. The best way to find a makeup remover that meets your specific needs is by reading online reviews. These honest assessments will provide enlightening insights into how the product performs and what other users have experienced.
Makeup wipes are said to be a lazy girl’s best friend, because they let you take off the day’s cosmetics with a few swipes and don’t require the same level of effort as traditional cleansers. However, makeup wipes can irritate the skin, especially when used frequently. They can also leave traces of makeup residue that can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
If you’re using makeup wipes regularly, consider switching to a micellar water or cleansing balm. These products are gentle, oil-free, and have no perfumes or dyes. They can also be more effective at removing makeup and dirt than other types of products.
When you do decide to go back to makeup wipes, look for a formula that is dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. This will ensure that the wipes are safe to use around your eyes. If you want to cut down on waste, opt for reusable pads instead of single-use wipes. They are available from eco-friendly brands like Versed Down to Earth and come with a wash bag for easy reusing.
When it comes to removing makeup, you need a product that works fast. The CeraVe makeup removers are a great option because they’re gentle, oil-free, and contain moisturizing ingredients. These makeup removers will leave your skin with a natural glow and won’t clog your pores. They’re also a good choice for removing eye makeup, as they are gentle enough to be used around the sensitive area. This is essential for preventing puffiness and dark circles. They also come in different formulations for all skin types.
