One of the cardinal sins in skincare is sleeping without removing our makeup. We’ve all been guilty of this at some point in our lives, maybe when the day was too long or when we’re simply not in the mood. But you get the point, whenever we apply our makeup, we should also remove it.

Now, getting a really good makeup remover is tough to find. It needs to be able to remove all of our makeup properly, and not break us out. If it’s affordable then that’s definitely a huge plus, that’s why here is a list of my all-time favorite makeup remover. Trust me, I’ve used more than a few.

1. Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil

Review | THE FACE SHOP Rice Water Bright Light Cleansing Oil | MYRA BEAUTY  DIARY
Photo credit: Myra Beauty Diary

Now, repeat after me, always double cleanse your skin. The best way to remove your makeup is using the double cleanse method of first using an oil-based cleanser and then a water-based one. The oil cleanser breaks down your makeup completely and leaves your skin ready for the next step of cleaning.

The Bright Light Rice Cleansing Oil is my favorite oil cleanser. It’s really light and manages to break down all of my makeup properly, even the waterproof ones. This cleansing oil is free from mineral oils, so you won’t break out, and contains rice extracts to make your skin look brighter after the wash. All you need is two pumps for a face full of makeup, and for my fake lashes, I use a q-tip dipped in these. Works like a dream.

You can purchase a bottle over at Althea where a bottle of 150 ml will cost you $14. Remember to use it on dry skin though. If you wash your face before this, the cleansing oil won’t be able to dissolve your makeup. Follow up with a normal face-wash.

2. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Review and Photos | Pink Paradise  Beauty
Photo credit: Pink Paradise Beauty – Blogger

Is it just me or does Clinique give off the vibe of an older but sophisticated woman? Their cleansing balm is magnificent though, it looks absolutely gorgeous on my vanity. Now, it comes in a tub and I know that tubs aren’t the most hygienic when it comes to skincare but that also makes it more sturdy for travels.

This balm has a rather thick texture and is white in color, not unlike solid coconut oil. It has a very subtle smell, you won’t notice it unless you purposely smell for it. So to apply it, all that you need is take some balm on your fingers and warm it rubbing. After that, just spread it and rub your face gently. It removes even my foundation off in a single go.

It doesn’t leave the funny, flimsy feeling on my skin after a while. One tub lasted me for around five months which is pretty good. You can purchase the 125 ml version over at Sephora’s for $55.

3. shu uemura ultime8∞ sublime beauty cleansing oil

Now There's A Foam Version Of shu uemura's ultime8∞ Sublime Beauty Cleansing  Oil
Photo credit: Nylon

Now this is one of the few high-end purchases that I believe is actually worth the money. It’s super thick and feels very luxurious so if you’re someone with dry-skin then it would be perfect. Oily-skin beauties should skip this one.

Its ingredient is definitely worth boasting about too, infused with over 8 precious oils that have various uses in Chinese medicines. What really shocks me is that despite the oil being so thick, it spreads really easily all over the face and removes makeup completely. One pump is more than enough, even if the directions does say to go for 3-4 pumps.

If you ask me if it made any visible difference to my skin then I wouldn’t exactly agree. It’s a wonderful cleanser and removes makeup very well but saying that it made a huge difference to my skin would be a far-fetched thing. The 450 ml variant costs $165 which is pretty expensive but it lasted me for over an year.

4. Dear, Klairs Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil

KLAIRS Gentle Black Deep Cleansing Oil 150 ml - Skin Care BD
Photo credit: Skin Care BD

This cleansing oil is a great option for those who want to support a vegan and cruelty-free product. This cleansing oils has a blend of natural oils like the black bean which reduces sebum production, black sesame oil for hydration and even black currant seed oil which improves skin barrier. No wonder, it’s named the Black Deep Cleansing oil.

It’s a really good makeup remover that manages to remove all traces of make-up but doesn’t leave my skin feeling dry or with that filmy layer. This is super gentle on the skin and I usually pair it up with my Blueberry face wash from Innisfree on days when I need to get rid of make-up but don’t want skin feeling parched. My blackheads also gradually reduced a lot, so a yaay for that.

Even my mother, who has extremely sensitive skin, the type where you immediately break into rashes, swears by this. You can get it over at Guardian for $28.90 for 150 ml.

5. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

Bioderma Sensibio H2O micellar water review — a gentle cleanser and makeup  remover - Insider
Photo credit: Insider

Okay, now enough of oil-cleaners to remove makeup. Now coming to my second favorite type of makeup remover that I use when I have light makeup on or just sunscreen. Micellar waters are the best for these and what micellar water is better than the one from Bioderma and it’s a cult-classic.

Now, not only is this micellar water extremely gentle but it’s also totally compatible with the make-up of our skin. It contains fatty acid esters which are similar to the phospholipids of the skin. I’m really afraid that these makeup removers would irritate my skin, especially my eyes but this one doesn’t at all.

It removes all traces of my makeup, except for the waterproof mascara but since I only use it for light-makeup days, that doesn’t really bother me. It doesn’t dry out your skin either. You can purchase it from Watsons for $41.90 for the 500 ml.

6. Simple Kind To Eyes Eye Make-up Remover

Mandy-S-Heart: Review: Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make-up Remover
Photo credit: Mandy S Heart

Now, while the Bioderma one has worked wonders for me, it is slightly expensive and here’s another one that does the job pretty well. The texture is very watery and and non-oily. I’m sure looking at the name, you can guess that it was meant to remove eye-makeup.

It does breakdown my eye-shadows, mascara and gel liners very nicely. I simply pour some on a cotton pad and press it gently against my eyes for a few seconds before slowly rubbing them. It doesn’t really remove water-proof makeup properly but at this price, I’m well-satisfied. That’s not all, this is also really good for the rest for the face.

My lip makeup also came off easily and removing my makeup takes me around 10 minutes which is rather quick. My skin didn’t feel oily after using it and instead looked brighter and softer. Some users did report stinging in the eyes, so I recommend you try the 50 ml one which costs $3.41 first.

7. Garnier Skinactive Micellar Cleansing Water

Beauty Blogger Indonesia by Lee Via Han: Pentingnya Double Cleansing Dengan  Garnier Micellar Water Versi Mini Size 50ml, BARU!
Photo credit: Leeviahan

This is a really popular drug-store micellar water which is a great buy if you’re on a budget. Not only is the amount that you get huge, but you can also use it as a facial cleanser and a makeup remover. It is free from oils, parabens, sulfates, silicons and fragrance. They mention that you don’t need to rinse it off, but I still recommend to use a face-wash after this.

It gets rid of eye-makeup really well but you need to pour around 10-15 drops on a cotton pad and hold it over for eyes for around 20 seconds. They also offer several other variants for this product. The blue one or the one for oily and acne-prone skin removes makeup the best, even getting rid of my waterproof makeup. The pink one or the all-in-one is best for removing just everyday make-up. They even offer a green variant for sensitive skin but according to reviews, it doesn’t work well as a makeup remover.

They come in two sizes, and you can get the 400 ml version for $17.90 over at Guardian.

8. Nivea 3-in-1 Micellar Facial Cleansing Wipes

NIVEA 3 in 1 Refreshing Cleansing Wipes Pack of 6 (6 x 25 Wipes),  Refreshing Make-Up Wipes with Vitamin E, Cleansing Face Wipes, Make Up  Remover: Amazon.co.uk: Beauty
Photo credit: Amazon

I know that makeup wipes are the worst way to remove your makeup, and should be absolutely shunned for being so environmentally unfriendly but hear me out. We all have those days where we’re really exhausted after a long day, so it’s better to at least use a makeup wipe instead of going to bed with makeup on.

These ones from Nivea are drenched in micellar water and are really good as a makeup remover. They are enriched with Vitamin E and provide a lot of hydration so it’s an excellent choice for those with dry-skin and combination-skin. These wipes are also super soft and delicate on the skin instead of the usual harsh ones.

It removes makeup pretty effectively even water-proof ones and leaves the skin feeling smooth and soft. You can get them at Watsons for $10.90 for a packet which contains 25 wipes.

9. Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets

New Biore Cleansing Oil Cotton Facial Sheets! - Yina Goes
Photo credit: Yina Goes

If I had to choose my favorite makeup remover wipes, these ones from Biore would be it. Not only does their packaging look extremely cute but the cloth does not have any textures and is totally non-abrasive on skin. They smell amazing too, but for those for you who prefer your products fragrance-free, this should totally be avoided.

It removes all sorts of makeup, even the water-proof ones. The usual makeup gets removed in a single swipe, but for the water-proof ones, you might need to swipe it around 2 or 3 times. It also manages to remove all the dirt and grime on the face along with the makeup, and leaves a refreshing feeling. The skin feels hydrated but there is no reside left over.

The only con is that these wipes are much smaller than the others on this list, which means you’ll have to use more than one wipe to clean your face. But you do get 44 sheets for $17.90 which makes sense. You can get them at Watsons.

10. Heroine Make Speedy Mascara Remover

REVIEW] Heroine Make Super Waterproof Brown Mascara - XINLIN - Singapore  Travel, Lifestyle and Beauty blog
Photo credit: Xinlin

I haven’t tried this one personally yet but the internet is raving over this product, so I’ve included it in the list. This mascara remover from Heroine might not be a makeup remover for your entire face, but it does the best job at removing your mascara which is the toughest one to remove.

Even oil cleansers take a lot of effort to remove mascara but with this product, all that you need to do is apply it using the wand provided, swipe it over your lashes for a while, and then gently rub it. The mascara is removed in as less as 5 seconds which is absolutely crazy but so amazing. It works even on the most stubborn waterproof mascara and there’s nothing left on your eyelids or lashes.

Not only does it make the rest of your makeup removal routine super quick, but a little goes an immensely long way since you only need very little. Follow it up with any one of the other makeup remover methods discussed above, and you’re good to go. Get it for $14.90 at Watsons.

Now that is the end of this list of best makeup remover. From oil-cleansers to make-up wipes, we’ve discussed it all so leave a comment about your favorite below.

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