18 Makeup Removers You Can Find at the Drugstore
December 29, 2022
How to Remove Makeup
Understatement of the century: There are a lot of ways to remove your makeup. Some people prefer the double-cleansing method with an oil or balm and others are committed to the micellar water and cotton round combo. Another popular way to get the job done is to use a makeup wipe. No matter which option you choose, be sure to gently wipe or massage the product on your skin, avoiding harsh or aggressive rubbing which could cause irritation. If you’re trying to remove waterproof mascara or eyeliner, it helps to hold a product-soaked cotton round to your eyes for a few seconds before gently wiping it away.
The Best Drugstore Makeup Removers
NYX Professional Makeup Be Gone! Makeup Remover Wipes
Even your most beloved waterproof mascara is no match for these gentle makeup-removing wipes. The towelettes help remove dirt, oil and waterproof makeup from the surface of the skin without leaving the greasy residue behind.
La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra
This dermatologist-tested micellar water won’t irritate sensitive skin or sensitive eyes. It cleanses the skin of dirt, oil and makeup with the help of micelles, and the non-comedogenic formula never feels oily or greasy on the skin. You can even use it to help remove liquid lipstick.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Jelly Water with Cleansing
What’s unique about this makeup remover is that it has a micelles-infused jelly consistency to help capture makeup and dirt, while the infusion of charcoal helps to absorb excess oil. It’s ideal for oily or acne-prone skin types.
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Cloths
These ultra-soft cloths — gentle enough for even sensitive skin types — cleanse, remove dirt, oil and makeup and hydrate the skin simultaneously. They also help repair and restore the skin’s natural protective barrier with three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
Vichy Pureté Thermale Micellar Water for Combination to Oily Skin
Perfect for oily or acne-prone skin, this micellar water is formulated with salicylic and lactic acids to help gently exfoliate the skin while providing an effective cleanse. On top of sweeping away makeup, it offers a mattifying effect to the skin.
L'Oréal Paris Ideal Clean Makeup Removing Towelettes
Revitalize your skin with these refreshing cleansing towelettes. Enhanced with grape extract and vitamin E, these towelettes nourish skin while they remove dirt, oil and waterproof makeup. It doesn’t hurt that they are dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, so you can bet they’re extra-gentle on skin — and eyes.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe
Gently remove your makeup while plumping and hydrating your skin with the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe. It pairs perfectly with the brand’s Micellar Cleansing Eco Pads, reusable microfiber pads that last up to 1,000 washes.
La Roche-Posay Respectissime Eye Makeup Remover
Take off your signature cat eye or floating eyeliner with ease with a waterproof makeup remover like this one from La Roche-Posay. The formula consists of a water-based cleanser and an oil that’s activated once the bottle is shaken. Apply some to a cotton round and gently wipe to remove stubborn mascara, shadow and liner.
CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
Prefer a double cleansing routine? Start with an oil-based cleanser or a makeup-removing balm. We love the CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm because it transforms into a silky, oily consistency once massaged on the skin, removes makeup with ease and hydrates the skin with ceramides.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water with Vitamin C
This Garnier micellar offers skin-brightening benefits thanks to the infusion of vitamin C in the formula. Of course, like all Garnier micellar waters, it gently removes makeup, excess oil and dirt with the help of micelles.
L’Oréal Paris Eye Makeup Remover
This oil-free formula sweeps away eyeliner, mascara and eyeshadow without clogging the pores or leaving behind a greasy film. We recommend following up with a water-based cleanser for a thorough, full-face cleanse.
NYX Professional Makeup Stripped Off Micellar Water
Reviewers claim this $7 micellar water is extremely efficient in removing makeup without drying the skin or leaving behind an oily residue.
Pacifica Glowing Glycolic Acid, Orange, & Vanilla Makeup Removing Wipes
Removing your makeup can feel like a drag when you’re tired, but these wipes from Pacifica make it fun. The vegan towelettes are formulated with glycolic acid and fruit acids to help gently remove makeup, oil and dirt, so skin is left looking radiant and clean. Scented beauty products aren’t everyone’s thing, but if it’s yours you’ll find the orange and vanilla fragrance to be an added bonus.
Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes
If you find that most makeup wipes dehydrate your skin, these Honest Beauty Makeup Remover Wipes may be for you. Fans of these wipes say they’re gentle on skin and leave it softer than before.
Bliss Makeup Melt Oil-Free Makeup Remover Wipes
These soothing wipes use chamomile, marshmallow root and aloe extracts to help remove stubborn makeup when it refuses to budge — yes, that includes waterproof mascara. Some makeup requires two to three wipes to get the job done, but these can remove everything in one.
Pixi Hydrating Milky Makeup Remover
This bi-phase makeup remover (that means you need to shake it to mix it together before you use it) has a milky consistency infused with coconut extracts to moisturize and willow bark extracts to subtly exfoliate.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration Cleansing Balm
Scoop up a nickel-sized dollop of this balm and massage it onto your skin to see it transform into a silky oil that sweeps away makeup, dirt and impurities. It’s made with hyaluronic acid and ceramides so your skin is left hydrated and soft after you rinse away the makeup residue.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Don’t have a waterproof makeup remover handy? Reach for an oil-based cleanser like the famed DHC Deep Cleansing Oil. It’s perfect for lifting budge-proof eyeliner and mascara up and off your skin.
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