Review: Using and Testing Makeup Removers

The other day I was going through my bathroom cabinets and noticed that I have a few different makeup removers open. I began to realize that I use each one to remove a specific type of makeup be it everyday, heavy eye makeup, mascara etc.

I rotate through different makeup remover brands but the items themselves are always the same. I always have a micellar water, makeup remover/ cleanser wipe and makeup removing balm. I always follow up removing my makeup with a cleanser but these items really help to break down most, if not all, of the makeup on my face.

Makeup-Removing Wipes

Garnier Makeup Removing Micellar Wipes
$7.97 CAD, 25 Wipes

I use makeup removing wipes to remove my workday/everyday makeup because it tends to be a lot lighter. These wipes remove any light coverage foundation or bb creams, concealer, eye makeup pretty well. When I’m feeling really lazy, I can just use the wipe to clean my face and call it a day.

I rotate through so many makeup wipes but so far I like this one from Garnier the best! The cloth is so soft and it’s not crazy saturated with the product but enough that I feel like one cloth is good for my whole face. It even rivals the Simple makeup removing wipes or the Neutrogena wipes that I’ve used before because this is much better at removing makeup in my opinion. I also like that I don’t get left with a greasy/filmy feeling after using this that I sometimes experience with other makeup wipes.

Micellar Waters

Yves Rocher Sebo Vegetal Purifying Micellar Water 2 in 1 
$29.00 CAD (390 mL) – Yves Rocher always has a promotion but this is the usual retail price

I like using micellar water similar to makeup removing/cleanser wipes. They are perfect for when I’m wearing a work day or everyday makeup look. What I like about micellar waters is that they are usually more gentle for use around my eyes so I like using them to remove eyeliner and mascara. I’ve noticed that the effectiveness of the micellar water improves when I use a good cotton pad. I find the Shiseido Facial Cotton really good with my micellar water because I don’t need to saturate them as much so a little product goes a long way. The cotton itself absorbs the product in such a way that it makes it easier to spread over my eyes. I’ve said this before but Shiseido really marries technology with beauty because you can tell that a lot of thought and innovation went into their products, or they are all wizards in those labs. Another more affordable option is the MUJI Cut Cotton, I actually prefer these peelable ones.

Although the Yves Rocher micellar water is designed for oily/combination skin, I still find it effective for my dry skin. It does a decent job of removing my makeup but unlike the ones from Bioderma or even the one I’ve tried from Vichy, it’s not the best at removing mascara. I have this in the large bottle so I will use it up but I don’t think I’d get this one again. I find with Yves Rocher a lot of their items are hit or miss for me so I either love and repurchase an item over and over or I get something and am super unimpressed by it, this one is of the latter.

Makeup-Removing Balms

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
$38.00 CAD (125 mL)

If I’m wearing a lot of makeup, say for an evening out or event I like using balms to remove it because they break down my mascara, eyeshadow, foundation so well without me needing to tug on my skin. I don’t use them every day only because they can feel oily and I don’t like that feeling on my skin all the time.

Clinique’s Take the Day Off is a balm that melts into an oil over the skin, removing with it even the toughest makeup. I love this guy because unlike a wipe or micellar water it works perfectly around the eyes. For me, mascara can be very tough to remove, especially because I prefer ones that are waterproof but balms just help the product slip off without damaging my lashes.

Another brand I want to include here is The Body Shop’s Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter because it works just as good and is $17.00 CAD (90 mL). Whenever this guy is on sale I pick it up but the one from Clinique is more affordable if you compare the cost per mL. This does the same thing and is very gentle on the skin.

Urban Decay Makeup Meltdown
$32.00 CAD (100 mL)

I remember there being so much hype when Urban Decays’ makeup remover line first launched but since then I hardly hear about them. I’ve included this in the makeup removing balm category because like the balms this is more of an oil makeup remover that works super well for heavy makeup removal. I LOVE THIS! You are supposed to spray this onto your hand or cotton pad before applying to the face but I’ve been lazy and sprayed it directly on my face.

Two sprays have removed my most stubborn makeup and are the best for removing glitter on me. I might rotate through different wipes, micellar waters or even balms, but this product is probably the only one I would repurchase the same of. I’m not sure how many makeups removing sprays there are out there but this is hands down the best.

These are the makeup removers I’ve been using and testing for the last while. What are some of your favourites or ones that you’ve been trying out? I’m always looking for something new.

Lots of Love,
Dal