TOP FIVE [ALTERNATIVE] MAKEUP REMOVERS
Something I always see on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc: constant videos on how to perfectly apply that gel liner, how to make those lids glitter more than Atlantis, and how to apply the perfect matte lip. What I often don't see: how to wipe off all of those makeup tips and tricks at the end of your day. Unless you live under a rock, you most likely remove your makeup with a handy dandy pack of Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes, or some similar formulation of its kind. Don't get me wrong, I use them myself religiously every night, but I also sometimes enjoy reaching for a cleansing oil or makeup removing water instead. Why, you ask? They often take your makeup off in a more seamless fashion, and you avoid scrubbing and irritating the skin. I've rounded up my top five alternative makeup removers to the wipes that will truly remove the thickest of liners sans any sting or burn.
01. Glossier Milky Jelly - It truly is milky and jelly.
How well does it work? TBH, I'm not typically a huge fanatic when it comes to makeup removing face washes -- like who, seriously is going to wash off a full face of makeup without at least attempting to take some off with remover first? This product, however, changed my mind. While I still use remover before I wash my face with this cause #ocd, it definitely does get off every last bit of liner or mascara on my eyes, and for that, I'm impressed.
Why you should try it... it works. And it's extremely gentle on the skin. It also does an excellent job of getting off that stubborn eyelash glue that seemingly will never come off even if your false lashes came off three days ago. (If you wear false lashes, you'll know exactly what I mean by that).
02. Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover - An oldie but such a goodie.
How well does it work? This is one of my secret weapons guys. So I discovered this product BACK IN THE DAY. Like, I wanna say around 2010, when I first started watching sisters Elle and Blair's makeup videos from like that archaic century (remember them!?). I think it was Blair who swore by this eye makeup remover, and I remember buying it whilst I was building the beginning of my makeup collection back then (which consisted of many Dr. Pepper lip smackers, dark blue Mac eyeshadow, and Benefit's Hoola...). It gets off every little bit of makeup in any crevice of your skin, feels excellent and doesn't burn. I will forever use this, I swear.
Why you should try it... it's incredible. The best thing Target sells, probably. Go out and get it, now. You won't regret it.
03. Bobbi Brown Cleansing Oil - Will live off of samples of this...
How well does it work? For an oil, pretty damn well. While this is mainly a skincare treatment, oils are pretty useful when getting off stubborn eye or lip makeup. Not sure the exact science behind it (something to do with density lol?!), but it easily removes thick lipsticks and matte liquid lips to perfection.
Why you should try it... it smells amazing. And Bobbi Brown products are glorious. And you will be avoiding hard rubbing or scrubbing of your skin with this. The oil allows the makeup to just slide right off.
04. Bioderma Sensibio h2O Micellar Water - I've gushed about this before, and I'm gonna gush about it again.
How well does it work? Let me tell you a little story. Once upon a time, I did a Popart Halloween Tutorial for the Lala, on my old roommate and dear friend. The only thing that removed that makeup off of her was this stuff. No makeup remover wipes did it any justice. She's happy to have her face back, and I will always circle back to this product because of that.
Why you should try it... because it works wonderfully. Bioderma is a secret weapon behind the scenes on European runways and photoshoots as well, which is pretty freakin' cool.
05. Sephora Oil in Gel Lipstick Remover - I think this is currently discontinued, so this is my petition to bring it back.
How well does it work? Miss Lindz introduced this to me a while back, and I knew I had to get my hands on it when I saw how incredible it was. This lipstick remover not only rids of your lipstick layer, but it also gets rid of that annoying lipstick stain that your often left with when you have on a purple or red lip.
Why you should try it... more like, why everyone should petition to get it back. I'm going to be on the hunt for this online and will get back to you with a link to get it (I hope), but in the meantime, check out this NYX dupe, or break out some coconut oil for a similar effect.
Happy Removing!
"Jesters do oft prove prophets"
[King Lear 5.3]
Cheers, xxx - A. Martine