One of the most important skin-care steps for anyone who wears makeup is actually taking the makeup off before you go to bed. As much life as we get from serving glamorous looks with a full or soft beat, our pores are dying for us to free them by the end of the day. Sleeping in makeup, or not thoroughly cleaning it off, is a breakout waiting to take over your entire life as it laughs hysterically at your selfie attempts.
If you're smart, then you keep the proper makeup removal tools out on the bathroom counter so they're ready to go as soon as you step into the house. Makeup off. Wig off. Bra off. All of these wind-down steps are necessary for living your best life after a long day, right?
The only dilemma is finding the proper makeup removal products. Using the wrong wipes or cleansers can often be a backward hustle. They can suck out all moisture if your skin is prone to dryness, cause redness and itchiness if you're sensitive, encourage breakouts, and so much more.
Thankfully, the Revelist team is here to get you together! No matter what your skin type and preferences are, there's a makeup remover match just for you in the list ahead.
Acne-Prone Skin
Hormonal acne really sucks, but you're definitely not the only person in the world dealing with it, as it affects people of all different genders and ages. Even people who experience hormonal acne at its mildest still have to deal with the annoyance of the hyperpigmentation it leaves behind. Depending on how long the scars last, the full hormonal acne experience can be a much longer one than the few days that the bumps are actually there.
If your hormonal acne is getting out of control, then seek out a dermatologist, but if you think it's still manageable, then the best approach is to use products specifically formulated to treat every stage of the acne process.
BeautyBio The Balance pH Balancing Gel Cleanser ($35, Sephora)
This gel cleanser is meant to remove the products, oils, and bacteria on your face. The formula also aims to restore your pH balance, which helps your skin continue to fight bacteria that can lead to blemishes. Use this cleanser day and night.
Alpha-H Triple Action Cleanser ($44, Sephora)
This formula works as a cleanser, makeup remover, and toner all in one! It's meant to cool, soothe, and prevent bacteria without stripping your skin.
Pacifica Kale Water Micellar Cleansing Tonic ($12, Dermstore)
This cleansing tonic includes kale (for reducing inflammation and removing toxins), glycolic acid (for exfoliation and brightening), calendula (for inflammation), and grapefruit water (for evening out the skin tone).
Normal or Combination Skin
Just because you have normal skin (not particularly oily or dry) or combination skin (oily in some places, dry in others) doesn't necessarily mean you can easily pick whatever product you want. You may still want to boost your radiance, improve texture, or even out your skin tone, right?
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes Twin Pack ($12, Ulta)
These makeup remover wipes suit normal skin perfectly as they are meant to cleanse it of oil, condition it so it remains soft, and sooth any irritation. You'll be happy to know that these wipes are as beloved by celebrities like Ariana Grande and Kim Kardashian as they are by regular people like you!
Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Triple-Action Cleanser/Toner/Makeup Remover ($29, Ulta)
This three-in-one product foams up and helps you remove makeup, cleanse, and tone. It works to remove oil but is also gentle enough to leave the skin feeling healthy and fresh instead of dry.
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser, ($34, Sephora)
We stan multistep beauty products that help us save time and space! This cleanser removes makeup and tones, but that's not where the fun ends. This mask also brightens dark spots over time. Additionally, you can use it as an exfoliation mask, which is a lovely alternative from grainy scrubs that are too abrasive for the skin.
Sensitive Skin
Having sensitive skin can be one of the most inconvenient issues because it's not always easy to pinpoint what your "triggers" are. It's best to visit a doctor to learn exactly what ticks your skin off. Sensitive skin can be due to conditions like eczema or psoriasis, but specific allergies could also be the culprit. When you actually do know, there are ways to get your skin to a balanced place and keep it there by using the proper skin-care products.
Pro tip: The first step is understanding those product labels. Everything that says it is for "hypoallergenic/sensitive skin" is not always "fragrance-free," and everything that says "sensitive skin" is not always gentle on the skin. I suggest you search for products that are labeled for both just to be safe.
Clinique Take Off The Day Cleansing Balm ($30, Sephora)
Clinique is a brand I swear by, because every single product is fragrance-free and formulated without the common allergens found in many beauty products. This cleansing balm is meant to remove makeup while maintaining a moisture barrier for the skin.
The balm is part of an entire Take The Day Off makeup remover collection, which caters to all the varied sensitive skin types! It starts as a solid balm, but becomes a silky oil when you rub it in. If you're not into the balm, then the brand also offers a traditional liquid, a cleansing oil, and milk makeup remover options.
Ulta Sensitive Skin Facial Cleansing Towelettes ($6, Ulta)
Never sleep on the Ulta beauty section! These wipes are fragrance-free, oil-free, and paraben-free. They're gentle on the skin and meant for using day or night.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover ($9, Ulta)
Micellar water is a buzzy beauty product right now, and when you have sensitive skin, sometimes you can't participate in new trends for health purposes. Thanks to Garnier, we can join the micellar water craze without worrying about our skin turning on us.
This makeup remover cleanses, moisturizes, and removes the dirt and oil. It's also free of alcohol, oil, and fragrance.
Oily Skin
Having oily skin can hinder a perfectly beat face, but it can also lead to clogged pores. The trick is to find products that thoroughly remove the oil buildup from your pores without tearing down your skin's protective barrier.
Cetaphil Pro Oil Removing Foam Wash ($12, Dermstore)
Free of fragrance and oil, this foam wash hits two needs in one: acne-prone and sensitive skin!
Burt's Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream ($9, Ulta)
This foaming gel is specifically made to balance out oily skin. The product is made with natural soap bark and offers a deep cleanse for your face.
Philosophy Purity Made Simple Cleansing Gel ($23, Ulta)
This light foaming gel cleanser removes dirt, oil, impurities, and all traces of makeup with mild cleansing agents.
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Cleansing your skin is one way to enhance your skin. If you don't know what is best for you, save these best makeup removers for every skin type into your shopping lists you won't miss!
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