The makeup removers that you need in your skincare kit this party season

Getting ready for a party is all fun and games when you’ve got your dance playlist on and your winged eyeliner is on point, without needing any painful cleaning and redoing. The real struggle, however, is to take all that mascara and ‘long-lasting’ lipstick off once you’re home, while trying to stop yourself from jumping straight into bed. Just like every other type of makeup and skincare product, there’s a makeup remover for every kind of person. Whether you need a hardworking wipe on your bedside table or prefer a step-by-step routine that includes a cleansing balm followed by a face wash, there’s one that’ll tick all boxes. We simplified each kind of makeup remover there is to help you pick one that’s just right for you, and can take you through the heavy-duty party season with your skin in top shape.

Oil cleansers

Oil cleansers are one of the most common makeup removing formulas. They either have a single oil base—like one with coconut oil—or come with an oil blend that helps break down all kinds of makeup, from your long-wear foundation to your brow gel. These makeup removers then need to be followed up by a gel-based cleanser to get rid of all residue.

Our pick: Shu Uemura High Performance Balancing Cleansing Oil

Micellar water

Micellar water is a formula that has been gaining momentum for a couple of years now—and for good reason. It takes away all the makeup and lets you get away with not washing your face after. Plus, most micellar waters are safe for sensitive skin and don’t clog pores either, so those with acne-prone skin are safe to add these to cart too.

Our pick: Garnier Skin Naturals Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water

Cleansing lotions

If you suffer from dry skin or generally prefer creamy formulas for your skin instead of oils and gels, cleansing lotions will be your top pick. Available in tubes and easy-to-pump dispensers, these formulas hydrate your skin while cleansing it of makeup, dirt and grime to leave you feeling fresh and moisturised.

Our pick: Shiseido Creamy Cleansing Emulsion

Cleansing balms

For those of you who really, thoroughly enjoy skincare, a jar of cleansing balm is a godsend. Take a tiny amount of the balm, emulsify it in your hands and rub it onto your skin, eye area and everywhere else, to watch your makeup disappear into the formula. Then, rinse your face with a gel-based face wash and follow up with your regular night-time skincare routine.

Our pick: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Makeup remover wipes

Call them a life hack, a lazy girl’s dream or an invention you just can’t get enough of—makeup remover wipes are everyone’s BFFs. Keep a pack on your bedside, one in your handbag, one in your travel kit and another at your work desk so you’re never caught in a bad (makeup) situation.

Our pick: NYX Professional Makeup Be Gone! Makeup Remover Wipes

Bi-phase makeup remover

You’ll usually find these formulas in the makeup removers targeted for ‘eye and lip makeup removal’. That’s because they’re just right to get rid of makeup that promises to stay on for hours on end—they contain both a lotion and an oil to dissolve makeup without stripping the skin. If you’re not a fan of very heavy formulas but would like something that will help with your matte lipstick, this is the one.

Our pick: Sephora Collection Extra-Gentle Bi-Phase Makeup Remover For Eyes & Lips