Ultimate Cleansers to Remove Makeup for All Skin Types

Last Updated on September 10, 2024 by Amy

After a long day, removing makeup is crucial for maintaining healthy skin and preventing breakouts. However, finding the right cleanser can transform this often tedious task into a quick and effective routine. After a busy day at work or chasing after kids, it can be challenging to muster the energy for an evening skincare routine. Yet, taking a few moments to remove your makeup can make a world of difference for your skin.

Many people struggle to find a cleanser that effectively removes all traces of makeup without irritating the skin. Popular choices include micellar waters, cleansing balms, and oil-based cleansers, all of which can tackle even waterproof makeup while being gentle on the skin. Keep reading to discover my top picks for cleansers that can handle even the most stubborn makeup.

Key Takeaways

• Select a cleanser tailored to your skin type and makeup usage for optimal results.
• Look for gentle, hydrating ingredients that won’t strip your skin.
• Consider double cleansing for thorough makeup removal and skin health.

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How to Use Cleansers in Your Skincare Routine

Removing makeup properly is key for healthy, glowing skin. It helps maintain your skin barrier and keeps your pores clear. These articles are a good place to start if you want to build a simple skincare routine:

• Daily Morning Skincare Routine
• Morning vs Night Routine for Combination Skin
• The Perfect Summer Evening Skincare Routine

Morning Cleanse

While you don’t wear makeup to bed, your skin still needs cleansing in the morning. Overnight, your skin sheds dead cells and produces oils. Use a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to wash away these impurities without stripping your skin. I often use micellar water on weekday mornings when I am in a hurry for work and school runs. If you do rely on micellar water, always make sure to rinse with water before applying any other products!

If I am showering in the morning or have a little more time at the weekends, I have been really enjoying the Byoma Creamy Jelly Cleanser.

After cleansing, apply any daytime treatments or serums. Don’t forget to moisturise and add some SPF.

Evening Cleanse

Begin with clean hands to prevent transferring dirt and bacteria to your face. Apply a gentle cleanser to dry skin and massage it in circles. This helps break down makeup and oils. Rinse with lukewarm water or wipe off with a soft cloth.

Always double cleanse if you have been wearing makeup or SPF. You can use the same cleanser twice, micellar water followed by a cleanser or two different cleansers. This will depend on your budget and preferences.

Follow up with any treatment products you are using like retinol, acid toners etc. Add eye cream, serums and a moisturiser to lock in hydration.

Cleanser Recommendations and Reviews

Looking for the best face cleansers to remove your makeup? We’ve got you covered! Here are some top picks to help you achieve a clean and fresh face.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water 700mls, £9.99

• Pros: Efficient at removing eye makeup, gentle on sensitive skin, available in various sizes.
• Cons: Not sufficient as a standalone cleanser; follow up with another cleanser for thorough removal.

As a busy mom of two, I understand the need for quick and effective skincare solutions. Garnier Micellar Water has become my go-to first cleanser whenever I’m wearing makeup. It’s incredibly efficient at removing eye makeup without any mess or hassle. Thanks to its micellar technology, which acts like magnets to lift away dirt, oil, and makeup, it leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean.

While I know that for optimum skin health, a double cleansing routine with two ‘proper’ cleansers is ideal, sometimes life gets in the way. Right now, my main goal is to get makeup off my face as quickly as possible, and Garnier Micellar Water allows me to do just that. One day, I might have the time and energy for a more thorough routine, but for now, this is a lifesaver.

However, I wouldn’t rely solely on micellar water to remove all traces of makeup. Always aim to follow up with another cleanser to ensure any residue from the micellar water or remaining makeup is thoroughly removed.

It’s available in a range of sizes and I always try to grab the 700ml bottle when it’s on offer as it lasts for several months. It’s a basic makeup remover that gets the job done, allowing me to save the fancy skincare ingredients for my second cleanse!

Beauty Pie Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser 100mls, £10 for members

• Pros: Effective on waterproof mascara, leaves skin soothed and hydrated.
• Cons: Requires a Beauty Pie membership for the best pricing.

This luxurious, antioxidant-infused cleanser boasts a unique gel-to-oil-to-milk formula that effortlessly eliminates makeup, dirt, and impurities. It’s suitable for all skin types and deeply cleanses without stripping your skin of its natural moisture.

One of the standout features of this cleanser is its effectiveness at removing waterproof mascara. As I massage it into my skin, I can almost feel my makeup melting away. After wiping it off with a face cloth, my skin feels completely clean, soothed, and hydrated, thanks to nourishing ingredients like glycerin, squalane, and vitamin E.

If you are a Beauty Pie member and are looking for a simple but effective cleanser at a reasonable price, this would be my top pick.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser 150mls, £14.90

• Pros: Contains squalane for hydration, effective at removing stubborn makeup, budget-friendly.
• Cons: May not be as luxurious in feel compared to higher-end options.

The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser is a gentle yet powerful solution for removing makeup, dirt, and impurities. It’s designed to leave your skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated, making it an essential addition to your daily skincare routine.

I’m a huge fan of skincare products that contain squalane, and this cleanser is no exception. My skin loves this highly effective moisturising agent, which smooths and softens without any greasiness. This ensures your skin stays hydrated during and after cleansing. The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser effectively removes even the most stubborn makeup without stripping the skin.

This budget-friendly cleanser will always be a go-to in my skincare routine. If you don’t have a Beauty Pie membership, I highly recommend this product as an excellent alternative to their Japanfusion option.

Votary Super Sensitive Cleansing Cream 100mls, £55

• Pros: Soothing ingredients like oat kernel oil and sweet almond oil, effective makeup removal without irritation.
• Cons: Higher price point; may not be suitable for those looking for a deep cleanse for heavy makeup.

This ultra-gentle, rinse-off cleansing cream is expertly formulated to effortlessly melt away dirt, impurities, and makeup while supporting your skin’s natural barrier. Ideal for all skin types, it’s particularly beneficial for those with sensitive, redness-prone skin that often feels dry or stripped after cleansing. Packed with nourishing ingredients like oat kernel oil, sweet almond oil, and grapeseed oil, it provides soothing and hydrating care.

During my pregnancy, hormonal changes made my skin more sensitive than usual, and Votary products became my go-to solution. This cleanser excels at removing makeup efficiently without causing irritation. It’s the cleanser I reach for when my skin feels delicate from retinol or other active ingredients. On those nights, I skip using a face cloth to avoid any extra exfoliation.

Finding a cleanser that rinses off easily without leaving any residue can be challenging, but this one is the best I’ve tried. It leaves my skin feeling calm, hydrated, and beautifully soft every time.

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm 100mls, £52

• Pros: Luxurious feel, effective on waterproof mascara, doubles as a mask.
• Cons: Can be irritating to sensitive eyes if not fully rinsed.

Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm is a luxurious, multi-functional formula that not only cleanses but also nourishes and rejuvenates your skin. Its rich blend of antioxidants and essential oils provides a spa-like experience, transforming your daily skincare routine into a moment of indulgence. The included dual-action cleansing cloth enhances the cleansing process, ensuring your skin is left perfectly clean and glowing.

I first tried this cleanser in my early 20s and felt it was too heavy for my oily, combination skin. However, I recently re-discovered it and my mid-30s skin loves it! The balm smells incredible, feels luxurious, and melts away makeup in an instant. Thanks to the moringa seed extract, wild sea fennel, and vitamin E, it leaves my skin feeling soft without that tight, stripped sensation that some cleansers can cause.

I also love using this cleanser as a mask once a week. Just apply a generous amount to your face and neck, and let it work its magic for about 10 minutes before rinsing. This leaves my skin feeling bouncy and hydrated, and I’ve noticed an improvement in the appearance of pores on my nose since I started this routine.

Like all the cleansers on this list, it effectively removes waterproof mascara. The only downside is that it can be a bit irritating to my eyes if not fully rinsed, so take care if you have sensitive eyes.

Ipsum Best Skin Oil Cleansing Balm 75g, £35

• Pros: Thick oil-balm consistency, pleasant scent, effective makeup removal.
• Cons: Scent may not be suitable for everyone.

This luxurious, all-natural balm is designed to effortlessly dissolve makeup, dirt, and impurities while nourishing your skin for a radiant, healthy glow. Formulated with a blend of high-quality natural oils and botanical extracts, it ensures a gentle yet effective cleanse.

The Ipsum cleanser boasts a thick oil-balm consistency, similar to the Emma Hardie product mentioned earlier. Upon application, it quickly warms up and transforms into a silky oil texture that melts away makeup and soothes the skin. The delicious scent of lemon myrtle and sandalwood adds to the experience, but it dissipates quickly, ensuring it’s not overwhelming. Like all the cleansers featured in this article, it leaves your skin feeling comfortable and perfectly prepped for the next step in your skincare routine.

I highly recommend this cleanser to anyone seeking a spa-like, luxurious experience without the hefty price tag of the Emma Hardie Balm.

Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser 115mls, £48

• Pros: 100% natural ingredients, powerful antioxidant protection, long-lasting. Eco-friendly refills are available.
• Cons: Higher price point; may not be accessible for all budgets.

This luxurious, multi-tasking oil cleanser is expertly designed to deeply cleanse, nourish, and illuminate your skin, leaving you with a radiant, healthy glow after every use. Transforming from a silky oil to a milky emulsion, it ensures thorough cleansing and easy rinsing.

Crafted with 100% natural ingredients, this cleanser offers powerful antioxidant protection. Just 1-2 pumps go a long way, making each bottle last for months. The subtle, gorgeous scent and smooth texture make it perfect for a relaxing facial massage before rinsing.

This product leaves my skin feeling hydrated, soft, and revitalised without stripping its natural moisture barrier. With an impressive ingredient list that includes antioxidants, organic chia, rosehip, and macadamia oils, it feels more like a luxurious treatment than just a cleanser.

What sets the Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser apart is its ability to deliver significant antioxidant protection, ensuring your skin remains radiant and healthy long after cleansing.

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Feel free to leave a comment with your favourite cleansers or any tips you have for effective makeup removal!