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What’s Your Go-To Makeup Remover and Why?

May 20th, 2012 by Karen 47 Comments

What's your go-to makeup remover and why?
I bet MAC Cleanse Off Oil/Tranquil could stand up to the Hulk!

I rarely stick to the same beauty products for long (unless I think they’re great) because in testing new things I tend to get distracted, but now that I think about it, I’ve been loving and, more importantly, regularly reaching for MAC Cleanse Off Oil/Tranquil for months.

As a matter of fact, I picked up a backup bottle. That’s how much I like it.

It’s like the Hulk of the makeup remover world (nothing stands in its way!). Foundation, primer, long-wearing concealer, waterproof makeup — it brushes them aside, and it works fast, too, without tugging at my skin.

On top of everything else, it doesn’t give me breakouts (knock on wood!).

I always have to remember to knock on wood when I say that… I don’t want to tempt fate, LOL!

How about you? What’s your go-to makeup remover and why?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

What’s Your Go-To Makeup Remover and Why? / Originally published May 20th, 2012

There are 47 comments on this post. Leave yours.

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Comments

  1. Jamie says

    May 20th, 2012 at 4:28 pm

    I’m sure I’ll get a talking to for saying this but I have never found an eye makeup remover as effective as plain old vaseline. Other makeup removers tend to irritate my eyelids after a while (sometimes even resulting in a rash) and sting my eyes. Plus my mom swears it thickened her lashes. I have super thick lashes so maybe there is something to that. I’ve tried others only to be disappointed and I head back to good old vaseline.

    Reply
  2. meghan says

    May 20th, 2012 at 4:49 pm

    I use baby wipes for sensitive skin! I know wipes are generally not the best option for my skin, but it’s so cheap!

    Reply
  3. Rebecca says

    May 20th, 2012 at 5:01 pm

    Lancome Huile Douceur. Expensive and requires a few steps, but worth it. You apply two pumps to a dry face, massage it around, and rinse with warm water or wipe clean with a damp cloth. It gets off EVERY BIT of primer, sunscreen, long-weaing foundation, waterproof eyeliner and mascara, lip stain, and anything else. You do have to follow up with cleanser since it’s an oil – that may not be necessary for those without oily, blemish-prone skin – but it’s the only thing I’ve found that gets everything off completely and doesn’t clog pores. I’ve tried other products from MAC, Clinique, Neutrogena, and other brands that are less expensive or “natural” but they’re just not as effective.

    Reply
  4. Kali says

    May 20th, 2012 at 5:02 pm

    Purity Made Simple and Equate Makeup Remover wipes!

    Reply
  5. Soo says

    May 20th, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    Lancome’s Bi-Facil and Shu Uemura’s Cleansing Oil!
    Soo recently posted … Jawbreaker by Pretty & Polished

    Reply
  6. Michelle says

    May 20th, 2012 at 5:36 pm

    Mine is Lancôme Bifacil. Minus the hype, I absolutely love it because it’s the only remover that does not irritate my sensitive eyes.
    Michelle recently posted … YSL Glossy Stain Short Animation.

    Reply
  7. Summer says

    May 20th, 2012 at 5:39 pm

    Sephora Collection Instant Eye Makeup remover is the BEST! No oily residue, no irritation or burning or breakouts, and I can even use it while wearing my contacts. It also has natural hydrating ingredients that are very good for my dry, sensitive skin. Love it!

    My other favorite “makeup remover” is extra virgin olive oil! I don’t use it on my eyes, but it removes my foundation, blush, etc beautifully, and leaves my skin feeling soft, calm, hydrated, and conditioned. My face always looks better when I take the time to use EVOO before cleansing!

    Reply
  8. Agata says

    May 20th, 2012 at 6:10 pm

    I have to try it out, I am always on the lookout for a make up remover that would easily remove my waterproof mascara.

    Reply
  9. Katherine G says

    May 20th, 2012 at 6:13 pm

    I’ve had success with the cheaper, drugstore eye makeup removers. My latest one is these Almay eye makeup remover wipes – they are small circular wipes and I use one for each eye. It gets the bulk of the eye makeup and gets the worst of it off. For the rest of my makeup, I use Ponds nighttime wipes (I also have the morning ones, just for when I go for a morning run but don’t want to totally wash my face before I get sweaty!), and then I follow up with a cream cleanser (whether it’s Dove bar soap or Olay). Vaseline and olive oil also work well and are a much cheaper alternative.

    Lately, to keep zits at bay (especially at PMS), I’ve been applying retinol morning and night. It works well and keeps new zits from fully forming as long as I am religious in the routine. That’s a part of my cleaning off my makeup/nighttime routine.

    Reply
  10. Tor says

    May 20th, 2012 at 6:21 pm

    I’m a Vaseline girl too! I do have a bottle of Lush’s 9 to 5, which is quite nice. My makeup is really, really light though (right now I only use a lip & cheek tint).
    Tor recently posted … The Sunday Review: Big Man Bakes, SoundCity and Hurraw!

    Reply
  11. ZenGirl says

    May 20th, 2012 at 6:26 pm

    I’m a fan of DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil. It dissolves everything very gently and fast. For on the go I like the Pond’s makeup remover wipes.

    Reply
  12. Silka says

    May 20th, 2012 at 6:31 pm

    Clinique’s TAKE THE DAY OFF CLEANSING BALM, es una maravilla. Elimina todo resto de maquillaje.

    Reply
  13. Ashleigh Walls says

    May 20th, 2012 at 7:00 pm

    Clearasil. Love it!

    Reply
  14. Kandy says

    May 20th, 2012 at 7:05 pm

    I have been a little short on cash so I found a recipe to make my own eye makeup remover. It’s just baby oil, tear free baby shampoo, and water. It doesn’t get everything off but it definitely gets most of my makeup off. After I like to use clean and clear face wash to get the oil and rest of the makeup off. 🙂
    Kandy recently posted … What To Wear: Summer Weddings

    Reply
  15. Ambi says

    May 20th, 2012 at 7:19 pm

    up&up makeup remover wipes from target! they don’t make me break out & the fragrance isn’t as irritating as the neutrogena ones

    Reply
  16. Kris says

    May 20th, 2012 at 7:21 pm

    DHC Cleansing Oil is the best, using au naturel olive oil. (Lazy days)
    Bioderma Crealine (Perky days)

    Reply
  17. Reena says

    May 20th, 2012 at 7:34 pm

    I used to research on the best make up remover to use, because I don’t stay on a certain product. But when I read about the details and the effects, I decide to grab one right ahead.

    Reply
  18. Chelsea says

    May 20th, 2012 at 7:36 pm

    I’ve been using one by Hard Candy from WalMart that’s supposed to be good for heavy duty, glittery, long wear makeup. It’s okay. I’m going to try Albolene (which is kinda like cold cream, but without the terrible fragrance) because I also wear heavy duty sunscreen every day.

    Reply
  19. Anna says

    May 20th, 2012 at 7:50 pm

    I cleanse twice using Purity Made Simple – the first time to clear off the makeup, the second time with my Clarisonic. Helps keep my makeup gunk off the brush head too.

    Reply
  20. Kelly says

    May 20th, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    To remove eye makeup I use good old fashion Baby Oil, and I have been ever since I started wearing makeup. It removes even waterproof! Then I follow up with whatever cleanser I’m using at the time with my clarsonic. No trace of makeup left, when I apply toner. 🙂

    Reply
  21. Irene Christine says

    May 20th, 2012 at 8:16 pm

    Sephora Collection Eye make up remover works the best for me. It doesn’t dry me out and it doesn’t make me feel too oily. Another plus is that it lasts me a very long time, I am still on my first small bottle since I last purchased it a few months ago.

    Reply
  22. Katie says

    May 20th, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    For all the budget babes out there, 100% jojoba oil is cheap and works well to remove makeup (particularly eye makeup). You can grab a bottle at most drugstores (I grab mine at good ol’ Trader Joe’s). I used to use Vaseline, but I read somewhere it could do harm to the eyes…

    Reply
    • Chris25 says

      May 21st, 2012 at 9:41 am

      I also use TJs Jojoba oil. I’m amazed at how well it works. 🙂

      Reply
  23. musical says

    May 20th, 2012 at 9:01 pm

    Neutrogena wipes, because they are convenient and they work (remove even water-proof eye make up, plus they don’t dry the skin). Sometimes i also use Vichy’s eye make up remover (the blue one).

    Reply
  24. tami says

    May 20th, 2012 at 9:06 pm

    I like Clinique’s Naturally Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, it goes on creamy and I can leave it on for a bit while I brush my teeth (plus I wear contacts, and it’s never given me a problem), then I follow up with an oil based remover on some cotton (whatever I happen to have a sample of at the time, currently it’s a Clarins, next up is a Lancome bi-facil mini)

    Reply
  25. Stacy Z says

    May 20th, 2012 at 9:15 pm

    I also use jojoba oil from Trader Joe’s! It gets everything off (just be careful with your eyes because sometimes it gives me the temporary ‘cloudy’ effect but that’s what happens with everything I use) and it’s great for your skin because the oil resembles your skin natural oils.

    Reply
  26. Let says

    May 20th, 2012 at 9:23 pm

    Neutrogena Eye Makeup Remover Lotion. Sometimes I will also use Neutrogena wipes (the green one) if I wear heavier makeup on my face, but other than that, I just take off my eye makeup and use wash my face with my regular facial wash.

    Reply
  27. Sunny @ Mostly Sunny says

    May 20th, 2012 at 11:11 pm

    Bioderma! I like how I can wipe everything off (that’s not waterproof. Strangely I’ve very recently been converted to non-waterproof mascara. Some of them actually holds curls and don’t smudge) after a long day without splashing water all over myself. I can then chill out till bedtime when I wash my face with a cleanser (depends. If I wore foundation and the whole deal that day, I use Philosophy Purity Made Simple. If not a regular cleanser will do) and put on my night cream and so on 🙂
    Sunny @ Mostly Sunny recently posted … MAX Factor False Lash Effect Mascara Review

    Reply
  28. Beth says

    May 21st, 2012 at 1:23 am

    Nuxe cleansing foam. Pricy, but removes everything at a touch, and doesn’t irritate my skin even a little bit.

    Reply
  29. Fieran says

    May 21st, 2012 at 3:18 am

    Clarins Pure Melt gel cleanser for my face makeup and MAC’s Gently off cleanser for my eye makeup. I use separate cleansers as I am particular about removing every single bit of makeup at the end of the day of my skin retaliates.

    Clarins Pure Melt is like an oil cleanser and melts everything away. Being the clean freak that I am, I follow up with Origins Checks and Balances as it’s one of the best cleansers for my combination (but more oily in warm weather) skin.

    I’ve tried MAC’s cleanse off oil but not the tranquil one. Will definitely try out the tranquil version the next chance I get. I did like the original version but realized it was a bit drying after I tried Clarins Pure Melt.

    Reply
  30. Diana says

    May 21st, 2012 at 3:30 am

    Oriflame makeup remover. They are easy to get and not expensive at all.

    Reply
  31. Stèphanie says

    May 21st, 2012 at 3:58 am

    Makeup wipes. Easy, fast and cheap.
    Most cleansers will dry out my skin.
    Stèphanie recently posted … Day #14 Flowers

    Reply
  32. Nina says

    May 21st, 2012 at 6:01 am

    I use this:

    http://www.amazon.com/Mandom-Cleansing-Express-Lotion-Normal/dp/B001GQ2ELA

    It’s a product from Japan that is so gentle and cleans in a swipe or two. 🙂 I use some cotton pads from a Japanese variety store that is the Tx equivalent of Daiso. 🙂

    Reply
  33. Emi at Project Swatch says

    May 21st, 2012 at 7:01 am

    There are a couple different ones I use – I like the Simple makeup remover if I’m going to apply makeup again, because it doesn’t leave any residue. I also like plain jojoba oil for really tough mascara / eye makeup – plus it’s moisturizing! – but I can’t use it if I’m about to put on more makeup.

    I use makeup wipes or my facial cleanser for my face. And when I have REALLY stubborn arm swatches, I use Clinique Take the Day Off. I don’t like using it on my face because it leaves an oily residue, but it’s perfect for my arm!
    Emi at Project Swatch recently posted … NARS Vesuvio Matte Lip Pure Matte Lipstick Review, Swatches, Photos

    Reply
  34. mill says

    May 21st, 2012 at 7:33 am

    bioderma! i’m out at the moment but i wear heaps of eye makeup and no face makeup so i need something that can get all that eyeliner off!

    Reply
  35. Elizabeth says

    May 21st, 2012 at 8:31 am

    I use organic coconut oil from whole foods and it works great. It’s not a liquid so it’s convenient to use while traveling too.

    Reply
  36. Meredith from Lushli says

    May 21st, 2012 at 9:57 am

    I’ve always wanted to try coconut oil as a makeup remover. My go-to is Bliss’s Lid and Lash makeup remover. It’s a clear gel, it smells nice and it’s super gentle. It removes even the toughest mascara!

    Reply
  37. Shannon says

    May 21st, 2012 at 9:58 am

    I use plain ol’ jojoba oil as a makeup remover/skin cleanser. Just massage in and wipe off with a damp washcloth.

    Reply
  38. Lauren says

    May 21st, 2012 at 10:17 am

    My fav is Bioderma Sensibio. It is so incredible!

    Reply
  39. Tina B says

    May 21st, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    Almay Oil-Free Remover Pads because it works really well and doesn’t burn my eyes! Each little pad has the perfect amount of remover, too. I’ve used it for years and have tried the store brand versions and hated them!
    Tina B recently posted … Swatch & Review: Cos Bar Limited Edition Nail Polish from The Shops at Target

    Reply
  40. Tania says

    May 21st, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    Karen,
    I use the Target version of Neutrogena’s Makeup Remover Wipes. I use those to mostly get the eyes and lips off. Most times I have enough to get some of the foundation off. To really get the rest off, I use some Cetaphil and a really warm washcloth. I do the Cetaphil thing twice and it just gets everything off without killing my skin.

    Reply
  41. Joanna says

    May 21st, 2012 at 1:30 pm

    Nuance Salma Hayek Cucumber & Rosewater Dual Phase Makeup Remover it does not make my face feel clogged up and it works really well. I like using baby wipes afterwards.

    Reply
  42. Sophie says

    May 21st, 2012 at 8:45 pm

    Klorane Sensitive Eyemakeup Remover with Cornflower Water. Works very well on stubborn mascara and smells great!

    Reply
  43. Malissa says

    May 21st, 2012 at 11:02 pm

    Ponds Deep Cleanser Cold Cream! It just melts EVERYTHING off 🙂

    Reply
  44. Kathleen says

    May 24th, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    My absolute favorite remover is Estee Lauder Take It Away Total Makeup Remover. I can just tissue it off, and my face is so soft afterward. Even when it gets in my mouth (as it often does when I remove lipstick/lipliner/gloss) the taste isn’t horrible, just a mild moisturizer taste. Serious glitter and heavy eyeliner takes a few swipes, but I can wear my contact lenses and still have no irritation.

    Reply
  45. Mel says

    June 8th, 2012 at 6:01 am

    Shu Uemura Skin Purifyer is absolutely amazing. I can imagine it would be similar to the M.A.C Cleanse Off Oil. My skin feels so incredibly soft and smooth. I especially love using it to take my makeup off before I go to the gym because I don’t need to moisturise.

    Reply
  46. Lainey says

    July 8th, 2012 at 10:38 am

    my absolute favorite remover is Walgreens eye makeup remover. it takes off everything. even waterproof, for around three bucks.

    Reply

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Hi there! I’m Karen, your friendly neighborhood beauty addict, and I’m a Bay Area girl who hoards brown eyeshadow and covets coral lipstick. Every morning, I wake up and say, “I’m going to do something other than a smoky eye today.” Then…I end up doing a smoky eye anyway (most days). When I’m not putting on makeup, taking pictures of makeup or writing about makeup, which I’ve been doing daily since 2007 (!), you’ll find me hanging out with my hubby (“El Hub”), my four-year-old daughter (Connor Claire) and my torbie girl cat (Pretty Girl Rosie, a.k.a. PGR).

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