There’s a quiet kind of intimacy in the act of removing makeup. It’s not just the final step in a beauty ritual — it’s often the exhale after a long day, a soft reset, a self-kindness. But let’s be honest: not all makeup removers are created equal. Some tug, some leave residue, and others? They just don’t work.
I’ve tested dozens of products — in New York humidity, under runway lights, and during no-makeup weekends — and these 12 makeup removers have earned a permanent place on my shelf. Each one works beautifully across skin types, whether you’re dry, oily, combination, acne-prone, or sensitive. I’ve included various textures (waters, oils, balms, gels), price ranges, and platforms where you can grab them in the U.S. (think Amazon, Sephora, Target, CVS).
Let’s get into it — no fluff, just what works.
1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Texture: Water
Price: ~\$16 for 6.7 oz
Buy at: Amazon, Walmart, Dermstore
This is the micellar water that every makeup artist swears by, and I get it. It’s featherlight, scentless, and feels like nothing on the skin — yet it removes full-face makeup like it’s nothing. I use it on a cotton pad to wipe away mascara and long-wear foundation, and it’s never stung my eyes or irritated my skin. I even soak Q-tips with it to clean up cat-eye flicks.
💡 Pro tip: Store it upside-down for easier dispensing and pair it with Muji cotton pads for a no-waste swipe.
2. CeraVe Comforting Makeup Removing Cleanser Balm
Texture: Balm
Price: ~\$10
Buy at: Amazon, CVS, Target
Affordable, fragrance-free, and packed with ceramides — this balm is a savior for sensitive skin. It melts upon contact, breaking down waterproof mascara and full-coverage foundation, and rinses clean with zero residue. If your skin is reactive or dry, this one’s like a hug at the end of the day.
💡 Pro tip: Warm a dime-sized amount between dry palms, massage onto a dry face, then rinse with warm water. No need for a cloth unless you want the spa effect.
3. Sisley Paris Gentle Makeup Remover for Face and Eyes
Texture: Liquid
Price: \$150
Buy at: Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom
Yes, it’s a splurge. But if luxury is your language, this liquid cleanser is a dream. Infused with botanical extracts like desert date and linden, it removes even heavy makeup while leaving your skin soft, dewy, and lightly scented like a Parisian garden. It’s the kind of product that makes you feel like skincare is a ceremony.
💡 Pro tip: This one pairs well with a warm compress — soak a soft towel in water, press over your face, and gently remove everything.
4. Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Texture: Balm-to-oil
Price: \$44
Buy at: Amazon, Ulta, Sephora
A cult classic for a reason. This balm feels solid at first but melts into a silky oil that dissolves makeup instantly. What I love most is how weightless it feels — no fragrance, no residue, just clean, calm skin. It’s safe around the eyes and perfect for double cleansing.
💡 Pro tip: Use it as step one in a double-cleanse routine. Follow with a gel or cream cleanser for squeaky-clean skin.
5. Tatcha The Camellia Cleansing Oil
Texture: Oil
Price: \$50
Buy at: Sephora, Amazon
Gentle, nourishing, and rich in camellia and rice bran oils, this cleansing oil removes makeup while hydrating even the driest complexions. It’s one of the few oils that emulsifies fully, rinsing away cleanly without a greasy finish. Bonus: the packaging is as chic as the formula.
💡 Pro tip: Massage onto dry skin, then add warm water to emulsify — you’ll see the day literally melt off your face.
6. EltaMD Oil-In-Gel Cleanser
Texture: Gel to oil
Price: \$37
Buy at: Dermstore, Amazon
If you love science-backed skincare, EltaMD is a go-to. This hybrid gel-oil cleanser transforms on contact and is especially great for those who wear sunscreen daily or layer complexion products. It’s non-comedogenic and designed for acne-prone skin.
💡 Pro tip: This is perfect as a single-step cleanser post-workout. It purges grime without over-drying.
7. Eadem Dew Dream Cleansing Balm
Texture: Creamy balm
Price: \$34
Buy at: Sephora, Amazon
Created for melanated skin, but great for all, this balm removes makeup gently and without stripping. It’s loaded with skin-soothing ingredients like tiger grass and allantoin, and I love that it comes in a tube — no messy scooping.
💡 Pro tip: Keep this one in your travel kit. It’s leak-proof, TSA-approved, and saves you from hotel bar soap horrors.
8. Rhode Pineapple Refresh Cleanser
Texture: Creamy foam
Price: \$30
Buy at: rhodeskin.com
Don’t let the fruity name fool you — this is a legit cleanser. Hailey Bieber’s formula has pineapple enzymes, green tea, and polyglutamic acid, making it excellent for dull, tired skin. It gives you that just-facialed glow, and it smells like a vacation.
💡 Pro tip: Use in the AM for a fresh start and in the PM after a balm cleanser. It layers beautifully with other Rhode skincare.
9. Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover
Texture: Biphasic liquid
Price: ~\$36
Buy at: Sephora, Nordstrom
The only product I trust for removing waterproof mascara without rubbing my lashes bald. This dual-phase remover (shake before use) gets off even the most stubborn eye makeup while leaving the delicate skin hydrated.
💡 Pro tip: Hold a soaked cotton pad over your eyes for 10 seconds before wiping — no scrubbing required.
10. Caviar Jelly Makeup Remover by Strip Makeup
Texture: Jelly
Price: \$49
Buy at: C.O. Bigelow, Strip Makeup
I was skeptical about a jelly texture — but this one? Total game changer. It has a luxe, cushiony feel and leaves my skin bouncy and clear. It contains hibiscus seed oil and caviar extract (yes, really) to hydrate while it cleanses.
💡 Pro tip: Chill it in the fridge during summer. It feels heavenly after a hot, sticky day.
11. Ginger Melt Oil Cleanser
Texture: Oil
Price: \$35
Buy at: Ulta Beauty, Peach & Lily
If you hate double cleansing, this oil is your answer. It removes all traces of makeup and rinses clean, thanks to the blend of ginger root, sunflower seed oil, and grapeseed. It smells like spa day in a bottle and never clogs pores.
💡 Pro tip: Use two pumps and massage for 30 seconds to activate the aromatherapy effects.
12. DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
Texture: Oil
Price: \$32
Buy at: Amazon, Target, Ulta
This Japanese classic is made with olive oil and rosemary extract and has been a staple in my skincare arsenal for years. It’s ideal for dry or mature skin, and it removes even stage makeup without a trace.
💡 Pro tip: Use it on dry skin first — yes, even on mascara — then rinse with warm water or a muslin cloth.
Makeup removal should never feel like a chore — it should feel like you’re taking care of yourself. These 12 removers have carried me through NY Fashion Week madness, 12-hour filming days, nights out, and days in. Whether you’re after a \$10 drugstore staple or a \$150 indulgence, the real win is finding what works for you.
For shopping, I typically rely on:
- Amazon – for deals and fast delivery
- Sephora – for exclusive brands and points perks
- Ulta Beauty – amazing sales and broad selection
- Target/CVS/Walmart – unbeatable convenience
- Dermstore – especially for dermatologist-approved picks
Happy cleansing — and please, never sleep in your makeup. Your skin deserves better.
