Beyond Cleansing: Makeup Removers That Elevate Your Routine

As I type this, I’m realizing I don’t talk enough about this product, given how often I use it. I have every variation of the Makeup Eraser, from the full-length cloth to these pads, but they all do the same thing: take off your makeup with just water. I’m not kidding, either. All you need to do is get the product sufficiently wet, and all makeup, mascara included, comes sliding right off. The best part? The material is so incredibly soft that it feels like you’re just rubbing organic cotton on your skin. 10 out of 10 sensory experience.

​Review: “Was shocked at how well they work with only warm water. Even more effective than disposable cotton pads with makeup remover. I’ll save a fortune not getting the cotton rounds and makeup remover!!” — Sephora

These are the cotton pads to use in your skincare routine. In fact, Marie Claire’s beauty editor, Siena Gagliano, swears by them. “It may seem silly to spend this much on cotton pads, but you won't realize how elite these are compared to the cheaper alternatives until you try them,” she says. That’s high praise from someone who wears flawless makeup every single day. (Seriously, her smokey eye routine is perfection.)

​Review: “Literally the only cotton pads I will use. I can’t stand normal cotton rounds or pads, but these are so soft and don’t have that weird feeling that typical cotton pads have that makes your skin crawl. The package lasts a while too.” — Sephora

I recently got a Clé de Peau Beauté facial, and while the products were gorgeous as usual, what really surprised me were these makeup wipes. The day prior, I had been playing around with a lip stain that really lived up to its name, to the point where I actually couldn’t fully get it off no matter how much I scrubbed. My esthetician used one of these ridiculously soft wipes, and the last bit of color came sliding off like butter. It was incredible, and now these wipes will remain in my skincare routine for the foreseeable future.

​Review: “OK, I used to buy what I thought was a similar product at the drugstores. After using this product, there is no comparison. It's magical! Removes everything so well. It's pricey. Oy vey. You get what you pay for.” — Nordstrom

An other MC Beauty team favorite is the French pharmacy icon Bioderma. This micellar water is fantastic, especially for removing makeup from sensitive skin. So if most other formulas leave your face stinging or otherwise feeling uncomfortable, this is a solid place to start your search for the best makeup remover.

​Review: “I have sensitive skin and struggle with redness, but have repurchased this product a couple of times. This is gentle and effective. I have been using this every night as the first step in my skin care routine, and it's been great!” — Ulta

It’s high praise when a product is recommended by MC’s Beauty Director, Hannah Baxter, so if you're obsessed with your skin barrier, this one’s for you. Innbeauty Project’s Extreme Cleanse Milky Micellar Cleanser is one of Baxter’s favorite new releases because it “takes all your makeup off in one go instead of two,” she told me. Plus, it has absolutely delicious ingredients like squalene, glycerin, ceramides, and lipids. Your winter skincare routine is calling, and it wants you to add this product, stat.

​Review: “This cleanser is EVERYTHING!!!! I have extremely sensitive skin, dry/combo, and I am 4 months postpartum. Not only does my skin feel super clean after using this, but also very hydrated. I love the texture and how it feels on my skin, and I also love the smell (very subtle scent, nothing too overwhelming). If you’re thinking about trying this, DO IT!!!!! It is so good. Will absolutely be repurchasing forever!” — Sephora

When it comes to luxury cleansing balms, Elemis is truly a long-standing beauty editor favorite, and for good reason. It’s one of those rare formulas that doesn’t leave behind any residue but somehow still leaves your skin feeling clean, yet not stripped of every molecule of moisture you have. I’m not sure how many bottles I’ve personally gone through, but I'm pretty sure the number is embarrassingly high.

Review: “This was my first foray into cleansing balms back in 2021. I keep going back to her. I consider this a luxurious spa staple I keep on hand all the time, but I use it only 1-2 times a week at night. I take a dime-sized amount on a made-up face and massage it in thoroughly, spending extra time around my eyes and brows; I add a little water and continue the deep massage. The smell is SO relaxing to me that I do consider this product a treat. When my makeup is smeared all over my face, I take a MakeUp Eraser cloth, wet it, and start to wipe everything away. My skin is left soft and hydrated like it just had a pro treatment. Incredibly nice for winter months when everything feels like it is starting to crack.” — Sephora

An unexpected heavy hitter in the makeup remover game is none other than SheGlam. If you’re on a budget (or just want to save a few coins on an oil cleanser), the Nourishing Neroli Face Cleansing Balm gets rave reviews and costs less than $ 10. Plus, the little spatula that it comes with allows you to keep things hygienic (and chunks of oil from sticking under your nails).

​Review: “Funny story, I accidentally bought 2 of these and so had customer service cancel 1 of them. After I tried it for the first time, I regretted cancelling the 2nd one because this balm works SO WELL. Small tip: to remove makeup, use this balm to lift all makeup and then use micellar water, and see how much you really do remove.” — Sheglam.com