Cleanse Control: When To Use Which Makeup Remover

When it comes to removing makeup there are multiple ways to keep our faces squeaky clean, but what’s the best way for you and your skin type?

To help answer this question we explore the minute, but crucial, differences between the several categories of cleansers available on the market from oil based eye makeup removers to cleansing wipes to micellar waters to arm you with the knowledge you need to navigate the facial cleansing aisle calm and confidently.

Intended for more stubborn and heavy makeup looks, dual-phase eye makeup removers are oil based so they can cut through the grease and minerals in the makeup products that you apply (including the ones that give waterproof makeup its resistance). Oil based removers are great for women who wear longer lasting eye makeup and lip products and tend to have less reactive skin.

Splurge Worthy: Shiseido Instant Eye and Lip Makeup Remover ($34, sephora.com) is designed to remove even the toughest waterproof and long-wearing eye makeup (and lipstick) without any oily residue.

Mid-Range: MAC Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover ($25, maccosmetics.com) targets bold lip and heavy pigmented eye makeup looks. Simply moisten a cotton pad and press it on either the eye and lip area gently wiping away the pigment. Follow with your regular cleanser.

Budget Buy: Marcelle Gentle Make-Up Remover for Sensitive Eyes ($15, drugstores) is kinder on our bank accounts and is just as effective as higher end oil based removers. Ideally for those who wear contacts this alcohol-, fragrance- and paraben-free formula feels soothing instead of irritating on the eyes.

Ideal for those days when you’re too tired to hit the bathroom sink cleansing wipes let you remove your face with a simple swipe of a moistened cloth infused with disinfecting and hydrating ingredients. You’ll awake the next morning, head rested a pillow sans smeared eyeshadow and foundation from last night. But be warned, wipes work great for when you are time pressed or for when you travel, but aren’t an ideal everyday solution.

Splurge Worthy: Bioderma Sensibio H2O Dermatolgoical Wipes ($15, murale.ca) take the best selling Sensibio Micellar Water formula and pack it into large sized facial wipes—you’ll only need one I swear!

Mid-Range: Neutrogena Deep Clean Oil-Free Make-Up Remover Wipes ($10.49, well.ca) give a refreshing cleanse for those that crave that deep-down clean feeling. Oil-free, yet tough on oil & impurities.

Budget Buy: Olay Fresh Effects Everything Off Deluxe Make-Up Removal Wet Cloths ($7, walmart.ca) feature a refreshing scent that leaves you feeling relaxed after you cleanse and do a great job of removing all traces of makeup.

Applied in a similar way to oil based makeup removers, micellar waters, which originate from France, contain micellar oil molecules that bind to the dirt and oil on your face in order to gently remove makeup and oil without stripping the skin of necessary hydration. Simply soak a cotton pad and gently moisten and wipe the face. No cleansing required after! Perfect for reactive skin.

Splurge Worthy: Rodial Dragon’s Blood Cleansing Water ($36, murale.ca) harnesses the anti-aging and anti-inflammatory red sap of the sangro de drago tree central to the Dragon’s blood that is combined with soothing rose water and brightening vitamin B3. Skin looks and feels more radiant and over time wrinkles look less pronounced.

Mid-Range: Lise Watier Prebiotic Micellar Water ($25, lisewatier.com) cleanses the skin while also balancing the good bacteria in the skin because of the active prebiotic. Skin becomes stronger and healthier with continued use.

Budget Buy: Nivea Sensitive 3-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water ($10, well.ca) is a new multi-tasker you’ll love both for it’s efficiency and price tag. The formula’s grape seed oil leaves skin feeling supple and soft and it’s designed for the most sensitive skins.