My Go-To Makeup Removers

One of the many questions I get asked in DM’s on social media and comments on blog posts is what makeup removers I use. What makeup remover will remove waterproof makeup? How do I remove lip stains? What makeup removers can I use for sensitive eyes and skin? Today, I’m answering these questions!

An important thing to note is that I consider my makeup remover my first cleanse. I still absolutely follow up with a regular face wash to really get the skin clean. Don’t skip that second cleanse!

My Favorite Makeup Removers

Makeup removers have the dirty job of removing all of the gunk we slap on our faces everyday. They have to remove waterproof makeup, mascara, eyeliner, SPF, and even lipsticks that don’t want to budge. It’s a hard job, but with the right makeup remover, you’ll find that removing your makeup will be a breeze.

There are numerous formulas that are available when it comes to makeup removers. You’ve got Micellar Water, Cleansing Oils, Makeup Wipes, Cleansing Balms, and face washes. I’m going to discuss some of my favorite products that I’ve used and I’ll also talk about why I don’t really use makeup wipes anymore.

Removing Makeup Witch Micellar Water

The Micellar Water craze really had me curious a few years back, so I finally jumped on the bandwagon and tried a few formulas. Overall, I was happy with them. They were great at gently removing my eye makeup and stubborn lipstick. However, not all formulas worked for me. Some left me with an oily residue and some contained fragrance that irritated my skin.

How do I use Micellar Water? I normally use them as my main AM cleanser. At night, I’ll start with a bit on a cotton pad and remove my eye makeup, my brow gel and also any lipstick that I’m wearing. then I’ll go in with a second cleanse using a regular cleanser.

I have been using the Bioderma Micellar Water for years now. It’s fragrance-free and it doesn’t leave behind an oily residue. It does an amazing job at removing stubborn makeup (even my tubing mascara) and it doesn’t dry out my skin. To me, this is the best Micellar Water that I’ve used. Ever.

Some of my other go-to Micellar Waters are:

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water (I get this travel size often if I’m traveling and forgot one)
La Roche-Posay Micellar Water (Excellent for sensitive skin types)

Removing Makeup With Cleansing Oils

I really love to use a cleansing oil because while they remove my makeup, they also help hydrate my skin. They’re incredible really. They start off silky and then when you add water to them, they turn almost milky. I use these for a first cleanse. Sometimes if my skin is a bit on the dry side, I’ll only use an oil cleanser.

I love the Tata Harper Nourishing Cleansing Oil. It’s hella expensive, but you’re getting a completely natural product line with no synthetics whatsoever. It’s a holy-grail product for me and I’m on my fifth or sixth bottle. I apply it straight to my skin, rub it around to loosen up my makeup, then I add water to it. It smells incredible and my skin LOVES the formula.

Some other formulas that I suggest are:

Removing Makeup With Cleansing Balms

A good cleansing balm can be such a great addition to your skincare routine. I love how easy they are to use. Scoop out product, warm it up in your hands and apply all over your face to remove your makeup. Add some water and wipe clean! Follow with your regular cleanser of course. These are great for your first cleanse option!

My go-to cleansing balms vary.

e.l.f. Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm (affordable and works excellent)
Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm (Super expensive and luxurious and worth the splurge)
Farmacy Cleansing Balm (A favorite for a good reason! It works!)
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm (A fragrance-free cleansing balm!)
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (So, so good)
Colleen Rothschild Cleansing Balm (This is like a spa experience in a jar. It is very fragrant, FYI)

Why I Don’t Use Makeup Wipes (That Often)

I really used to love using Makeup Wipes. Especially after the gym or something active and I didn’t have access to use my skincare. However, I just feel like they’re so wasteful now. I still occasionally use them if I travel and I don’t have any other option.

Also, I never felt like they were really getting my skin that clean. I felt like I had to go over my face with so many wipes that it really did just feel very wasteful. Plus, many of the wipes that are available do contain a lot of chemicals and such that can be harsh on the skin.

IF you need a makeup wipe option here are some that I suggest:

Can I Use A Regular Face Wash To Remove My Makeup?

I think the answer to this question depends on what cleanser you are using. I love the Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser. It’s fantastic and you can totally use this to remove your makeup. You just need a cleanser that will “eat” its way through waterproof products,etc. Not all cleansers will do that.

If you’re wearing a full face of heavy makeup and SPF, you will need a cleanser that will dissolve the makeup. You need an oil based cleanser to help dissolve the products. Sometimes a face wash won’t be able to do that. Just check your ingredients and

I’m also using the CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser and it reminds me a lot (texture wise) of the Youth To The People Superfoods Cleanser. It’s also way less expensive.

Choose A Makeup Remover That YOU Prefer

Whatever product you decide to use, just make sure that your makeup remover is working for you! Always be sure to follow up with your regular cleanser for a second cleanse. There is no real difference between each of these products: more of a texture difference than anything, BUT there are differences between what ingredients are used in each product.

So if you’re more on the oily side, I’d choose a non-comedogenic oil such as jojoba or almond oil. We don’t want to clog the pores!

Cleansing balms are great because they’re super convenient to travel with! They’re also great because they’re gentle and really do an excellent job at removing stubborn makeup! (If you travel somewhere warm, keep in mind that this will probably melt!)

With Cleansing Oils, a lot of people don’t like the greasy feeling. It doesn’t bother me as I find the oils to, again, really do an excellent job at removing the makeup. Especially stubborn makeup!

The choice is all yours!!!