Let me just say, I use to be AWFUL about remembering to remove my makeup before I went to sleep every night. I didn't even start wearing makeup until my senior year of high school, and then I would often stay up late and pass out in full makeup without thinking anything of it. Now that I am more educated on such matters as skincare, I realize how bad this is. It can lead to breakouts and can cause your skin to age prematurely because your pores are crying for air and moisture! Sometimes I just get lazy though. Which is why it is important to have a good makeup remover that makes things very simple and pleasant. For me, it is also important that it is not overpriced, as many beauty products are. After much research, testing, and gathering opinions from friends, family, and other beauty reviewers, I have compiled a list of 10 of the best budget makeup removers. These can all be found in local drugstores, Target, Ulta, Walmart, or online and they are all under $15. Here we go!
1. Neutrogena Hydrating Eye Makeup Remover Lotion - The makeup remover is getting some serious buzz lately. For around $7 it is suitable for all skin types, removes even waterproof mascara, conditions the skin rather than drying it out as some removers do (contains aloe and cucumber extracts!), and is fragrance free! If you are hesitant to try a lotion remover, this one is inexpensive enough to test and you will probably never switch back to liquid ones. Also, do not be afraid to try this one even if you have oily skin. Many people with oily skin seem to think they should not moisturise but that is so wrong (will probably do a post on this and other skin myths soon)!
2. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover - In case you just can't bring yourself to try the lotion one yet, this liquid one from Neutrogena has been around for a while and is a pretty popular choice. It only costs about $6 and works pretty well. I do find that I usually have to give it a few wipes if I'm wearing waterproof eyeliner and mascara but that will be the case with most removers, no matter what they claim. It does leave a very slight "oily" feeling on the skin but is not drying and the feeling is not unpleasant and absorbs very quickly. This one is definitely worth what you pay and also contains aloe and cucumber extract.
3. Mary Kay® Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover - A Mary Kay best seller and the winner of the Allure Best of Beauty Award, this remover is definitely worth trying. It looks more expensive than most budget removers but is only $15. Hypoallergenic, oil-free and ophthalmologist-tested, this remover is gentle enough for people with sensitive skin or contact lens wearers. Should last you at least a couple of months.
4. The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover - Soothes and hydrates the skin. Fragrance free and is also suitable for people who wear contacts. This remover costs around $15 but if you buy it now, it is on sale for $9.30 online if you click the link! This one is a favorite among many beauty product lovers and bloggers. Can also be found at Ulta.
5. Physicians Formula Eye Makeup Remover Lotion - Can usually be found at Walgreens or Ulta. This remover is hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and dermatologist approved. It does contain mineral oil but it only cost about $5 and is not greasy feeling. A lot of crap is floating around the internet lately about mineral oil being bad for you but this is not true. It is cheap and will not improve your skin, but it will not hurt you (again, will talk about this more in another post). This is a trusted brand and a popular remover, for people with normal to dry skin.
6. Lumene Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover - This one is only $6 and is great at removing waterproof makeup. It is fragrance free, good for people with sensitive skin/eyes, and contains witch hazel which is a natural toner for the skin. Suitable for all skin types and can be found at Ulta or online.
7. Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover - Normally this one is about $14 but it is on sale right now on the Paula's Choice website for about $12. I have not personally had the chance to try this one yet but it is next on my list because I have heard so many great things about it! It is fragrance and dye free, not tested on animals, and claims to be suitable for all skin types, even those with extra sensitive skin. It contains antioxidants and other quality ingredients like licorice extract, aloe and green tea extract which are proven to be beneficial to the skin and help reduce puffiness.
8. Nivea Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover - Around $5 and has an oil-based layer and a water-based layer so you have to shake it up before applying. Strong enough to remove waterproof eye makeup and is suitable for all skin types. Dermatologically and ophthalmologically approved, most people agree that this is a great remover for the price!
9. Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover - You can find this one at most drugstores or Ulta for around $7 and it is definitely worth it. Dermatologically and Ophthalmologically tested and does not leave oily residue. It will remove waterproof makeup with a little extra effort. No fancy ingredients, but it works and is simple and basic.
10. Botanics Soothing All Bright Eye Make-up Remover - Costs $6 to $7. I really liked the Botanics Soothing Makeup Remover but it was discontinued and now they make the Botanics Soothing All Bright one which I haven't personally tried yet. From what I have heard and researched, most people say it is very effective and they love it but that it does leave an oily feeling on the skin. Dermatologically tested and contains Icelandic moss extract which is supposed to be calming and hydrating. Side note: The Boots Botanics line also use to make a lovely organic makeup remover with jojoba oil but sadly, it has also been discontinued!
*Obviously everyone reacts differently to different products so always check the ingredients (especially if you have allergies!) in any products before you purchase them.*
Also, most people seem to prefer products that are oil free which is fine, but if are ever in a jam and don't have any makeup remover or cleanser but you happen to have some pure coconut or olive oil, you can use these to cleanse! Oil is actually very effective at pulling away dirt and makeup and is great for moisturising the skin. Just use it lightly and allow time for it to absorb before you lay down or, if using on your body, let it absorb before you get dressed.
Tip: If you wear heavy makeup or just need a good cleanse, try using a muslin cloth with your makeup remover and/or cleanser as it will gently exfoliate your skin and get a deeper clean.
Hope this helps some of you! Do you have a makeup remover that you absolutely love? Leave a comment below and tell me about it!
xx
3. Mary Kay® Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover - A Mary Kay best seller and the winner of the Allure Best of Beauty Award, this remover is definitely worth trying. It looks more expensive than most budget removers but is only $15. Hypoallergenic, oil-free and ophthalmologist-tested, this remover is gentle enough for people with sensitive skin or contact lens wearers. Should last you at least a couple of months.
4. The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover - Soothes and hydrates the skin. Fragrance free and is also suitable for people who wear contacts. This remover costs around $15 but if you buy it now, it is on sale for $9.30 online if you click the link! This one is a favorite among many beauty product lovers and bloggers. Can also be found at Ulta.
5. Physicians Formula Eye Makeup Remover Lotion - Can usually be found at Walgreens or Ulta. This remover is hypoallergenic, fragrance free, and dermatologist approved. It does contain mineral oil but it only cost about $5 and is not greasy feeling. A lot of crap is floating around the internet lately about mineral oil being bad for you but this is not true. It is cheap and will not improve your skin, but it will not hurt you (again, will talk about this more in another post). This is a trusted brand and a popular remover, for people with normal to dry skin.
6. Lumene Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover - This one is only $6 and is great at removing waterproof makeup. It is fragrance free, good for people with sensitive skin/eyes, and contains witch hazel which is a natural toner for the skin. Suitable for all skin types and can be found at Ulta or online.
7. Paula's Choice Gentle Touch Makeup Remover - Normally this one is about $14 but it is on sale right now on the Paula's Choice website for about $12. I have not personally had the chance to try this one yet but it is next on my list because I have heard so many great things about it! It is fragrance and dye free, not tested on animals, and claims to be suitable for all skin types, even those with extra sensitive skin. It contains antioxidants and other quality ingredients like licorice extract, aloe and green tea extract which are proven to be beneficial to the skin and help reduce puffiness.
8. Nivea Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover - Around $5 and has an oil-based layer and a water-based layer so you have to shake it up before applying. Strong enough to remove waterproof eye makeup and is suitable for all skin types. Dermatologically and ophthalmologically approved, most people agree that this is a great remover for the price!
9. Rimmel Gentle Eye Makeup Remover - You can find this one at most drugstores or Ulta for around $7 and it is definitely worth it. Dermatologically and Ophthalmologically tested and does not leave oily residue. It will remove waterproof makeup with a little extra effort. No fancy ingredients, but it works and is simple and basic.
10. Botanics Soothing All Bright Eye Make-up Remover - Costs $6 to $7. I really liked the Botanics Soothing Makeup Remover but it was discontinued and now they make the Botanics Soothing All Bright one which I haven't personally tried yet. From what I have heard and researched, most people say it is very effective and they love it but that it does leave an oily feeling on the skin. Dermatologically tested and contains Icelandic moss extract which is supposed to be calming and hydrating. Side note: The Boots Botanics line also use to make a lovely organic makeup remover with jojoba oil but sadly, it has also been discontinued!
*Obviously everyone reacts differently to different products so always check the ingredients (especially if you have allergies!) in any products before you purchase them.*
Also, most people seem to prefer products that are oil free which is fine, but if are ever in a jam and don't have any makeup remover or cleanser but you happen to have some pure coconut or olive oil, you can use these to cleanse! Oil is actually very effective at pulling away dirt and makeup and is great for moisturising the skin. Just use it lightly and allow time for it to absorb before you lay down or, if using on your body, let it absorb before you get dressed.
Tip: If you wear heavy makeup or just need a good cleanse, try using a muslin cloth with your makeup remover and/or cleanser as it will gently exfoliate your skin and get a deeper clean.
Hope this helps some of you! Do you have a makeup remover that you absolutely love? Leave a comment below and tell me about it!
xx
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