The 17 Best Makeup Removers of 2023

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Even the most budge-proof mascara doesn't stand a chance against these effective formulas.

One of the least enjoyable parts about makeup is the removal process. But no matter how mundane taking off your waterproof mascara and red lipstick is, cleansing your face is an important step in every beauty routine and should never be skipped. "Throughout the day, all sorts of pollution and dirt settle into your makeup," says celebrity makeup artist Lisa Aharon. "Washing your face is crucial to reduce congestion, breakouts, and irritation caused from both environment and products."

Fortunately, there are tons of different makeup removers readily available to buy, ranging from oil cleansers to cleansing balms and creamy lotions, suitable for all skin types. Whether you're a passionate about your cleansing routine or you prefer using a one-and-done type of product, these are the best makeup removers that make wiping off your glam less of a task and more of a facial treatment.

This cult-classic formula has long been a go-to for celebrity makeup artists and beauty aficionados alike—and it's not hard to see why. The formula is gentle enough for all skin types and instantly dissolves any trace of long-wearing makeup on your lids, lashes, and lips, leaving nothing behind.

Product Type: Liquid

Skin Type: All

One Sephora shopper raves: "This is my ride or die. I wear a lot of eye makeup and lashes. This takes off all of my eye make up, lash, glue, etc.. Really great stuff. Leaves no residue."

Lancôme's oil-based makeup remover gets top marks for it's non-irritating formula and the fact that it erases even though most budge-proof mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow without leaving a greasy feel behind.

Product Type: Liquid

Key Ingredients: Lipid Concentrate, Emollient Mix

Skin Type: All

One Sephora reviewer raves: "I’ve tried so many different eye make up removers but this one is my favorite and go to. I love how easy this one on my skin especially around my eyes yet takes off my waterproof makeup just by one sweep."

Bobbi Brown's dual-phase formula is a no-brainer for heavy-duty makeup. When shaken, it activates to gently and effectively lift up even the most stubborn mascara off of your lashes.

Product Type: Liquid

Skin Type: All

One reviewer writes: "There is nothing really more to say! It's the best! I've used other high quality brands considered 'the best,' and they are also good. But this one is better! Nothing oily to remain. And for some reason, other brands seem to 'leak' when I give them a shake. This gets the make up off, gets you clean, and not oily! I've bought it many times, and keep coming back for more."

Just as its name suggests, this velvety lotion whisks away all makeup while leaving skin soft and smooth and without an oily film. It also has a lovely, light citrus scent that makes the cleansing process feel more luxe.

Product Type: Lotion

Skin Type: All

One shopper says: "I live in a humid climate and I have a tendency toward oily areas so I only wear waterproof and longwear products. This make-up remover is the first one I've found that quickly and easily removes my waterproof mascara without having to rub or let it sit on my eyes to melt it off. It does Not leave an oily residue that leaves my vision weird for an hour!!! I Love This!!!"

A French drugstore favorite—and for good reason. This water-like formula quickly and effortlessly eliminates all signs of makeup, pollution, and grime without harsh rubbing, while also soothing skin.

Product Type: Liquid

Skin Type: All

One reviewer raves: "Removes makeup so easily and doesn't irritate your skin at all. I've been using bottles of this and doubt that I'll ever use a different product. It's especially convenient at the end of a tiring day."

This luxury micellar water is loaded with tons of good-for-skin ingredients, such as linden blossom water, neroli extract, and provitamin B5, that not only help seamlessly remove makeup, but also cleanse and tone without stripping skin of its natural oils. The result: A crystal clear complexion with a fresh and luminous finish.

Product Type: Liquid

Key Ingredients: Shikakai, Desert Date, Gypsophila, Linden Blossom Water, Neroli Extract, Natural Alpha Bisabolol, Provitamin B5

Skin Type: All

One reviewer writes: "I really like this makeup remover, gentle yet efficient, it removes my Sisley mascara easily without pulling my eyes. I like to use it in the morning too as a gentle cleanse before applying my usual Sisley skin care routine."

Aharon recommends using this gel cleanser, enriched with centella asiatica, chamomile flower, sugarcane, and white willow bark, for removing makeup. "It's gentle enough for more sensitive skin types, is great at removing makeup, and leaves your skin feeling soft," says the pro.

Product Type: Gel

Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica, Chamomile Flower, Sugarcane, White Willow Bark

Skin Type: All, especially hypersensitive

One shopper raves: "I’ve been using IS clinical products for a while now and this is one of my favorites because of its effectiveness and the price! My sensitive, dry skin responds very well to this as a cleanser and feels great after. Removes makeup well, and doesn’t irritate my face. I’ve bought this twice and am ordering my third bottle now. Lasts a while as well- a little goes a long way."

We know what you're thinking: makeup wipes are bad for the environment. But RMS Beauty's coconut oil-infused towelettes are biodegradable and do the trick at removing all makeup without irritation.

Product Type: Wipes

Key Ingredient: Coconut Oil

Skin Type: All

One reviewer writes: "I really like these make up remover wipes. I bought them to pop in my gym bag to remove make up before class. They remove make up really effectively and smell great. Skin is really glowy and nourished. The wipe is a little small but that doesn't bother me. A winner."

Tatcha's cult-classic 2-in-1 cleansing oil made it on T&C's 2023 Beauty Awards list simply because it gets the job of removing makeup and washing the face done—without any oily residue. It's also formulated with Japanese camellia oil, which deeply nourishes the skin while cleansing.

Product Type: Cleansing Oil

Key Ingredients: Camellia Oil, Rice, Green Tea, Algae

Skin Type: All

One reviewer says: "I am 58 years old and most product either strip my skin dry or leave it an oily mess. This is perfect. Takes off all my makeup and disappears leaving my skin soft and clean. I also have ultra sensitive eyes and this does not irritate them. The fragrance is not overpowering and pleasant."

If you're looking for the perfect one-and-done makeup remover, Vintner's Daughter cleanser is your best bet. In just one wash, this the cream-like foaming cleanser, powered by a blend of natural botanicals, does wonders at ridding the face of any makeup, sunscreen, and buildup, while also delivering a visibly brighter and balanced appearance.

Product Type: Cream Cleanser

Key Ingredients: Aloe Leaf, Dandelion, Mango Seed Butter

Skin Type: All

One reviewer raves: "Very mild creamy cleanser that does a wonderful job of cleansing my face rather than stripping. It does a beautiful job of getting my sunscreen and mascara off. I love that it’s so gentle for my sensitive face."

An oldie, but goodie. This oil-free formula, with soothing aloe and cucumber extracts, makes the removal of long-wearing mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner a breeze. No tugging or pulling necessary.

Product Type: Liquid

Key Ingredients: Aloe & Cucumber Extracts

Skin Type: All

One shopper writes: "This is a very good makeup remover. It removes eye makeup without having to rub and tug. It also removes "stay on" lipsticks. It is not oily but but leaves skin, especially around the eyes, feeling soft. Great value. Highly recommend."

With a price point at under $10, this powerful multi-tasking micellar water does it all: gently cleanses, breaks down makeup, hydrates, and leaves skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Product Type: Micellar Water

Skin Type: All

One Amazon shopper raves: "This makeup remover is absolutely amazing and quite versatile it takes off makeup so easy and can be used for everyday face cleansing. I have stopped getting very much achne since using this to cleanse my face daily."

"This inexpensive drugstore cleanser works for every skin type— especially sensitive skin," says Aharon of Cetaphil's cult-favorite formula. "It deep cleans while keeping the skin balanced and helps to reduce the appearance of pores."

Product Type: Gel

Key Ingredients: Glycerine, Essential Vitamin B3, Provitamin B5

Skin Type: All, especially sensitive

One shopper says: " This feels so good on your skin & doesn't burn around the eyes. It's great to take makeup off & leaves the skin feeling soft and cleaner than ever! I got my husband to try this & he loves it. I see what the hype is all about."

Removing stubborn makeup has never been easier thanks to this plant-based cleansing cream that washes away makeup, SPF, and environmental impurities accumulated during the day. It's a great option if you're looking for a double cleanse effect in one product.

Product Type: Cream

Key Ingredients: Superfoods, Natural Surfactants

Skin Type: All

One reviewer says: "The skin regimen cleansing cream is the best face cleanser I've used. It has the perfect amount of foaming and feels so gentle on the skin, but face still feels clean when using it after a busy day. It always removes all dirt and makeup but without drying out my face. Also smells amazing and just leaves me feeling so refreshed!"

Like all Augustinus Bader products, this cleansing balm is formulated with the brand's proprietary TFC8 technology to support cellular renewal. Upon contact with skin, the solid texture turns into a luxuriously milky texture that instantly melts away the day's makeup. It also comes with 100% cotton muslin cloth to gently exfoliate. Your skin should look and feel nourished and glowing after application.

Product Type: Balm

Key Ingredients: Avocado-Olive Fruit Complex, Coconut Oil, Squalane, Vitamin E

Skin Type: All

One reviewer writes: "This removes all traces of my makeup, feels so luxurious when massaging it into my skin and washes off to leave my face clean, nourished and hydrated. I also love that there is no scent."

This dual-phase formula is not only great for removing any traces of eye makeup, but it's also supper effective at eliminating budge-proof lip products—especially red matte lipstick. Pro tip: It will also come to the rescue if you need to touch up a cat-eye or smokey eye look.

Product Type: Liquid

Key Ingredient: Green Tea ExtractSkin Type: All

One reviewer writes: "As advertised, gentle, soothing, and refreshing. I do use the cotton swab suggestion to touchup eyeliner and eyeshadow. Excellent product for those of us that struggle with Rosacea."

This mighty but mild cleansing oil dissolves every trace of the day's makeup, while boosting skin's glow with a sophisticated blend of 100% natural vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Product Type: Cleansing Oil

Key Ingredients: Alfalfa, Vitamin A, Squalane

Skin Type: Dry, uneven skin

One reviewer raves: "I use this to clean off my makeup, and just as a regular cleanser too. It’s incredibly gentle and nourishing. I LOVE this and will probably always have it as a staple face wash."

The best makeup remover formula all comes down to preference and skin type:

According to Aharon, a double cleanse works best for removing makeup. "I recommend using a micellar water initially followed by your cleanser of choice to ensure a thorough removal of your makeup," the pro notes. Just be sure you're gentle, and "try to avoid too much pulling or rubbing with your wash cloth."

Sophie Dweck is the associate shopping editor for Town & Country, where she covers beauty, fashion, home and décor, and more.

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