The best make-up removers for all skin types

Removing the day's make-up with ease.

The best makeup remover

by Jade Moscrop |
Updated on

Remember the days of using just a make-up wipe to remove your Dream Matte Mousse and blue mascara? The older we get, the more important it is to not only make sure we remove all traces of make-up before hitting the hay, but also to use products that work for our skin.

Nowadays, many of us invest in a multitude of creams, serums, moisturisers and face masks to ensure our skin is getting the love it needs (and because, well, a pamper night feels good, duh). The first part of your skincare routine, though, should always involve a cleanser or make-up remover to get rid of any beauty products you've used on your face that day.

Whether you prefer a micellar water, an oil-based cleanser or a foaming cleanser, there are lots to choose from.

We've scoured the web for the best make-up removers out there, as well as throwing in a few that the Closer team absolutely loves, to help you find your next beauty fave.

Looking specifically for eye make-up removers? We've got you covered, too.

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Best make-up removers

Garnier Micellar Water Facial Cleanser Sensitive Skin1 of 13

Garnier Micellar Water Facial Cleanser Sensitive Skin

This micellar water is a go-to for many beauty buffs. The 700ml bottle means it lasts for ages and it removes make-up to leave skin feeling fresh and non-greasy. It's suitable for all skin types.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make Up Removing Micellaire Solution2 of 13

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make Up Removing Micellaire Solution

Got dry, sensitive skin? This is the cleanser for you. Even tackling waterproof make-up well, many users note that their skin looks and feels better when using it.

Lancome Bi-Facil3 of 13

Lancome Bi-Facil

This product from Lancome has a cult following - many who use it will never try anything else. It's a little pricier than some on the list but the reviews prove that it's worth it. Ideal for contact lens wearers and suitable for all skin types.

Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter4 of 13

Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

This cleansing butter is a game-changer, especially if you wear heavy make-up. It melts away make-up super quickly, is gentle on skin and improves overall skin texture. Believe the hype, this product is amazing. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, dry skin and for those who wear contact lenses.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polishu2122 Hot Cloth Cleanser5 of 13

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser

Liz Earle's Hot Cloth Cleanser is renowned for a reason. It easily breaks down make-up and grime (even waterproof make-up) to leave skin feeling soft, clean and comfortable. Suitable for all skin types.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel6 of 13

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

Fans of this gel to oil cleanser will rave about it until the cows come home (I know, because I'm one of them). Not only does this gorgeous smelling cleanser remove make-up well, but it has lots of skin-pleasing benefits, too. It helps to strengthen, brighten, revitalise and restore skin, leaving it soft and refreshed. It's pricey, but worth it. Suitable for all skin types.

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser7 of 13
CREDIT: 12.50

Fresh Soy Face Cleanser

Anyone who uses Fresh products will tell you how gloriously gentle they are on skin. This natural cleanser is enriched with soy proteins to help maintain overall skin health while it removes make-up. Great for all skin types but brilliant for those with dry and sensitive skin.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser8 of 13

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser

The Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser from La Roche-Posay provides relief for skin that gets easily irritated or is allergy-prone. It's also formulated for sensitive skin and ideal for dry skin due to its milky texture. It tackles daily grime and make-up easily, leaving skin soft and clean.

Simple Kind to Skin Make-Up Remover9 of 13

Simple Kind to Skin Make-Up Remover

Gentle and affordable, Simple's Kind to Skin cleanser does what it says on the tin. It doesn't dry out skin and is good for those with sensitive skin who don't wear too much make-up.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover10 of 13

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

If you have oily skin and like to avoid products with oil in them, this oil-free make-up remover is a firm favourite of users for its ability to remove even waterproof make-up.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser11 of 13

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

Suitable for normal and oily skin types, this foaming cleanser helps to hydrate skin, while niacinamide soothes irritation, clears congestion and balances sebum production.

Face Halo12 of 13

Face Halo

Face Halo went viral a few years back, but many people still swear by it - especially the eco-warriors out there. By using just water, you can remove make-up easily and quickly - great for those with sensitive skin.

FAACE Dirty Face Cleanser13 of 13

FAACE Dirty Face Cleansing Wash

This cleanser contains plant-based natural surfactants derived from coconut fatty acids to create a creamy lather without drying out your skin. Rose water, aloe extract and glycerin go to work to help stop any other moisture in your dermis from getting rinsed down the drain. It's a great option for combination skin. Tried & Tested by Deputy Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner: "Removing make-up has never been easier than with this gel based cleanser. What I love about it is that you can choose between applying it to dry or wet skin and really lather it up to get every inch of dirt removed. I wear SPF every day and since using the FAACE Dirty Face Cleanser I've noticed I don't have any remnants left after washing my face."

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How to wash your face properly

It may sound like a totally simple thing to do but you should always remember to wash your face twice - the double cleanse if you shall.

If you've ever noticed that there is still make-up when on your face when you dry it with a towel, then this is a must. Have your favourite make-up remover ready and raring to go, wash your face first with this to get the first layer of dirt. Then get a second option with hydrating and moisturising ingredients to clean once more, this time the product won't leave your face feeling raw to the touch.

Top tip: To remove eye make-up without rubbing your eyes and potentially damaging the fragile skin in this area, place a cotton pad doused in your chosen product and rest it on your eyes for a few moments. Voila! Your mascara should budge much more easily this way.

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