How to Remove Makeup: Best Makeup Remover Products 2022

Overwhelmed with choosing between multiple makeup remover products and don’t know where to begin? Try one of our top picks, listed below, to help speed up your overnight beauty process so you can slide into your bed and start fresh the next day!


Taking off your makeup at night is the best thing you can do for your skin as it helps prevent irritation, acne, and premature aging. Experts consider makeup removal to be a crucial step in maintaining good skin. As a result, if you want to wake up with clear, radiant skin, you should consider removing all of your makeup before bedtime.

Fortunately, several makeup removal products are available on the market today that are significantly more effective than your regular facial cleanser and water. The first trick on how to remove makeup is to choose a makeup removal product that will gently dissolve all of your makeup without causing any irritation to your skin.

Experts advise that you choose makeup removal products based on the type and amount of makeup you apply. And ultimately, the product should easily and thoroughly put off the makeup without rubbing or irritating the skin.

Best Makeup Remover Products

Micellar Water

Micellar water can effectively remove any amount of makeup and cleanses your face, thus preventing irritants from penetrating the skin and aggravating skin sensitivity.

It’s also a fantastic option to keep your face clean, especially when water is not available, like when you are camping.

Micellar water is a broadly good product when it comes to skin types. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or something in between, this micellar water is a perfect go-to product and one of the tested and proven ways when it comes to how to remove makeup. 

The makeup remover does not contain alcohol and is made up entirely of dirt-dissolving micelle molecules that easily bond and break down makeup and debris, making it a top choice for every skin type.

Bamboo Wet Wipes

This bamboo wet wipe is composed of aloe, cucumber extract, vitamin E, and other therapeutic ingredients, which soothes the skin while leaving you clean and refreshed. This makeup remover contains no harsh or harmful ingredients, such as alcohol or synthetic fragrance, making it perfect for even the most sensitive skin, as well as excellent for all of your personal needs.

Glossier Milky Oil

Using this Milky Oil, a waterproof makeup remover from Glossier is another trusted method of how to remove makeup. The milky oil composition walks the border between micellar water and oil, which is why it’s unique. These two textures combine to provide a smooth lather of micelles and oil that melts away even the heaviest makeup without being too irritating on the skin.

This makeup remover removes all makeup while still leaving skin smooth and soft. To use the product, simply shake the bottle, squeeze a small amount onto a cotton pad (preferably a Glossier one), and wipe the makeup and debris away from your face.

One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover

When you think of the best way to remove makeup, One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover is a product you can count on. It isn’t like most other all-natural oil cleansers. This product’s most notable feature is its ability to be rinsed away with water. Unlike other oil cleansers, you don’t need a washcloth to put it off. This makes it suitable for all different skin types, even those that are extremely sensitive or irritated.

This organic cleansing oil is a delight to use on your skin. The combination of vitamin E, papaya seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and beeswax gently removes makeup without leaving your skin tight or dry.

Public Goods Cleansing Balm

Our Cleansing Balm is a one-of-a-kind oil-based cleanser that easily dissolves makeup on all skin types. It was made to remove even waterproof makeup as well as accomplish a variety of other jobs. This cleansing balm contains only ten components but heavily relies on the main ingredient: Japanese Barley Magic. This ingredient contains vitamins and antioxidants that aid in the regulation of melanin production in the skin.

Like other balm cleansers, this product is created to remove makeup and sunscreen, which makes it ideal for evening use. Simply take a small amount, rub it into dry skin, wet your fingertips, emulsify the cleanser over your face, and wash it away.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

This makeup remover contains cucumber and aloe extracts, which soothe the skin and make it feel cool and refreshed. It has been ophthalmologist-tested and is suitable even for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers; hence, it is considered one of the practical ways of how to remove makeup.

When shaken, the ultra-gentle dual-phase solution activates, softly whisking away even waterproof eye makeup without leaving any residue, straining, pulling, or burning. Your skin will feel clean and fresh afterwards.

To use the product, shake it thoroughly before applying it to closed eyelids with a cotton pad, then gently rinse with warm water. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is a must-have for any at-home skincare routine.

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser

Using the Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser is another best way to remove makeup. This product combines a unique oil to milk cleanser that effortlessly and efficiently melts away all traces of grime, debris, makeup, and sunscreen – including water-resistant formulas – when applied on dry skin with dry hands.

Slaai is created to take off excess oil, dirt, and makeup and is perfect on dry skin. To use the product, use dry fingertips to rub Slaai over your face and eyes at night. Then add water to activate and rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

Face Halo Reusable Makeup Remover Pads

Face Halo is a unique beauty makeup remover that pro makeup artists, celebrities, and women all over the world can’t seem to get enough of. It is eco-friendly and seems to work like magic.  Face Halo traps and put off makeup using only water for a thorough cleansing and mild exfoliation.

The Face Halo is an excellent choice if you’re looking for ways to make your skincare process more sustainable. It indeed works well at removing makeup.

Face Halo can be used with both cold and warm water; hence, it is regarded as a top pick when you think of how to remove makeup. There’s no need to rub or scrub; just moisten your Face Halo and wipe away your makeup softly. In the case of heavier eye makeup, it is advised you rehydrate your Face Halo (with water) and hold it on the eyes for an additional 5-10 seconds.

Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

Contact lens users and people with sensitive eyes can all use this waterproof eye makeup remover without worrying about anything. This multi-purpose formula features a lash-strengthening complex with a high concentration of olive wood extracts and flavonoids and can effectively put off waterproof makeup.

It is free of synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and GMOs.  Triclosan HydroSenn+ is a Sephora-exclusive plant-derived ingredient that leaves skin soft and luxuriously relaxed.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Milky Cleanser

This face cleanser is also another best way to remove makeup. The product gently and softly cleanses the face and eyes while removing waterproof makeup, grime, and oil. And it can be rinsed off or wiped with cotton or tissue, making it ideal for sensitive skins.

Most conventional skincare products dry, irritate and tighten a sensitive complexion. However,  La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Milky Cleanser has soothing ingredients that help relax skin while eliminating pollutants that trigger redness and inflammation.

Without the need for vigorous washing, this creamy product removes makeup, grime, and oil. After cleansing, its hydrating ingredients make sure that your skin does not feel tight or itch. 

You can use La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo Milky Cleanser as a makeup remover and cleanser on a daily basis. In a gentle stroke, massage the skin, then remove with a cotton pad or by rinsing.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

The CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser is a mild but efficient cleanser for all skin types. It eliminates makeup, grime, and excess oil from the face, hydrates for 24 hours, and leaves a non-greasy, moisturized appearance.

Most cleansers remove makeup, dirt, and other debris. Still, a hydrating cleanser, such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, can do so without damaging the skin’s natural protective layer or dehydrating it.

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser contains ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and ceramides that work to restore the skin’s natural protective layer and help it lock in moisture. So, it is an ideal product to reckon with when you talk about how to remove makeup. It was developed in collaboration with dermatologists.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser was created to cleanse and refresh the skin without robbing its natural oils or leaving it tight and dry. This non-comedogenic face cleanser is a great way to begin any skincare routine without causing irritation. It’s best for skin that’s normal to dry.

Witch Hazel

Witch hazel works wonders as a makeup remover in a pinch. This easy makeup remover is mild yet efficient, and it does not require using special wipes or different brands’ cleansing oil. Witch Hazel can remove both eye and facial makeup in no time.

Witch hazel is excellent for acne-prone skin because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. It is also perfect for dry skin as it removes excess oil while still nourishing the skin.

To use the product, get a small container, mix equal amounts witch hazel and water then apply to a round or cotton ball. Then, using circular motions, simply massage it to your face or eyes to put off makeup.

Lip Balm

It is no surprise that Lip balm is included in one of the tested ways of how to remove makeup. When applied on a cotton swab and used as a makeup remover, this lip balm can effectively clean up your eye makeup ( such as eyeliner or mascara).

The lip balm is made with natural, high-quality ingredients that work together to keep your lips nourished and smooth. It is vegan, gluten-free, paraben-free, synthetic fragrance-free, sodium lauryl sulfate-free, phthalate-free, and free of anything from formaldehyde. 

The lip balm is nutrient-dense and made with certified shea butter, organic coconut oil, and candelilla wax. This lip balm will undoubtedly put a smile on your face.

Experts’ tips on the best way to remove makeup flawlessly

Regardless of how hard you try, there will always be some makeup that refuses to come off and causes acne. But don’t worry; we have got you covered. Here are some professional makeup removal tips and tricks to have a flawlessly bare, makeup-free face:

Tie your hair

Before you begin your makeup removal procedure, always tie your hair. Doing this will make you focus on taking the makeup off your face and eyes without having to wet your hair.

Ensure you wipe off your eyelid’s edges as well

Often, most women neglect the elusive edge of their eyelids during makeup removal. And this zone is where mascara and liner can build up with time, leading to eye irritation. You probably have to get in there with a more specialized tool and ensure every little speck is gone, particularly if you tight-lined your eyes using waterproof liquid.

Cotton balls aren’t as good as flat cotton pads

According to dermatologist Rebecca Kazin, “cotton balls can leave residue or break down during use, leaving fibers on your lashes or skin.” When you’re trying to detox and soothe, this can cause irritation. For that reason, ensure you always use flat cotton pads, preferably with a quilted feel, instead of balls. According to makeup artist Fiona Stiles, “basic drugstore pads work very well, but specialized ones can be worth it for dedicated makeup wearers.”

Don’t Rush

When it comes to eye makeup removal, the slower you go, the better the result. Taking things easy and one at a time is another best way to remove makeup. Experts say it is better to apply makeup remover and leave it to sit for a while. For instance, allow a few minutes, say while brushing and flossing. This will soften liner, mascara, and shadow so that when you wipe it off, it comes off easily and completely.
Allowing the makeup remover to perform its magic also negates the need to rub/scrub with your makeup remover pad, which is usually a mistake because friction damages the sensitive skin around your eyes, creating irritation and wrinkles.

Make use of a makeup-removing cleanser

Some women commonly use a face wash that isn’t designed to put off makeup. If you think yours is in this group, start with a makeup remover like micellar water and then switch to a cleansing oil or balm. Even the heaviest and hardest makeup, such as stay-put foundations, brow pigments, and liquid lipsticks, can be removed using cleansing oil or balm.

Keep a close watch on your eyes

Taking off your eye makeup is the most time-consuming part of the process. Since your eyes are sensitive, use an eye makeup remover developed solely for them. In addition, removing your mascara and liner is tough, and an eye makeup remover is a perfect product to utilize.

Always moisturize after removing your makeup

Even though you don’t have dry skin, you ought to know how to remove makeup effectively and always follow up your makeup removal with some dedicated moisturizer. Apply a moisturizer to your skin and massage it until it is completely absorbed. Besides, make sure to select a moisturizer appropriate for your skin type and requirements. 

Conclusion

Makeup removal ought to be a part of your regular skincare routine as it’s beneficial to your skin. This has a number of advantages: it removes cosmetics, pollutants, and dirt from your skin’s surface, which can cause irritation or accelerate the aging process.

After carefully removing your makeup and cleansing your skin, use any moisturizer, toner, or serums that you prefer, and you’ll be ready to face the day with smooth, fresh skin when you wake up in the morning.

Make a mental note of these expert tips on how to remove makeup and incorporate them into your everyday practice. This will help you maintain an everyday radiant skin and face that you can be proud of. Check out our blog for more guides!