If you wear makeup, you know how difficult it is to remove. And the more elaborate or dramatic your makeup is, the more challenging it can be to take off at the end of the day. While there are plenty of makeup removers, cleansers, and wipes out there that promise to remove every little trace of eyeliner, mascara, lipstick, and more, the truth is that many products simply can’t get the job done.
But not all makeup removers sting your skin, fail to remove stubborn makeup, or leave your skin worse for the wear. Some makeup removers are both effective and kind to your skin. In fact, if you know where to look, you can even find a makeup remover that suits your specific skin type.
Marko Marcello / ShutterstockCheck out the following makeup removers, each of which is great for different skin types and effective at removing all types of makeup.
Glossier Milky Oil
Price: $12¹
Best For: Any type of skin, including combination skin.
Why This Makeup Remover is One of the Best
Glossier Milky Oil is a blend of two effective cleansers: water and oil. Although it might sound contradictory to use both water and oil as a makeup remover, Milky Oil is a cult favorite among makeup fans. This product can literally melt away even the toughest types of makeup, including waterproof eyeliner and mascara and matte lipsticks. And it’s incredibly easy to use. With just a few drops on a cotton pad, you can quickly wipe away any makeup.
Klorane Make-Up Remover Water
Price: $24²
Best For: Sensitive skin, including skin that’s prone to burns, irritation, or eczema.
Why This Makeup Remover is One of the Best
Here’s another water-based makeup remover that’s surprisingly effective. Klorane Make-Up Remover Water is a blend of soothing cornflower and flower water, which makes it an excellent choice for sensitive skin or anyone with skin conditions like eczema. It cleanses the skin while removing every last trace of makeup, which makes it a two-in-one powerhouse. And this makeup remover will also help prevent irritation, as it features no fragrance, alcohol, or coloring.
Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Pads
Price: $3.49³
Best For: Oily skin or areas prone to shine and oiliness.
Why This Makeup Remover is One of the Best
Almay Oil-Free Makeup Remover Pads are one of the easiest makeup removers you can buy. With a few swipes of these ready-to-use pads, you can literally wipe off your day – and every last bit of your daily makeup. They’re also great for oily skin, as Almay’s pads feature no oil at all. You can even use them on your eyes. Tested by ophthalmologists and dermatologists, these makeup remover pads are effective and safe for your skin and eyes.
Natura Brasil Bi-Phase Makeup Remover
Price: $10⁴
Best For: Acne-prone skin or anyone who experiences frequent breakouts.
Why This Makeup Remover is One of the Best
If skincare products tend to clog your pores and cause breakouts, you’ll want to choose Natura Brasil Bi-Phase Makeup Remover. Perfect for acne-prone skin and designed to help prevent pore-clogging oils and grease from creating breakouts, this makeup remover helps hydrating the skin while it removes your makeup. But it won’t hydrate too much – it keeps the skin’s moisture barrier intact and doesn’t strip away natural oils.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
Price: $34⁵
Best For: Dry skin, or areas of dryness in need of deep hydration.
Why This Makeup Remover is One of the Best
Drunk Elephant features plenty of cult favorite beauty products in its lineup, but the brand’s Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser is perhaps one of the very best. This unique makeup remover is actually a balm – but don’t let the surprising composition scare you away. This cleanser literally melts makeup and dirt off your skin, making it easy to wash away in just minutes. It can even tackle long-wearing makeup and waterproof products.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Price: $8.99⁶
Best For: All skin types.
Why This Makeup Remover is One of the Best
Micellar water has become a must-have product for any beauty fan, but there’s one specific type of micellar water that’s earned plenty of accolades: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water. And the praise is well-deserved. This cleanser works quickly, thoroughly cleansing skin and removing even the toughest makeup. You can easily wipe away any amount of makeup with a little of this micellar water, and it’s budget-friendly too.
Find the Right Makeup Remover for Your Skin’s Needs
If you’ve been struggling with ineffective makeup removers, you need something better. You need a product that actually delivers on its promises – and leaves your skin in better condition once it’s used. And fortunately, there are plenty of excellent makeup removers to choose from.
Find a makeup remover that’s friendly to your skin and effective at removing even the toughest, longest-lasting makeup products. You can search for the top options mentioned here, or find other great products online. Check out drugstores, beauty retailers, and other online shops to find the right product for your skin and your makeup needs.