The best makeup removers for oily, dry and acne-prone skin
Removing your make-up doesn't need to be a tiresome chore. Instead with the right cleanser, it should take seconds.
Whether you like a full face of make-up or the odd bit of concealer and lip balm, it's important you're properly removing it too, as regularly not washing your face properly can lead to clogged pores and subsequently spots, dryness and a build-up of bacteria.
To effectively take off make-up, you'll need an oil-based formula that when applied to dry skin will feel buttery soft, and will disrupt foundation, lipstick and mascara so it can be swiftly wiped away.
We've compiled our top 12 make-up removers which do just that and suit a range of skin types, needs and budgets.
Starting from just £5.50, these cleansers make light work of even the most stubborn of mascaras and brightly coloured lipstick.
The best make-up removers for all skin types
Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter | £12 from The Body Shop
This has long been one of our favourite cleansing balms, not just because of the large size and generous price. It's made with shea butter, a fantastic antidote for dry skin types and it melts down instantly upon application to shift make-up.
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser | £5.50 from Boots
Among The Ordinary's extensive product line-up, this cleanser is our all-time favourite. It's squalene-based, which protects the skin barrier and helps replenish our ever-decreasing naturally produced squalene. It's akin to a balm, but lighter and creamer, perfect for sensitive skin types and leaves no greasy residue in its wake. The best £5.50 you'll ever spend.
Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil | £36.50 from ASOS
Made by the make-up greats at Bobbi Brown, this is everything you need from a cleansing oil. Two pumps are all you need to remove a full face of products. It's a blend of jasmine flower extract and organic oils - including kukui nut, sunflower, olive and jojoba, so it smells amazing too.
Bioderma Sensibio Cleansing Micellar Water | £16.10 from Boots
Well-loved by make-up artists backstage at Fashion Weeks, Bioderma's micellar is the speediest make-up remover on the market. Soak a cotton pad and sweep the fragrance-free formula over skin to leave your complexion feeling fresh.
Trinny London Be Your Best Enzyme Balm Cleanser | £32 from Trinny London
Earlier this year, Trinny Woodall set her sights on skincare, launching a range of products to sit alongside her stackable make-up collection. It's an impressive range and we were left impressed with this refillable balm cleanser. It smells incredible and does a stellar job at gently removing make-up to leave skin feeling soft and clean.
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm | £16.50 from Cult Beauty
For a luxury cleansing balm on a budget, give this one from Versed a go. A little goes a long way and the oil-based formula emulsifies into a gentle cleansing milk upon contact with water. One happy shopper said: "I’ve tried some more expensive and popular balm cleansers to remove my makeup but this one is by far my favourite. This is the best one I’ve used for removing waterproof mascara, dark eyeshadow pigments, and stubborn lip colours."
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser | £13.50 from Boots
If you're prone to acne, redness or eczema and want something simple, we implore you to give this a try. It's a milk cleanser that's soothing and efficient at removing make-up without causing irritation. Apply to damp skin, massage in and wash away with a lukewarm flannel.
Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm | £24 from Cult Beauty
Splurge on this solid oil which melts into a balm when massaged into skin. It's a cocktail of nourishing ingredients including moringa tree extract, papaya extract, sunflower and ginger root oils, and scented with delicious lime and bergamot.
Superfacialist Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil | £12 from Boots
The best budget cleansing oil you'll find, this is enriched with vitamin C for an added brightening boost. It doesn't feel sticky or greasy and dissolves make-up and SPF in seconds.
Curel Make-Up Cleansing Gel | £12.49 from Superdrug
Made with dry skin types in mind, this gel cleanser is rich in ceramides which help protect the skin barrier, especially if it's been damaged through over-exfoliating. One Superdrug customer said: "I was gob smacked at how good this product was, a little bit goes a long way and it made my face look and real healthy, shiny and glowing."
Avène XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil | £18.50 from Boots
Sensitive skin experts Avène created this cleansing oil to help dry, itchy and eczema-prone skin. It gently removes makeup without stripping the skin and is free from fragrance and soap.
Japanfusion™ Pure Transforming Cleanser | £9 for members from Beauty Pie
We love this balmy cleanser which comes in a tube, so saves you from getting your hands messing with a typical tub. It's perfect for a first and second cleanse and is an absolute bargain for Beauty Pie subscribers – a worthwhile investment for beauty obsessives.
