Mid, low, high: makeup removers for every budget

Makeup removers

For every good makeup product out there, you need an equally good remover to take it all off at the end of the day.

Having a good makeup remover is just as important as the products you put on your face.  And just like how every mascara is different, so are the removers.

For some, good ol’ soap and water may be a fan favourite, but having a proper remover is just as important in your skin regime as a moisturizer or cleanser.  Here’s why: makeup removers wash away cosmetics and dirt from your face better than just your normal cleanser. They also reduce the risk of developing pimples, redness, blackheads, and other types of blemishes as they allow your skin to breathe.

There are many different makeup removers on the market and range in price from a couple dollars to close to a hundred.  I have tried a fair number of them and definitely have enjoyed some more than others.

Here are some popular ones that suit every budget.

Affordable

Olay Fresh Effects S’Wipe Out Refreshing Makeup Removing Wipes

These personally aren’t my favourite, but they are wallet friendly.  These claim to lift away dirt and makeup in flash, while light Olay moisture leaves skin looking and feeling refreshed.  These are good only if you are wearing light makeup.  If you have full-on glam squad, skip these and they hardly took off my smoky eye, never mind mascara.

Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes

I tried these out when they first hit North America shelves and remembered that they do a good job.  For being a drugstore product, I would recommend these and they do take off a fair amount of makeup, leaving your face feeling nice and fresh.

Mid-range

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution

This magic water is a beauty blogger favourite, and I can see why.  Although it is pricey for cleansing water (approx. C$22 at Shoppers Drug Mart; you can sometimes find it on sale though), this stuff is light on the eye area and does a good job of removing tricky makeup.  This stuff is great if you have sensitive skin and even removes waterproof makeup. A 250 ml bottle lasted me about a month and a half, so you can get your fair share of usage out of one bottle.

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips

This one is the same price as the Bioderma, but is a completely different formula.  Made up of a water and oil-like mix, shake the bottle to combine the two consistencies and in doing so, it will remove even the toughest waterproof mascaras in a couple swipes.  If you are looking for something heavy duty, definitely reach for a remover that is made up of the water/oil mix as they tend to remove makeup the easiest I have found.  With that being said, I have normal skin, so if you are oily I don’t know how your skin would take to this.  Also, if you have eyelash extensions, stay away from these products, as the oil will make your lash extensions fall out; you will have to use oil-free removers.

High end, aka expensive

Shu Uemura cleansing oils

This one should come as no surprise as I have blogged and raved about these in the past.  If you are looking for the creme-de-la-creme of makeup removers, look no further than cleansing oils.  Although you can find some budget-friendly alternatives (Josie Maran), my heart is with the Shu Uemura ones.  These cult-classic oils (available in a variety of different formulas) are applied dry to the face and then with water, melts away all your makeup, leaving you with fresh and beautiful skin.  Not only do they remove makeup, but they improve the look of your skin, doesn’t dry your face out, and are enriched with skin botanicals that addresses skin problems and provides treatment.  You can either apply it the old fashioned way, or you can work the product in with your Clarisonic.  There’s a reason why one bottle is sold every seven seconds.

If you are going to invest in makeup, make sure you invest in a good remover to take it all off.

What is your favourite makeup remover? 

Also, don’t forget to enter my Sally Hansen giveaway, ends today!!

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