Removing your makeup at the end of every day is a must—no matter how tired or unmotivated you find yourself. Running out of makeup remover isn’t a good excuse for skipping this important step, either. There are plenty of products you can use as alternatives, including some you likely already have on hand. So, don’t let a lack of makeup wipes be the only thing standing between you and a fresh, clean face. Ahead, we’re offering up seven different solutions for how to remove makeup without makeup remover. You’ll find product recommendations, tips, and answers to common questions like “Does micellar water remove makeup?” (Spoiler alert: It does.) Keep reading for the full scoop. Key Takeaways Takeaway #1: Proper makeup removal is key for maintaining skin that appears clear and healthy. Takeaway #2: There are various makeup remover alternatives, including other skincare products and household essentials. Takeaway #3: Oils and oil-based formulas are among our favorite options for breaking down makeup residue. Takeaway #4: Without a dedicated remover, you may need to use multiple cleansers to completely take off waterproof makeup. Why It’s Important To Remove Your Makeup Makeup isn’t meant to stay on forever. You should wear it and look fabulous, then wash it off at the end of the day. But if you’ve ever failed to do so, you definitely aren’t alone. Whether it’s due to pure exhaustion, forgetting, or convincing yourself that a quick touch-up in the morning will do the trick, skipping this step isn’t uncommon. Still, no matter how harmless it seems in the moment, regularly leaving makeup on overnight can have consequences for your skin. Here are three complexion concerns you might face if sleeping in your full beat becomes a habit: Clogged pores: Leaving makeup—even non-comedogenic makeup—on overnight can block your pores and cause breakouts. Premature aging: The right makeup looks can make you appear younger, but failing to remove your makeup at the end of the day can actually impact how your skin ages. Regularly sleeping in makeup may lead to wrinkles and other visible signs of premature aging, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Dryness: If you leave makeup on at night, it’s safe to assume you don’t have a good, moisturizing nighttime routine. And skipping moisturizer can result in dry skin. Sometimes, makeup itself can also be drying, which is another reason it’s best not to leave it on for longer than necessary. 7 Ways To Remove Makeup Without Makeup Remover or Wipes You may already have a dedicated makeup remover in your routine, but it’s always smart to have a backup plan. You never know when you might forget to pack a remover for a trip, crash somewhere unexpectedly (without your toiletry bag), or realize too late that your go-to product is empty. Knowing how to remove makeup without makeup remover gives you the flexibility to keep your skin clean in any situation. 1. Micellar water Micellar water is a type of gentle, water-based cleanser formulated with a mild detergent. At first, it may look (and even feel) like plain H2O, but in actuality, it contains surfactants to help remove both impurities and makeup from your skin. While micellar water originated in France, it’s become quite a popular makeup removal solution stateside. One option we love is the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Purifying with Salicylic Acid. Designed for oily, acne-prone skin, it gently cleanses, removes makeup, and mattifies skin in a single step. How to use: Saturate a cotton ball or pad with the micellar water, then sweep it over your skin. No rinsing required. Best for: Quick cleansing; sensitive skin 2. Cleansing oil Oil cleansers help to effectively remove makeup, sunscreen, and excess sebum, leaving skin feeling clean and nourished. If you’ve never used a cleansing oil, the idea might sound counterintuitive—aren’t you trying to remove oil? But think back to the scientific idea of “like attracts like.” Oil-based cleansers work by attracting and removing oil-based impurities, including sebum and makeup. For an indulgent cleansing experience, try Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil. The lightweight cleanser features a blend of botanical oils and transforms into a gentle cleansing milk when mixed with water. It melts away makeup, dirt, and other impurities and reveals skin that feels soft, supple, and replenished. If you’re partial to foaming cleansers, pick up the CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser instead. It combines oil-based ingredients with surfactants and creates a soft lathering foam that effectively cleanses the skin’s surface. This cleansing action helps to remove even long-wear face makeup. Plus, it doubles as a body cleanser! How to use: Apply your oil cleanser to dry skin, then add water and massage it over your face to emulsify. Rinse with more lukewarm water and pat dry. Best for: Dry skin 3. Cleansing balm Cleansing balms work much like cleansing oils, but they have a solid, balm-like texture. As you massage them into your skin, the texture changes and melts into an oil. They can help remove most impurities but tend to be especially effective for washing away stubborn makeup. A good example is Garner’s SkinActive Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Hyaluronic Acid, which helps remove all types of longwear makeup while also cleansing and hydrating your skin. The Lancôme Absolue Rose 80 Cleansing Balm to Foam is another option. The rich, luscious formula is enriched with a rose emulsion and removes makeup to leave skin perfectly clean. How to use: With clean fingers, scoop out a dime-sized dollop of cleansing balm. Massage it onto dry skin using circular motions. Add water to create a lather, then rinse clean. Best for: Dry skin; heavy makeup 4. Coconut oil Coconut oil is a plant-based oil that comes from coconuts (no surprise there). For many, it’s a pantry staple. But its benefits extend beyond the kitchen—coconut oil also has versatile beauty uses. It can stand in for your body moisturizer, lip balm, and hair mask. And yes, it can also be a good makeup remover. With that said, keep in mind that coconut oil can be comedogenic, so it may not be a good fit if you have acne-prone skin. How to use: Use a cotton ball or pad to apply the coconut oil to your skin. Rinse thoroughly and follow up with a gentle face cleanser. Best for: Normal skin 5. Cream cleanser and gel cleanser Sometimes, using one cleanser or makeup remover isn’t enough to entirely remove makeup residue. That’s one of the reasons double cleansing is a popular makeup removal method. You can break down makeup with a cream cleanser first, then use a gel cleanser to remove any lingering product or impurities. There are endless face wash combinations you can use for double cleansing, but we’re partial to pairing the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser with the Youth to the People Superfruit Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. The former is a cream cleanser that gently cleanses skin of makeup, dirt, and impurities. The latter, meanwhile, is a 2-in-1 treatment and gel cleanser that exfoliates, brightens, and cleanses. It should be used at least three times per week but can be used up to two times a day to see clinical results. How to use: Wet your face and apply your cream cleanser. Massage it into your skin and rinse. While your skin is still wet, use your gel cleanser. Rinse again and gently pat skin dry. Best for: Oily skin; heavy makeup 6. Petroleum jelly Petroleum jelly is widely used as a moisturizer, but it can help remove eye makeup in a pinch as well. This oil-based staple helps soften and dissolve makeup so it’s easier to wipe off. As a bonus, it can help simultaneously relieve dry skin on your eyelids. How to use: Massage a small amount of petroleum jelly onto your eye area to loosen the makeup. Rinse with water. Best for: Dry skin; eye makeup 7. Microfiber cloths Makeup removal cloths, the type that don’t require a separate face cleanser or makeup remover, are always great to have on hand. The plush cloths are not only an efficient way to get clean, but they’re also reusable. This means you can make your skincare routine a bit more sustainable with minimal effort. Try the Skin Gym Swipey Makeup Remover Towel, which the brand says effortlessly removes makeup without harsh chemicals. How to use: Wet the cloth and wipe away your makeup. Best for: All skin types Frequently Asked Questions How do I remove waterproof makeup without makeup remover? Removing waterproof mascara without makeup remover can be a challenge, but it can be done. The same is true for other waterproof products, like eyeliner and concealer. Your best bet will be using an oil-based formula, like an oil cleanser or cleansing balm. The oils can help break down your stubborn makeup. This is one of the reasons you’ll often find traditional waterproof makeup removers contain ingredients like mineral oil and sunflower oil. Can I use soap and water to remove makeup? Simply washing your face with soap and water can help remove some, if not all, of your makeup. You’ll want to make sure to use a gentle soap that’s safe for use on the face (no hand or dish soap, please). This may be a good option for light makeup days or times when most of your makeup has already worn off. If you wear waterproof or long-lasting formulas, you’re likely to find that soap and water won’t get you completely clean. Pairing this cleansing method with another, like using an oil cleanser, can help you wash away every last speck of makeup. Does micellar water remove makeup? Yes, micellar water can be an effective makeup remover, especially for light, everyday makeup looks. It’s made with a mild detergent that helps lift away impurities and most cosmetics, making it a gentle cleansing option. Because it’s typically free of harsh chemicals and alcohol, micellar water is often recommended for sensitive skin types. However, it may not be enough to fully remove heavier products, like stage makeup and certain waterproof formulas. In those cases, it’s best to follow up with another cleanser or choose a micellar water specifically designed to tackle waterproof makeup. Does coconut oil remove makeup? Makeup removal is one of coconut oil’s many uses. In fact, it can be helpful for removing even the most resistant products, like your super long-lasting, sweatproof mascara. An added perk is that coconut oil can help reduce moisture loss. It has a rich, emollient texture that helps soothe dry skin as it cleanses. Next Up: Cleansing Balms vs. Makeup Wipes: Which One Is Right for You?
