The Best Makeup Removers

Skincare can be such a minefield as we all have different skin types, skin concerns and budgets. When it comes to cleansing, it's recommended that we do the 'double cleanse' method where we use a makeup removal cleanser to remove all traces of makeup and then follow with a more nourishing cleanser to treat the skin. Here at Luxplus we stock a whole host of different cleansers for all stages of the cleansing process, and we have a run down of our personal favourite makeup removers from all budgets so you can find your perfect cleanser.

Clinique 

This particular cleanser, Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm, became very popular after Caroline Hirons (the Queen of skincare) raved about it on her blog; "This is probably about the best balm cleanser you will find for price, functionality and efficacy" which absolutely says it all. Inside the jar, the balm is solidified and white in colour and looks a little like coconut oil except it's totally fragrance free. It is suitable for all skin types, even for those with super sensitive skin as it doesn't contain any essential oils, fragrance, mineral oils or parabens. It is also allergy and ophthalmologist tested, non-acnegenic, and is appropriate for contact lens wearers which is a claim you rarely see on cleansing balms.

To use the balm you simply scoop a little with dry fingers onto the face and it instantly transforms into almost an oil consistency which very effectively breaks down your makeup whilst being extremely gentle too. It's definitely one of the best cleansers I've used as it's very mild yet efficient at removing my makeup without stripping the skin. I really like that you can use this balm on your eyes and it'll remove waterproof mascara and eyeliner, without causing any stinging or irritation of the eyes.

Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover

We all have a favourite mascara which we love but hate wearing as it's a nightmare to remove. My love and loathe mascara is the Benefit They're Real Mascara as I love what it does to my lashes but it's just so difficult to remove that I hate wearing it. If you have the same issue with mascara or you like to wear heavier eye makeup, I'd really recommend having a specific eye makeup remover within your stash which you can turn to whenever you have stubborn eye makeup to remove. When removing your eye makeup, the last thing you want to do is rub your eyes too vigorously. The Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover has a bi-phase formula which is enriched with rose and cornflower waters which work to moisturise and soothe the skin and ultra-fine oils which have a softening effect and enhance the cleanser ability. The formula is gentle enough for contact lens wearers and is suitable for all skin types.

Before using this remover you have to shake the lotion thoroughly to mix the two phases together, apply to a cotton pad, and hold onto the eyes for ten seconds for each eye. By holding the pad onto the eye it allows the lotion to soak up the makeup so you can gentle swipe the cotton pad away. It does take a couple of swipes of the cotton pad to remove all traces of makeup, but the ten second soaking process does remove the majority of my eye makeup. This is my personal favourite eye makeup remover as it's so effective even when I'm wearing intense eye makeup, and I don't have to worry about my lashes falling out with unnecessary vigorous rubbing to remove my makeup.

Garnier Pure Active Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar Waters have become very popular over the last few years and budget friendly options are now more accessible within the drugstore. If you're new to micellar water it's basically made up of micelles (tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules) which are suspended within soft water. Micelles attract both dirt and oil so they can remove impurities and makeup from the skin whilst being gentle due to the water based formula. I personally really like to use micellar water to remove the bulk of my makeup prior to using any cleansers as I find it to be a little quicker and easier and I usually prefer to remove my makeup as soon as I get home so I can quickly clean my skin and give it a more intense cleanse in the evening.

The Garnier Pure Active Micellar Cleansing Water is designed for those with combination to oily and sensitive skin, and Garnier claims that this 400ml large bottle contains enough for 200 uses. It is fragrance free and can be used on the eyes, face and lips to remove makeup, cleanse the skin and purifies too. It's a good budget option if you're looking for a drugstore micellar water, but if you have dry skin I'd recommend trying the 'pink' version of the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water as it's a little more gentle with a hypoallergenic formula.

Decleor Aroma Cleanse Soothing Micellar Water

If you're looking for a slightly more luxurious, skin loving micellar water the Decleor Aroma Cleanse Soothing Micellar Water is a really good choice as it's been expertly formulated for sensitive and reactive skin types. It has a 3 in 1 formula as it's a cleanser, toner and eye makeup remover in all in one without the need to rinse off. It contains natural Bisabolol (found in the Essential Oil of Candeia) and Rose Essential Oil to soothe, calm and strengthen the skin to restore its natural balance whilst the micelles remove makeup and impurities. If like me you don't rose scents, I really recommend giving this a try as it's completely fragrance free so you still get the skincare benefits of using rose minus the fragrance. I feel that this micellar water is a little gentler than the Garnier version and I love how softened my skin is left after using it also.

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

I love using richer cream cleansers as my second cleanse as I find them to offer the extra nourishment my skin needs when it's particularly dry. The Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Gentle Hydrating Cleanser is targeted towards those with dry skin and although it does remove makeup and impurities, what makes it unique to the others is that it works as an exfoliant too as it contains colloidal oatmeal to leave the skin soft, smooth and cleansed. Colloidal Oatmeal has many benefits such as helping to defend the skin, hydrate the skin and evens skintone and texture as well as being very gentle making it an ideal ingredient within this gentle hydrating cleanser.

To use the cleanser you simply massage the cream into damp skin until all makeup has been broken down and rinse away. The cream has a pleasant oaty scent and quite a thick consistency which makes it feel as if you're using a moisturiser to remove your makeup rather than a cleanser. Once I've used a damp hot cloth to remove the remnants of my makeup, my skin is left feeling exceptionally soft and smooth as well as being thoroughly cleansed. If I'm short on time and haven't got the inclination to double cleanse, this is my top choice of cleanser as it effectively removes my makeup whilst offering hydration at the same time. It never leaves my skin feeling tight or uncomfortable and it also works well as a morning cleanser too.

Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel

Clinique have already featured once within this roundup and I had to include them again as they make really good cleansers. This is the Clinique City Block Purifying Charcoal Cleansing Gel which is a pore-deep detoxifying cleansing gel which is gentle enough for everyday use by all skin types. This cleanser gently and efficiently removes dirt, pollution, and makeup whilst natural charcoal helps to draw out pore-deep impurities and excess oil to leave the skin feeling fresh and comfortable. When you squeeze it from the bottle it is black in colour and Clinique recommend applying it to damp hands and lather between your palms before massaging the face. It removes all makeup very effectively but I wouldn't recommend it for the eye area as it might be a little too harsh, but it's ideal for the face and leaves the skin feeling thoroughly cleansed and purified.

Neutral Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes

Face wipes are seen as the ultimate skincare sin but sometimes it's just not possible to use a proper cleanser to remove your makeup and in my opinion it's better to remove your makeup with a wipe than it is to sleep in your makeup. Even though face wipes aren't ideal for the skin, if you're going to use a face wipe to remove your makeup, it's best to ensure you're using the gentlest of wipes possible such as the Neutral Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes. The wipes contain 0% parabens, colourants and perfume with Neutral's products being specially formulated to reduce the risk of allergic or sensitive skin reactions. The wipe itself is very soft and gentle, and they do a good job at removing makeup when I'm unable to use a proper cleanser. Yes wipes aren't the best for your skin, but as far as wipes go, these are pretty great, budget friendly wipes.

We'd love to know your favourite makeup removal products?