The 5 Best Makeup Removers for Your Face

Too often overlooked, makeup removers are essential cosmetics for beautiful skin. As the first step in a high-quality beauty routine, makeup removal products come in many forms and are adapted to every skin type.

To help you choose your everyday ally, our experts present their top picks.

• Makeup removal is the essential first step of an effective beauty routine
• There are several textures of makeup removers adapted to each skin type
• Poor makeup removal can lead to imperfections, skin aging, and discomfort
• The choice of makeup remover depends on skin type, the amount of makeup, and sensory preferences
• Daily makeup removal helps the skin regenerate during the night

Makeup remover is a product to be used every day and on all skin types. To help you find the right product for your needs and desires, major cosmetic brands offer a wide choice of textures, scents, and benefits. You are spoilt for choice. But should you choose between cleansing milk, cleansing jelly, micellar water, or cleansing oil? Well, it depends on your taste but also on your specific needs.

Cleansing milk is preferred for those who love creamy textures and contact with water. Indeed, cleansing milks are perfect for sensitive skin that needs gentleness and “cocooning.” They are also highly appreciated if you need comfort after a long day at work or a day in the cold. To learn more, check out our Buying Guide: How to choose the right makeup remover?

For those who love comfort but want a richer texture than milk, there are cleansing oils. Also very effective, oils do not leave a greasy film, contrary to what one might think. In fact, cleansing oil is excellent for removing waterproof or long-wear makeup. A favorite in Japanese beauty routines for many years, cleansing oil suits all skin types and leaves the complexion very soft, and above all, grease-free. If you want softness while removing makeup without rubbing, cleansing oil is the best alternative, even for the oiliest skin.

If you like a fresh “boost,” we recommend opting for cleansing jelly, cleansing foam, or micellar water. These three textures are very effective for removing makeup but also for combating sweat and environmental aggressors: in addition to removing makeup, they cleanse the skin. Cleansing foam and gel are particularly popular for combination to oily skin, as they also help limit excess sebum. However, we recommend using them on areas where there is not a heavy amount of makeup.

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Furthermore, our experts suggest choosing a makeup remover that doesn’t require water, as water tends to dry out the skin. For reactive or intolerance-prone skin, it is also essential to take great care in your choice; avoid any substances that could potentially irritate the skin. Steer clear of essential oils or fragrances and opt for dermatological bars or dermo-cleansers instead. In short: whether your skin is dry, atopic, or reactive, choose rich and creamy makeup removers that nourish the skin while effectively removing makeup. For dry to very dry skin, our top picks are cleansing oils and balms, as they leave the skin soft with a protective film on the surface.

Just like sensitive skin, oily skin types must also take the time to choose their makeup remover correctly. Indeed, just because the skin is less fragile doesn’t mean you should choose your cosmetics at random. Did you know? Improperly removed makeup can quickly lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts. To keep pores clear and avoid blemishes, opt for a texture suited to oily skin. If you enjoy the feel of water, our experts highly recommend facial foaming cleansers. If you prefer to avoid water, opt for a micellar water instead. In both cases, the remover will provide true efficacy by refreshing the skin and limiting excess sebum. Finally, for normal to combination skin, the choice is a bit more complex. While many products exist for specific concerns, choosing a cosmetic for “normal” skin can be tricky. For these types, we recommend a cleansing gel, which limits excess sebum while hydrating the skin. You can also choose a non-greasy cleansing milk if you’re looking for a true “cocooning” moment at the end of the day.

A crucial step in any beauty routine, makeup removal is essential for beautiful skin. Cleansing the skin effectively removes all the external aggressors it has faced throughout the day, keeping the epidermis healthy and in peak condition. It is imperative that makeup removal becomes a non-negotiable part of your evening routine. Whether you do it before hopping in the shower with a cleansing milk or micellar water, or while showering with a foaming cleansing gel, it must be done. Why? Because the skin actually regenerates during the night, and to do so properly, it needs to breathe. Freeing the epidermis of all makeup-related impurities ensures the cellular regeneration process isn’t disrupted, which in turn helps slow down skin aging.

What happens if you don’t remove your makeup at night? Your skin will end up in poor shape, showing its distress through a dull complexion, acne breakouts, or even accelerated wrinkle formation. Makeup removers serve to clear the skin of impurities like sebum, pollution, dust, sweat, and allergens. They also prevent clogged pores, allowing the skin to breathe and removing the breeding ground for bacteria. While we talk a lot about the skin, the eyes and lips are equally affected. It is vital to thoroughly remove eye makeup to avoid weakening your lashes and drying out the delicate skin of the eyelids, as well as to prevent potential infections caused by mascara residue. As for the lips, failing to remove lipstick can lead to dryness and painful chapping.