Makeup Removing Products 101

I've harped on the importance of removing your makeup prior to washing your face at least a few times on here.  I once read somewhere that washing your face without first removing your makeup is like taking a shower with your clothes on--it's an interesting analogy!  There are so many different makeup removers--and types of makeup removers--out on the market right now.  I thought it would be cool to do a rundown on some different varieties, my favorites in each category, and how I use them.

Oils/Balms
I like the quickness and ease of an oil or balm--it's one product that removes both your face and eye makeup and doesn't require any cotton balls, washcloths, etc.  They are made to melt down your makeup while your face is still dry, then you rinse them off and wash your face afterwards.

Balm vs. Oil: A balm is a solid version of an oil.  Other than that, they're pretty much the same, and it comes down to personal preference.  I prefer an oil--there's just something about digging my fingers into a balm that doesn't appeal to me.

Pros: They're quick and easy, and they also condition your skin and lashes.

Cons:  They tend to leave behind a mess in your sink.  It's nothing that won't come off when you clean your bathroom though.  It just won't be pretty to look at until it's cleaned.

Favorite: Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Oil is my favorite of everything I've tried.  I love how it's non-scented too.  If you're looking for a balm, their Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is pretty good too.

PS--Don't be alarmed if your vision gets a little cloudy after using a cleansing oil or balm.  It'll go away.  In my experience, the cloudiness was a lot worse with the Clinique balm than with their oil.

Wipes
Wipes are perhaps the least messy option of the bunch.  I always have them, although I don't normally use them to remove my makeup at night unless I'm traveling.  I keep them at my vanity and use them to clean my hands off as I put on my makeup, and I also keep them in my gym bag to either a) remove my face makeup before a workout if I'm wearing any or b) clean the sweat off my face after a workout.  If I'm using them for the latter purpose, I always follow up with a regular moisturizer with SPF or tinted moisturizer/BB cream type product.

Pros: This is a hassle-free, mess-free solution for makeup removal and are great to have on hand while doing your makeup.  They'r also great for travel.

Cons:  They can be expensive if you use them every day unless you buy them in bulk at Costco.  They can also be drying on your face.  Some do a decent job of removing non-waterproof mascara, but I like to pour some eye makeup remover on the wipes for my eye area if I'm using them for makeup removal.

Favorites:  
*Costco's Daily Facial Towelettes are nice and wet, so they'll get the job done.  And they're a great value.  They are lightly scented, but nothing crazy.
*Simple's Micellar Makeup Removing Wipes are also great.  I have seen them sold in 3 packs at Costco.  They have no scent.

Micellar Waters
These have been big in Europe for a while now.  I've only ever tried Simple's Micellar Cleansing Water.  I've never tried the ever so popular Bioderma that every beauty blogger on YouTube seems to love, so I don't know if it's really worth the hype.  Micellar water is intended to remove face and eye makeup.  I found the Simple one did accomplish that task, but I needed a couple cotton rounds to remove everything.  It also left my eye area feeling a little dry.  I've found that it works well  as the pre or post gym remedy I mentioned above with the facial wipes.  Since I always have wipes on hand, I don't know if I'll continue to repurchase the micellar water.

Pros: It can remove all your makeup as it claims, and it's a nice way to refresh your face if needed.

Cons:  It takes several cotton balls when used as a makeup remover, and it's doesn't offer the conditioning benefits (especially around the eyes) that an oil does.

Eye Makeup Removers
If you're looking for something specifically formulated for eye makeup, I'm a fan of the two phase kind that you shake first.  Though most of these claim to remove waterproof mascara, I prefer to use them for regular mascara.  For waterproof mascara, I prefer baby oil.

Pros:  These are good for cleaning up eyeliner or mascara mistakes when putting your makeup on.  They work well to remove regular eye makeup.

Cons:  The obvious downfall here is that you'll need something else to remove your face makeup.  Though they will remove waterproof mascara if you work hard enough, I've found that baby oil works better.

Favorites:  Neutrogena's Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is affordable and gets the job done.  I've also purchased the Equate and Up and Up brands, and they are even cheaper and work just as well.

I hope this was helpful.  Let me know what your favorite makeup removing products are!  Thank you for reading!