The two simple rules for choosing a makeup removal product are: don’t use something that’s too harsh on your skin and avoid cleansers that leave a greasy residue. Beyond that, the right one for you depends on how you expect the product to perform. If you have dry, flaky skin, use an exfoliating or a moisturizing cleanser. If you have oily or acne-prone skin, a product with salicylic acid may be the one for you.
Simply the Best makeup remover claims to take off even the most stubborn makeup, like semi-permanent eyeliner and waterproof mascara, without all the scrubbing and rubbing that can irritate sensitive skin. Ponds offers Clean Sweep Cleansing & Makeup-Removing Towelettes. This cleanser comes in the form of a moist wipe that contains natural ingredients like green tea ginseng, cucumber extract, aloe, cornflower and chamomile in addition to cleansers. This product requires no rinsing, just wipe your face with the cloth and throw it in the trash when you’re finished.
Generally, any cleanser with do double duty as a face-makeup remover. However, the eyes are usually a different story for a couple of reasons: The skin around the eye is especially sensitive and some cleansers may irritate the eyeball itself. Not many products are marketed solely as face-makeup removers, but many say they are exclusively for taking off eye makeup.
Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover is said to clean fast and rinse completely. Nivea’s Visage Eye Makeup Remover works well and is inexpensive. It sounds oversimplified, but it’s not a bad idea to gauge a product by the effort it takes to work. Your lashes have a higher purpose than just making your eyes look pretty. Excessive scrubbing can inflame the eye and break or pull out lashes you need to protect your eyes from debris.
If you can’t seem to find just what you’re looking for in a store-brought product, have no fear, for home remedies abound. A baking soda paste will take off stubborn substances, like stage makeup and dark lipstick. No-tear formula baby shampoo cleans without irritation or residue. Applying a small amount of olive oil with a soft cloth will remove makeup and leave lashes shiny and moisturized. The same result can be achieved with baby oil, but it’s more likely to leave behind a film, as is Vaseline. If you prefer an oilier product, you can follow it up with an astringent, just be very careful not to get any in your eye.
