13 Makeup Removers That Erase Every Trace of Mascara, Foundation, and More

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One of the most important steps in your skin-care routine is removing your makeup and properly washing your face before bed. Making sure that every last trace of foundation, concealer, and bronzer has been wiped off is essential if you want to avoid potential clogged pores. Leaving your your makeup on overnight could lead to breakouts, irritation, and pesky blackheads. Plus, you don't want to ruin your expensive silk pillowcase (or any pillowcases, for that matter). That's why making sure you're using the right products for you is so important.

Of course, we understand that sometimes removing your makeup is the last thing you want to do at the end of a long night. Luckily, there are plenty of options to suit your preferences. If you're looking for a simple wipe-and-go situation, we've got you. If you want something more involved, like a cleansing balm or oil to help break down makeup, we've got that, too. We've even sourced options gentle enough for the most sensitive of skin.

Ahead, you'll find the best makeup removers on the market so you can sleep soundly knowing you'll wake up with a clean base.

— Additional reporting by Sarah Siegel

Best Overall Makeup Remover
target.com

Best Overall Makeup Remover

Bioderma Micelle Solution Sensitive Skin ($19)

The Bioderma Micelle Solution Sensitive Skin has been a cult-favorite in French drugstores for years. It removes every last trace of makeup from your skin, even when you thought you've gotten it all off.

Best Makeup Remover For Oily Skin
amazon.com

Best Makeup Remover For Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water ($18)

If you struggle with oily skin, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water is for you. It will remove your makeup completely and leave your skin hydrated without feeling oily.

Best Makeup Remover For Dry Skin
target.com

Best Makeup Remover For Dry Skin

Pixi by Petra Hydrating Milky Makeup Remover ($24)

Pump a little of the Pixi by Petra Hydrating Milky Makeup Remover on a cotton round to remove all traces of foundation and concealer in a pinch. Plus, it's super hydrating so you don't have to worry about stripping your skin.

Best Makeup Remover For Sensitive Skin
target.com

Best Makeup Remover For Sensitive Skin

Soap & Glory Glamour Clean 5-in-1 Magnetizing Micellar Make Up Remover ($11)

The gentle Soap & Glory Glamour Clean 5-in-1 Magnetizing Micellar Make Up Remover is soap and alcohol free, so even those with sensitive skin can use it.

Best Makeup Removing Wipes
amazon.com

Best Makeup Removing Wipes

Neutrogena Makeup Removing Towelettes ($6)

The Neutrogena Makeup Removing Towelettes are a classic for a reason. They'll get rid of any makeup and residue quickly and efficiently. Whether you need to remove your makeup on the go or you're just looking for a product you can always rely on, these are the best wipes around.

Best Makeup Removing Balm
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Best Makeup Removing Balm

Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm ($29)

Your full-coverage, long-wearing foundation doesn't stand a chance against the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. It removes even the most powerful makeup, without leaving behind any residue.

Best Makeup Remover Pads
amazon.com

Best Makeup Remover Pads

Almay Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($14)

If you've got really stubborn eye makeup to remove, trust the Almay Longwear & Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover Pads to get rid of it. Place a pad on your eye for a few seconds and gently wipe away the makeup.

Best Makeup Removing Oil

Best Makeup Removing Oil

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil ($22)

There's a reason beauty editors and dermatologists alike love the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil: it's loaded with hydrating ingredients like olive oil, vitamin E, and rosemary leaf oil, and it turns into a liquidy milk texture that feels just plain decadent. It's so good, one bottle is sold every 10 seconds.

Best Eye Makeup Remover
target.com

Best Eye Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover ($7)

When you really can't get off that stubborn mascara, turn to the Neutrogena Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, which will dissolve it in seconds.

Best Waterproof Makeup Remover
kloraneusa.com

Best Waterproof Makeup Remover

Klorane Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover with Soothing Cornflower ($16)

The super delicate Klorane Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover with Soothing Cornflower dissolves even the most stubborn makeup and contains conditioners to strengthen your eyelashes.

Best Sustainable Makeup Remover
sephora.com

Best Sustainable Makeup Remover

The Original MakeUp Eraser ($20)

Simply run The Original MakeUp Eraser under water and start gently rubbing it across your face to remove all traces of makeup. Plus, you can toss it in the washing machine when you're done and reuse it.

Best Makeup Removing Cloths
amazon.com

Best Makeup Removing Cloths

Bioré J-Beauty Cleansing Makeup Removing Cloths ($10)

You'll love the Bioré J-Beauty Cleansing Makeup Removing Cloths, which gently remove makeup with soft cotton so you won't damage your skin.

Best Heavy-Duty Makeup Remover
amazon.com

Best Heavy-Duty Makeup Remover

Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly Skin Protectant ($10, for two)

For getting off seriously bold makeup without causing damage to your delicate skin, try the Vaseline 100% Pure Petroleum Jelly Skin Protectant. It easily takes off mascara, eyeliner, and lipstick while moisturizing your skin. (Just make sure you use a regular cleanser afterward to get off the residue before heading off to bed.)