While some people live for the process of putting on makeup, others countdown the seconds until they can pull out their best makeup remover and take it off.
No matter which category you fall into, there’s no denying that washing your makeup off every night is one of the best things you can do to avoid breakouts and irritation. And at the very least, it can be a soothing wind down ritual to wash away the stress (and oil) from the day that has passed.
Unless of course, you aren’t using the right products. In which case, those two minutes that were allocated as a “wind down” can quickly turn into an abrasive scrubbing session that will leave your skin worse off than when you began.
So before you ditch that waterproof mascara and longwear foundation, here are the balms, oils and waters that will provide a proper first clean and leave your skin prepped for cleansing.
La Roche-Posay Respectissime Eye Makeup Remover
Formulated for sensitive skin, the La-Roche Posay eye makeup remover will instantly send waterproof and stubborn mascara packing. No rubbing or elbow grease necessary.
“I live this eye makeup remover, it’s so effective but gentle.” – Bebeautiful24
Want to know more? Read La Roche-Posay Respectissime Eye Makeup Remover reviews here..
$23.99, Priceline
BIODERMA Hydrabio H2O Hydrating Micellar Water Cleanser
If you’re familiar with Bioderma’s cult-favourite French pharmacy product, then you’ll want to meet its extra-hydrating, super-moisturising and more gentle younger cousin.
“It feels incredible and never strips or irritates my sensitive and over reactive skin type. One of my go to products; especially in winter months.” – Laura.amy
Want to know more? Read BIODERMA Hydrabio H2O Hydrating Micellar Water Cleanser reviews here…
$15.39, Chemist Warehouse
CLINIQUE Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Upon contact with the skin and without the need for water, this solid balm will transform into a silky fluid to instantly dissolve SPF and makeup.
“I am in love with this Clinique Makeup Remover solution! It works really well to remove even heavy eye makeup and doesn’t irritate my sensitive eye area/skin.” – Ness904
Want to know more? Read CLINIQUE Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm reviews here…
$22, Adore Beauty
Garnier Micellar Reusable Eco Pads
These Garnier Micellar Cleansing Pads are ideal for the environmentally-conscious and are suited to skin that leans toward the sensitive side. They can be washed up to 1000 times, reducing daily consumer waste and removing all traces of makeup with just one swipe.
“Delightfully soft and pure white in colour so you can actually see what is being removed. I put these in the washing machine with other things like face washers and tea towels then just hang them out to dry in the sunshine so that they are ready to be used again.” – Clearcrystalwater
Want to know more? Read Garnier Micellar Reusable Eco Pads reviews here..
$9.99, Chemist Warehouse
Rodan + Fields ESSENTIALS Instant Makeup Remover Wipes
A soothing waterless solution for gently dissolving waterproof mascara, full coverage foundation and dirt build-up from throughout the day.
“These are the best make-up wipes I’ve used it to completely removes my makeup without making my skin feel dry like other brands have.” – Lovemyskincare
Want to know more? Read Rodan + Fields ESSENTIALS Instant Makeup Remover Wipes reviews here….
$44, Rodan + Fields
Ipsum Best Skin Cleansing Oil Balm
Formulated with a hydrating blend of Australian harvested botanicals including sandalwood and camellia seed oil, Ipsum’s nourishing balm will lift oil from deep within the pores.
Want to know more? Read Ipsum Best Skin Cleansing Oil Balm reviews here…
$34, Ipsum Skin
Main image credit: @ninapark
Have you tried any of these products? If not, which makeup remover do you use?
I’ll take the Garnier ones. I love them and they are reusable.
I prefer a cleansing oil but the Bioderma is great.
I’ve used the Clinique balm, I love a good balm, they are great for my sensitive dry skin.
I love using either a cleansing balm or oil. Then clinique is pretty good but have only used the small travel size one.
Take the Day Off is great! I use those Garnier Eco Pads & Manicare Mini Makeup Removal Towels. I throw them in the washing machine in a lingerie bag.
QV Gentle Cleanser is my favourite for taking off makeup and feeling clean without dryness.
Yes QV is a really good product and I have sensitive skin too
I’m a fan of washable makeup remover round things – though I noticed today on a article that they are not all made round these days – a different brand I did notice that actually makes a different shape!
Keen on trying the La Roche-Posay as I like a separate product for eye makeup removal.
I love Garnier reusable makeup remover pads.
I love the look of most of these except for the wipes as too many people flush these an they cause major problems -I like the idea of the Garnier washable pads though
I bought some reusable cleansing pads from a different brand and hate how after a couple of uses they look really dirty even after having been in the washing machine
Clinique balm works well. Garnier micellars work too. They all work. I like the most for removal the cleansing oils that come in pump bottles.
I’ve tried the Bioderma micellar water which is great
I love the Clinique Cleansing Balm
I love Bioderma. Very gentle and soothing.
love clinique take the day off