Best Makeup Removers For Those Who Hate Double Cleansing

Model using makeup remover to remove stubborn makeup

Do you enjoy the process of taking your makeup off? Sometimes taking off all your makeup can be a pain, especially when you’re wearing stubborn, long-wearing formulas that are meant to last. But, these tried and tested cleansers will show you how enjoyable makeup removal should be. Each formula in this line-up will ensure that every last layer is removed, from SPF, a full face of makeup, dirt to pollutants. They will also unclog pores, prevent breakouts and feel comfortable as they melt away makeup. Not to mention, your skin will be healthier as a result thanks to a whole host of skin-loving ingredients that will take care of your complexion while making sure no makeup is left behind.

Got your cotton pads and flannels ready?

1. If You Wear A Full Face Of Makeup

Swatch image of Dermalogica Precleanse makeup remover's clear oil

Skin type: all
Texture: oil to milky emulsion.
Benefits: cleanses, hydrates and softens skin, removes dirt, oil and waterproof makeup, including eyes and lips.

Heavy-duty, waterproof makeup and sunscreen will be no match for the Dermalogica Precleanse. The pre-cleanse is as you might have guessed, the first stage of your double cleansing regime. Its oil-based formula is designed to loosen and dissolve stubborn makeup layers so that they can be easily removed. Not only will every last morsel of makeup be wiped from the skin, but it will protect you from pollutants that build up on skin throughout the day while moisturising and fortifying the skin barrier with borage seed, kukui and apricot oils. The cleanser isn’t short on moisturise with conditioning properties from its vitamin E-rich formula. Rubbed all over the skin and mixed with water it creates a milky emulsion that removes dirt, oil and unclogs pores so that your skin is nourished.

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2. If You Wear Minimal Makeup

Model showing Bioderma Sensibio H2O makeup remover with a cotton pad
Skin type: sensitive
Texture: water
Benefits: soothes, cleanses and softens, as well as reducing oil and dirt as it removes tough makeup without irritating skin.

The perfect first or last step to makeup removal; Bioderma Sensibio H2O is ideal for achieving double or single cleansing action without the need to rinse. Used on its own or with another cleanser, the bestselling French pharmacy cleanser is ideal for anyone struggling with sensitivity, redness or problematic skin.

With one sold every 3 seconds worldwide, you won’t be surprised when I tell you it’s one of the best and most affordable available. There’s no shortage of micellar water formulas, but if you’re going to choose one, it should be this. A staple in my regime because of the formula’s easy removal of stubborn makeup without aggravating the skin. Poured onto a cotton pad, this water feels wet when you apply but disappears quickly, along with all your makeup. The micelles with physical pH waters form an extremely mild formula that can be left on the skin, which removes oil and dirt, leaving skin clean and refreshed.

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3. If You Wear Waterproof Mascara

Swatch on cotton pad of La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover to show texture

Skin type: sensitive
Texture: watery lotion
Benefits: soothes, cleanses and softens the eye area as it removes tough makeup, all without irritating.

Swiping and dragging to remove your liner, black smokey eye or waterproof mascara will certainly take it off but your eyes won’t thank you for it. Pulling and rubbing can accelerate the eye’s ageing process and make them irritated, blotchy and sting! Your eye contour is one of the first areas to show signs of ageing due to thin skin, so needs a little extra care.

One formula that is both powerful and soothing on the delicate eye contour is the La Roche-Posay Respectissime Eye Makeup Remover. The trusted formula is specially made for sensitive eyes but is still strong enough to wipe away waterproof mascara without rubbing or irritation. Watery and refreshing, the shakeable bi-phase lotion does away with any traces of eye makeup and is gentle enough for contact lens wearers too. My eyes feel fresh, calm and panda eyes are as good as gone!

Tip: dispense the formula on two cotton pads, press one on each eye to dissolve the makeup so it’s easier to remove while it provides a relaxing and cooling sensation.

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4. If You Wear Tinted SPF

Swatch of the texture of The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser which is great for removing stubborn makeup

Skin type: all
Texture: balm-to-oil
Benefits: soothes, cleanses, hydrates and softens the eye area as it removes tough makeup.

As the only cleanser from The Ordinary to date, you know it’s going to be good! The perfect partner for makeup removal, the balm-to-oil texture makes this cleanser ideal for washing away impurities and dissolving makeup. The texture feels quite thick at first, but when rubbed between the palms of your hands it will become tackier and will melt away light and heavier makeup with ease. Its hydrating oil consistency makes application super smooth and moisturises the skin without feeling stripped thanks to its dose of hero ingredient, squalane. After you remove the cleanser with water or a damp flannel you’ll be left with clean, soft skin that is completely makeup-free.

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5. If You Wear Heavy Makeup

Model holding Urban Decay Meltdown Makeup Remover Dissolving Spray that great for removing heavy makeup

Skin type: all
Texture: oily mist but oil-free.
Benefits: cleanses, hydrates and softens skin, removing dirt and oil as it dissolves tough makeup.

As the name Meltdown Makeup Remover suggests the spray will quite literally melt away your makeup. Your best ally if you wear stubborn long-wear and waterproof formulas, the hardworking spray dissolves your makeup, so that it is easy to remove without the need for pulling or tugging. Although this formula is oil-free, you’d be forgiven for thinking otherwise. The texture has an oily feel and looks shiny as it binds makeup and dirt together, sticking to makeup. However, don’t let that put you off. This stuff really works. The oily feel quickly dissipates with a few swipes of a cotton pad. Not only removing every morsel of makeup, but also nourishing and conditioning skin with vitamin E. My skin feels hydrated and I can be sure all my makeup is off.

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Discover More:

5 Micellar Water Questions People Still Don’t Know The Answer To

5 Tried & Tested Cleansers We Love Using

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