How to choose the best makeup remover for your needs
After writing the Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil post, I got to wondering how many makeup removers I've stashed in the past year. I have a tendency to hoard, in case you don't know yet! After taking stock, it seems that I have...sixteen different makeup removers at the moment. I have the Clinique Take The Day Off but I forgot to add it in the picture.
Anyway, this won't be a battle royale a.k.a comparison post because I haven't reviewed some of these products yet. However, I thought I'd write a little more about the different types of makeup removers. Hopefully this information will help you better decide on what's ideal for your skin type and lifestyle!
Cream-based makeup removers are milky in appearance and rich in texture. They're best for girls with really dry skin because they moisturize while taking off the makeup. Usually, you need to massage cream removers into your skin to break the makeup down completely so they take more time to use. Can work for face, eye, and lip makeup.
Best buys: Estee Lauder Take It Away Total Makeup Remover, Pond's Cold Cream, Yves Rocher Serum Vegetale Cleansing Milk
Soap-based makeup removers lather or foam up, thus dissolving the makeup. They're awesome because they're quick to do the job (perfect for busy girls!) but the downside is they're usually very drying. I'd recommend them to oily girls who wear heavy makeup. Works best on powder and cream makeup. They won't do much for lipsticks and mascaras.
Best Buys: Pond's Gold Radiance Mousse, Dove Foaming Makeup Remover
Oil-based makeup removers are, in my opinion, the best kind. They work for all skin types, quick to dissolve makeup, and they're gentle to boot so there's usually no sting. However, they can give you milky vision for a while if they get in your eyes! Works on all types of makeup with minimal rubbing.
Best Buys: Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, Muji Cleansing Oil, Clinique Take The Day Off (specifically for eyes and lips only), Pure Beauty Perfect Cleansing Oil
So what do I use, a girl who has combination skin and the laziness of a koala? I like the Pond's Gold Radiance Mousse if I'm just wearing powder makeup - it's really for lazy daisies like me! It literally melts the makeup upon contact. The Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil or the Muji Cleansing Oil is my default when I'm wearing a full face of makeup - eyeliner, mascara, lipstick/stain, the works. They are especially useful when I'm breaking out or my skin is feeling sensitive/drier than usual. I use the Clinique Take The Day Off for really stubborn mascara.
And you, what is your default makeup remover? :D
