Everyone who wears makeup knows the number one rule: never skip makeup remover! Sometimes, trying to find the best makeup remover can make you feel like Goldilocks - none of them seem quite right. However, it doesn’t have to be that difficult - here’s our guide to choosing the best face makeup remover for you.

How to Choose the Right Makeup Remover

First off, different makeup removers work best for different needs - micellar water works best for lightweight, non-waterproof makeup, while oil cleansers are makeup removing powerhouses that grab every speck of makeup and grime.

There are also milk cleansers, which are in between an oil and a cream - they’re designed to be massaged into the skin, gently breaking down makeup. Your cleanser works better when your skin is free of makeup, too - ensuring you’re getting the most out of your skin care.

Best Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin

Most modern makeup removers are great for all skin types - even for sensitive skin. Micellar water is one choice as a foundation makeup remover for sensitive skin - the micelles gently grab any oil-based particles, removing them from the skin without stripping it. It’s a super gentle eye makeup and foundation remover option - so long as your makeup isn’t waterproof.

Milk cleansers are also a great makeup remover for sensitive skin - their texture is lotion-like, and dissolving away any makeup without irritating the skin. When used as an eye and face makeup remover, they’re super gentle and can either be rinsed off with warm water or gently wiped off with a warm towel to reveal clean, makeup-free skin.

Best Makeup Remover on the Go

While makeup remover wipes have a bad rep, they’re a great foundation makeup remover to use while you’re on the go or need to get your makeup off quickly. Keep a few makeup wipes in your gym bag, your flight toiletry bag or even in your purse - they might come in handy for averting a makeup disaster or two! Their foundation remover power doesn’t just work on skin either - they’re great for cleaning makeup messes.

Best Eye and Face Makeup Remover

Oil-based makeup removers are usually best when it comes to wiping away eye makeup - they’re gentle enough to dissolve the most stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner, plus they work as a high coverage foundation remover.

While a natural product like pure coconut oil might seem like the best eye and face makeup remover to reach for, it’s better to go with a properly formulated cleansing oil. They’re designed to rinse away cleanly with water, leaving no pore-clogging residue behind for makeup-free skin. Or, for just eye makeup removal, a bi-phase makeup remover is a great way to gently break down any makeup (even waterproof)!

I know what you’re thinking - what about cruelty-free makeup remover? Yes, it does exist - and it isn’t any less effective than the regular kind, either.

At Beauty Affairs, we’ve got makeup removers for every skin type from all your favourite brands: L’Occitane, SK-II, GA-DE, and more!

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Micellar Water