I Tried A Ton Of Makeup Removers Over The Years — Here Are The 10 Best You Can Buy

best makeup remover

Whether you’re a fan of subtle glam or a full-on face of makeup, we all have to remove it at some point in the day. I, like everyone else, prefer when my skin is dewy and glowy versus dried out and dull, yet I found that the makeup removers I used contributed to tight, squeaky skin, resulting in dryness during post-night out days. I’d woefully start regretting applying makeup that made me feel confident and glamorous due to the fact that taking it off was such a harsh process. This dilemma sent me on a quest to find a solution to cease my feelings of regret and find a makeup remover that was right for me.


After testing a myriad of makeup removers, I can confidently say that I’ve found a handful of trusted products for all skin types that leave skin feeling fresh, plump, and healthy as ever. Long gone are the days of using makeup removers that leave your skin feeling tight and dried out; find our favorite products below for hydrating, gentle, and effective makeup removal.

10 Makeup Removers For Clean And Nourished Skin

STRIP Makeup Whipped Coconut Makeup Remover ($28)

Clean, vegan, and clinically tested, this delicious-smelling whipped coconut makeup remover was formulated to support healthy skin function and promote skin health. With no synthetic fragrances or dyes, this product replenishes your microbiome with each use via a rich, nutrient-dense formula to hydrate, balance pH, restore fatty acids, and strengthen skin while effectively removing makeup and dirt from the day. Key ingredients include mango seed butter, shea butter, coconut oil, ginseng root, and white tea extract for your most refreshed face ever.

Farmacy Clearly Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm ($36)

This scent and colorant-free cleansing balm is my personal go-to makeup remover and is perfect for those with sensitive skin who want their makeup to effortlessly melt away. Papaya enzymes gently exfoliate the skin while sunflower seed oils remove the most stubborn makeup and SPF leaving skin smooth - not stripped. Although it feels heavy, my acne-prone skin has yet to break out from this product.

The Makeup Eraser ($20)

The original Makeup Eraser is a gentle, reusable, and sustainable product that uses plain old water to remove waterproof mascara, eyeliner, foundation, and everything else in between. Simply wet the Makeup Eraser and use the short fiber side to remove makeup and the longer fiber side to exfoliate skin up to 5 times in between washes. Lasting between 3 to 5 years, this is a much more sustainable option than disposable makeup wipes.

Elf Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm ($11)

Affordable and available at most drugstores, this solid cleansing balm melts into an oil that begins to instantly break down and remove makeup. With a nearly perfect rating, the product has received over 1,500 reviews on Ulta.com from satisfied customers, one of which referred to the Holy Hydration Balm as the “holy grail” of makeup removers.

Milk Hydro Ungrip Makeup Remover and Cleansing Water ($32)

Milk Makeup is notorious for their commitments to formulating 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and paraben-free products, and their makeup-removing cleansing water is no exception. This product can be used in the morning to cleanse and at night to remove makeup with micellar technology.

STRIP Makeup Caviar Jelly Makeup Remover ($49)

STRIP Makeup created the first-ever cleanser/makeup remover combination with clinically proven anti-aging benefits. Developed with a unique technology at Harvard University, this caviar-consistency makeup remover uses acai berry extract, pomegranate extract vitamin A, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and more. This product is on the more expensive side, but the way it leaves users with plump, juicy skin every time they use it makes it so worth it.

Bubble Wipe Out Makeup Remover ($14)

Formulated for all skin types, Bubble’s Wipe Out Makeup Remover has a unique formula consisting of highlighted ingredients including meadowfoam seed oil, raspberry seed oil, and chickweed extract which work together cohesively to lock in hydration, provide essential vitamins, and soothe skin. Between its formulation to its incredibly cute packaging, this makeup remover feels like a luxury product with the absence of a luxury price tag.

Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover ($26)

As a long-time, tried-and-true makeup remover, Lancome's oil-based makeup remover is the creme de la creme. The bi-phase formula uses an oily base and water cleanser that work in tandem to lift makeup away from the skin while leaving it feeling refreshed and cleansed. It’s award-winning for a reason as it effortlessly removes waterproof makeup, instantly.

Glossier Milky Oil ($14)

DTC-turned-Sephora starlet, Glossier, created a gentle, milky makeup remover that is tough on makeup while being easy on the skin. Their Milky Oil’s blend of micellar water and weightless oil creates a dual-phase formula that effortlessly begins to remove makeup from the skin upon application without the need for any harsh rubbing or tugging.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover ($11)

Sold at major drugstores, big box, and grocery stores, Garnier’s Micellar Water makeup removers are perfect for those who are searching for a product that’s low-hassle to buy. For nearly $10, this highly-rated micellar water lifts off makeup, dirt, and debris like a magnet. My personal favorite is the waterproof formula, as it effectively removes even the most stubborn products without leaving my skin feeling dried out.

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Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

When it comes to getting that glow, it’s important to have a dependable routine that not only works for your skin type, but one that’s compatible with your lifestyle, too. Not everyone has the time to slather on 20 different skincare products every day – myself included!

It’s taken me months and months to land on a skincare product lineup that works best for me. Luckily, this glowy skincare routine has saved me so much time, changed the way I approach skincare (including buyingskincare goodies), and makes me absolutely glow to the gods.

@britandco these skincare products have me in a chokehold. link to shop them in our bio! ⭐️ COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser ($11) ⭐️ COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner ($13) ⭐️ The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid ($10) ⭐️ Dieux Air Angel Gel Cream ($44) ⭐️ innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen ($22) ⭐️Good Weird Cold Brew Undereye ($26) #glowyskin#skincareroutine#easyskincareroutine#affordableskincare#glowup♬ original sound - soph 🦷

This glowy skincare routine is everything to me. With only 6 products and a total of 10 minutes maximum every day, this glowy skincare routine is the key for healthy, youthful-looking skin.

I can’t gatekeep these products any longer. Let’s get into why these picks fit right into a glowy skincare routine and what they can do for your skin!

COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

Clean skin sets the tone for glowy skin, so having an everyday cleanser in your skincare repertoire is crucial. I like this low-pH one from COSRX since it's very gentle. Though it takes it easy on my skin overall, I still feel a deep clean after I cleanse with it. The low pH makes this gel cleanser widely compatible for most skin types, plus you get lots of product for a low price.

The Good Morning Gel Cleanser is $14 on Amazon.

COSRX Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner

Toners can come in many forms (like exfoliating and brightening), but I find that I'm drawn to hydrating toners like this one from COSRX for my glowy skincare routine. Unlike the toners most of us grew up with – astringent, harsh, and drying – most toners on the market now are made to boost your skin's hydration! So, toners are friends, not foes.

This literally feels like my skin is chugging water when I put it on. I typically just apply it with my hands and press it in gently, so my face can absorb the most product. I'll also bring it down to my neck for added hydration. The propolis and honey extracts go easy on the skin, adding to the desired glow!

This Full Fit Propolis Synergy Toner is $13 on Amazon.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid simply brings the moisture that's already hanging out in your skin forward, so you'll appear more moisturized and hydrated when you use it. I only use this before moisturizer when I feel like my skin is especially dry, and like the aforementioned toner, I press it in so my skin can soak it on up.

I enjoy a lot of things about this hyaluronic acid (like the ease of using the bottle, the simple ingredient list, and the elegant dropper), but I love the affordable price the most.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid comes in a bundle alongside the The Ordinary Niacinamide for just $17 on Amazon.

Dieux Air Angel Gel Cream

Oh, this gel cream moisturizer is sooo smooth. I've really never felt anything like it before! I genuinely feel like an angel every time I put Dieux's Air Angel on. I adore it because unlike other heavy cream or lotion moisturizers, it allows my skin to breathe. It goes on super lightweight so I'm not left feeling like I applied way too many layers of product.

It's also very easy to apply – the bottle has a convenient pump with a cap that makes traveling with it a breeze! Moisturizer is a total must when it comes to skin that glows, so don't sleep on product picks like this!

The Dieux Air Angel Gel Cream goes for $44 on dieuxskin.com.

innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen is that girl. As opposed to chemical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen contains actual physical barriers that protect your skin from harmful UV rays. That being said, this sunscreen does swipe on with a bit of a white cast, but it immediately blends out with the right amount of rubbing it in.

This SPF 45 formulation from innisfree (one of my fave affordable brands) has a color-correcting aspect to it, so it looks a tiny bit blue when you go to apply it. Once your skin's soaked it in, it leaves a creamy, satin finish that I think is perfect for a makeup base.

Think of this sunscreen as a preemptive measure towards the ultimate glowy skin routine – since you're protecting it from mass amounts of sun damage, your skin will look more youthful, hydrated, and even over time. And yes, you should be wearing sunscreen every day!

The innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen is $22 at Sephora.

Good Weird Cold Brew Undereye

OMG. This is the first under eye cream that I found was actually effective. It's genuinely like a cup of cold brew for your under eye area – and mine tends to need that extra energy!

Formulated with caffeine to reduce puffiness and diamond powder to fill in fine lines, I saw results from the Cold Brew Undereye from Good Weird (read my full review here) within a few uses. The application is also unbelievably easy. It goes on very soothing since it has a metal application tip. I actually toss this skincare pick in the fridge so the metal can cool down, and ultimately soothe my tired eyes.

I think having a brightened-up under eye area contributes massively to my glowy skincare routine, since darker circles can bring the glow (and the overall evenness of my skin tone) down.

The Good Weird Cold Brew Undereye goes for $26 on Amazon.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Spring always gives us a sweet taste of what to expect during the warm, wonderful days of summer. If you're already counting down the days til you can sit in the sand and dip you're toes in the water, we've got 16 summer quotes that'll really do the trick. So get your beach bags, playlists, and outfits ready to match the vibe of these 15 dreamy summer quotes! You'll need them to help you prep for all your upcoming vacations, festivals, and more! 😉

"Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August." —Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty

"Summer is the annual permission slip to be lazy." —Regina Brett

"It was June, and the world smelled of roses. The sunshine was like powdered gold over the grassy hillside." —Maud Hart Lovelace

"I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June." —L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Greene Gables

"Summer has a flavor like no other. Always fresh and simmered in sunshine." —Oprah Winfrey

"Summer has filled her veins with light and her heart is washed with noon." —C. Day Lewis

"Let us dance in the sun, wearing wild flowers in our hair..." —Susan Polis Schutz

"When the sun is shining I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome." —Wilma Rudolph

"We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it's our garden that is really nurturing us." —Jenny Uglow

"I love how summer just wraps its arms around you like a warm blanket." —Kellie Elmore

"One benefit of summer was that each day we had more light to read by." —Jeanette Walls

"When all else fails, take a vacation." —Betty Williams

"Summer is singing with joy, and the beaches are inviting you with dancing waves." —Debasish Mridha, Sweet Rhymes from Sweet Hearts

"Keep your face to the sun and you will never see the shadows." —Helen Keller

Check out our happy quotes if you need a little more encouragement, and be sure to follow us on Facebook!

Lead image via Monica Turlui/Pexels

Even if you're drinking water,getting enough sleep and squeezing in a bit of exercise, breakouts can be super sneaky. Nothing is more frustrating than having a wedding or job interview and having to deal with bad skin. Like many things in life, it might take a little patience (and some trail and error) to figure out how to get clear skin, but if you're pressed for time and are looking for easy, affordable, or DIY options, here are 14 tried and true ways to get your best skin ASAP!

DIY Your Own Face Mask

Whip up a spa-worthy mask right in your own home using strawberries and some Greek yogurt to help smooth bumps and unclog pores. Smooth it on, kick back, and try not to eat it all up.

Hydrate!

A dry face is much more prone to wrinkles and breakouts, FYI. Simply washing your face before you sleep and applying a rich, non-comedogenic lotion (like the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, $20) will make a huge difference in the look and feel of your skin.

Don't Pick

Whatever you do, resist the urge to squeeze. It is tempting to pick and pop at a pimple, but that can lead to permanent scarring and further breakouts. If it's really bothering you, try covering the spot with a warm washcloth or an acne patch!

Use A Clarifying Face Mask As A Spot Treatment

If you're someone who only suffers from the occasional pimple, you can use your fave face mask as an overnight spot treatment. Choose a heavy-duty skin-saver likethis Peter Thomas Roth mask, pop it on your pimple before bed, and wake up to see it almost completely gone.

Wash Your Face

Always wash your face before bed! If you're not washing away all the dirt, sweat, and makeup from the day, you're asking for a breakout. Stash cleansing wipes (like this $15 set ofCetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansing Cloths) on your nightstand for nights when you're too tired to move.

Use A Sheet Mask

Sheet masks serve up a ton of nourishing hydration to your skin and are a mega chill way to relax. Grab a pack like the Celavi Essence Facial Sheet Face Mask Variety Set, that way you can have different masks for different purposes.

Spot Treat For Clear Skin

Before bed, use a spot treatment containing a combination of sulfur and salicylic acid. Try the Mario Badescu Drying Lotion to kill bacteria and clean out the pores. After cleaning your face, use a Q-tip to apply a spot treatment directly to any budding blemishes.

Use a Clay Mask

The ingredients in the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Maskpenetrate deep into your skin and clean out excess oil and bacteria. This can also double as an exfoliator to open pores and get rid of the gunk clogged inside!

Soothe With Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is famous for treating wounds and scars and also acts as a remedy to rid of acne fast. Apply Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel or juice on spots and let dry for about one hour before washing it off with warm water.

Apply An Acne Patch

Acne patches are awesome because you just apply them before bed, and they work wonders while you sleep! They come in cute shapes and colors, or you can grab a plain one if you want to cover it with a bit of makeup to wear during the day. Some of our faves include Mighty Patch Hydrocolloid Acne Pimple Patches and Truly Beauty #Heart Your Imperfections Acne Patches.

Use Honey

A great natural solution for clearing up sensitive skin, honey moisturizes skin and is non-irritating. Plus it's full of antibacterial properties, helps soothe skin, and reduces irritation.

Get Clear Skin With Aspirin Or Baking Soda

Image via engin akyurt/Unsplash

Dissolve an aspirin in a little water and then apply the paste to the spot for no more than five minutes. The reason this works is that aspirin and baking sodacontain the same acid that many acne treatments use to exfoliate dry skin and decrease redness, according to Livestrong.

Steam It Out

Put your face in a NanoSteamer 3-in-1 Facial Steameror over a bowl of boiling water and let the steam moisturize it for two to three minutes. This helps in removing dirt, dust and oil from the pores of the skin without aggravating pimples.

Ice It

Rub anice cube all over the area for about two minutes before applying an acne cream or a DIY face mask. Bonus points if you use these cuteheart-shaped molds for your ice cubes!

Follow us on Pinterest and subscribe to our newsletter for more beauty tips on how to get clear skin overnight -- or at least faster than doing nothing!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

Calling all BookTok, bookstagrammers, and leisurely readers: the Amazon Book Sale has landed! I can barely contain myself because there’s so many great titles — including more than a few picks from Reese Witherspoon’s book club — that Amazon is discounting for it’s special reading crowd.

I know I’ve been stuck on romantasy books for a while (sorry, not sorry!), but there’s so many other great picks you’ll be able to snag on sale. And if you’re a Kindle type of woman, you’re not being left out.

Amazon isn’t leaving any stone unturned with this sale so let’s jump right into what to expect and which books are on sale right now!

When is the Amazon Book Sale?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

The Amazon Book Sale runs from May 15 until May 20, so you’ll have six full days to plan your (very discounted) TBR list.

What should I expect from the Amazon Book Sale?

Photo by Samson Katt/PEXELS

The Amazon Book Sale will feature titles from different genres that you can save up to 50% on. Not only that, but Kindle users can save up to 80% on books! In case you’re wondering, you're not dreaming — this is really, really good.

The best news about the sale is that you can start shopping deals NOW. So, what are you waiting for! Take a peek at our picks!

Shop Early Amazon Book Sale Deals Here!

The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn

Anna Fox has agoraphobia so she spends time by herself at home by herself and fills her days with drinking, watching comfort movies, and being a nosy neighbor. That's how she knows a new family — The Russells — have moved across from her.

She continues her usually nosy activities and finds herself witnessing something that seems horribly wrong. As she frantically tries to piece together the mystery of what happened, it becomes clear that the lines of her imagination and reality have become blurred.

Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

Kate Mularkey was never the popular girl until she met her best friend Tully. Their lives are polar opposite, but there's no denying how tight their bond is. Over time we learn that Tully has abandonment issues and looks for anyone — especially men — to love her. Her journey takes her to the big apple where she achieves all the glitz and glamour that life has to offer.

Kate goes on to become a wife and mother, two things she believes she wants, but it becomes clear that she's missing something. That something is what begins to burn a hole in her being and the more she watches her best friend Tully live a successful life, the more she wants that for herself too.

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

Elena Richardson and Mia Warren go to warn in this moving novel about classism. It dares to ask readers who deserves to be seen as a shining example of a mother as both women eventually face how far they're willing to go to protect those they love.

For Elena, Shaker Heights is all she's ever known. She's married, has four children, and is well-loved in her community. She believes that she's been able to achieve everything she has because she knows how to be the woman who doesn't color outside of the lines.

On the other hand, Mia is an artist who knows all about creating masterpieces with elements that are otherwise seen as messy. She and her daughter Pearl become a little too close to the Richardsons, finding their lives dangerously intertwined with them.

When a custody battle ensues that involves the young daughter of Mia co-worker, she finds herself willing to dismantle the pretty facade of not only Shaker Heights, but Elena as well.

Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed

Cheryl Strayed has spent over 10 years dishing out advice as 'Dear Sugar' has touched people with her columns, podcast Dear Sugars, and Substack. Deciding to compile all of the best things she's ever told people, Cheryl Strayed pieced together Tiny Beautiful Things so that readers around the world won't have to look far for her empathetic wisdom.

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

Georgia Mulcahy is the ultimate people-pleaser and her career is the epitome of it. She'd probably always be that way had it not been for a unexpected career change that sends her packing back home. Begrudgingly, she goes and soon discovers a diary where she once wrote down all of her heart's desires.

This inspires her to start checking things off her life's to-do list so that she can really start living. It's just that Levi Fanning is somehow her unexpected roommate while she's at her parents' home and his offer to help her complete her list feels like something she didn't know she'd encounter.

The more they spend time together, the more Georgie feels like there's more to life than checking off things on a list.

The Mitford Affair by Marie Benedict

The Mitford sisters have always been the talk of the town, but nothing is as shocking as when one of the sisters decides she'd rather devote herself to a fascist leader. Another sister decides it's worth following her and this leads people to whisper salacious things about her alleged relationship with Hitler.

As the war between Great Britain and Germany threaten to spill over, their sister Nancy can't help but wonder what her sisters have gotten themselves into. She'll have to decide where her own allegiance lies.

Expiration Dates by Rebecca Serle

Daphne Bell has always known how long she'll be with a man before moving on to the next one. It's not that she's flighty, but more so that the universe literally tells her what to expect. These little nudges have been in her life for over two decades and it's something she's learned to accept.

However, the universe decides to be cryptic by only clueing her in on the name of the next man she'll spend time with. It's odd because if Jake knew the things she did, there's a chance he could walk away from her forever and that's the last thing Daphne wants.

On a Quiet Street by Seraphina Nova Glass

Brighton Hills appears to be a picturesque place to live. It's a community that beautifully blends luxurious living with the gorgeous nature that surrounds it and the neighbors always have their eyes on each other.

However, Cora's desire to find out if her husband is having an affair leads her to form a partnership with Paige. She's the one neighbor that Cora knows keeps a watchful eye on what's going on in Brighton Hills after her son died.

The two women work together to discover what Cora's husband is really up to, but what they may stumble across will send a shockwave through Brighton Hills.

Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalo (Kindle)

The Prince of Envy is struggling to save his demon court in Throne of the Fallen, but he's determined to find a way to do so. He's not afraid of the magic and mysterious people that keep crossing his path because nothing can stop his fierce desire to regain the control he once has.

Things are seemingly no different from Miss Camilla Antonius because she's facing blackmail by someone who literally makes her skin crawl. In order to change her fate, she reluctantly joins forces with The Prince of Envy and thus begins their dangerous journey through the Underworld.

It's the one place that may pull them together in more ways than one.

The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen (Kindle)

Hart spends most of his time patrolling Tanria, but the loneliness does nothing to keep him company. Things couldn't be any different for Mercy though. She's tasked with making sure things are running properly at Birdsall & Son Undertakers and doesn't have time for anyone's foolery.

Ironically, Hart and Mercy both have taken up writing mysterious letters to strangers who have become their friends. The thing is they're not aware they've been communicating with each other.

It's a classic enemies-to-loves fantasy novel that'll make you smile with glee.

We can't wait to see what you snag during the Amazon Book Sale! Check out our storefront for more reading recs!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Lead images via Amazon

A Cinderella Story isn't just a movie — it's honestly a cultural moment. The costume montage, the spastic colons and synchronized swimming, the rain in this drought... even Gavin Degraw singing over the One Tree Hilltrailer on the DVD stand out! Everything about this film is iconically ingrained in our collective conscious, making Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray the Y2k blueprint for many of the "It" pairings we know and love today.

We last left our Princeton royalty preparing for their freshman year of college, dreaming of happily-ever-after — or at least graduation — and that was that! But in this era of reboots, I've often wondered what happened to our OG tortured poets after the credits rolled. Luckily, I'm not the only one! Chad Michael Murray just tee'd up a sequel, and yes that's me you hear squealing right now. Here's everything we know about what's to come for everyone's fave modern fairytale!

Is there a part two to a Cinderella story?

Photo via Warner Bros Entertainment Inc

There's Another Cinderella Story, starring Selena Gomez and Drew Seeley, but that's more so a part of a series of "Cinderella stories" rather than an actual sequel. So far, we haven't gotten a follow-up on our Princeton-bound faves.

Has "A Cinderella Story 2" been announced?

There's been no formal announcement yet, but that doesn't mean all hope is lost. During his press tour for Mother of the Bride, Chad Michael Murray told ETthat he's definitely interested in bringing Austin Ames back. He said that even his daughter told him, "You need to make another one of these, Daddy," after she watched A Cinderella Story for the first time.

His response to the idea? "Here you go, Hil. From me to you, let's do it!" — referring to Hilary Duff, of course! The timing couldn't be better either, given that Hilary just gave birth to her fourth child and could hypothetically be available to film in the coming months...just saying!

Again, there's no official information about this project yet, but with a main piece of the puzzle on board, we're one step closer to my own personal happily-ever-after — a real sequel to A Cinderella Story once and for all.

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Header image via Warner Bros Entertainment Inc.