Why adding these makeup removers to your skincare routine is essential

We all love a good beauty hack. A shortcut method to achieving a look that generally would take hours and hours. But no matter how many makeup tricks reels has shoved up our sleeves, at the end of the day, it all comes down to the two thumb rules. One, apply and re-apply sunscreen and, two, never ever sleep with a full (or even half) face of makeup. We’ve already talked about the former. Everyone has. So, let's focus on the latter, shall we? 

There is no excuse for sleeping with make-up on. Not the hellish day you had at work or the inebriated state you’re in after a Saturday night on the town. It’s a big beauty no-no. Makeup can trap all the impurities and pollutants in your pores and prevent your system from repairing damaged skin. This can, as you guessed, lead to breakouts, irritation, inflammation and dull skin. 

Below we have a list of makeup removers that are highly effective at their job. They will deep-cleanse your skin removing not only makeup but also other impurities and irritants. These products are the first step in your journey to glowing, glistening skin. 

Clinique Take The Day Off 

One might argue that Clinique's most popular product is the Black Honey lipstick. And while that is a cult favourite, we have to side with the Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. If makeup removers had their version of the Olympic games, this product would end with a podium finish. 

It’s as lightweight as a feather and leaves the skin feeling equally soft. Transforming into a silky oil-like product on contact with the skin, it expertly dissolves even the most clingy of makeup products and impurities. And you don’t need to worry about it leaving behind an oily residue either. To use, just massage it in using your fingers on dry skin and rinse it off. 

As the name suggested, this cleansing balm is here to help you take the day off. 

₹3,400

Shiseido Complete Cleansing Microfoam

This cleansing microfoam from Shiseido is for everyone who knows how it feels to use a face cleanser that leaves your skin feeling like they’ve been walking through the Thar desert. Its moisturizing formula will ensure they never have to feel stripped off their natural oils again. 

With a dense, creamy lather (and we all know how satisfying good lather is) this Japanese beauty brand’s cleanser effectively removes even the most tenacious makeup, along with impurities, pollutants and oxidizing agents. And that’s not all. This overachieving product also optimizes your skin's power to defend against daily damage. When you’re removing makeup, remember to use this cleansing microfoam on a dry face. Massage it in, rinse and repeat the next day. 

₹3,330

LANCÔM Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover

An easy way to remove eye makeup? Yes, please! This Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover from Lancom is the answer for everyone with sensitive skin (or contact-lens wearers). It effectively cleanses the skin pulling out even waterproof or water-resistant eye makeup. 

This makeup remover works in two effortless phases. The first is the lipid phase that lifts eye makeup off, while the water phase uses unique emollients to leave skin feeling perfectly cleansed. This product deserves a spot on your beauty shelf. 

₹2,800

Estee Lauder Take It Away Makeup Remover Lotion 

With a water-based formula and a citrusy scent, Estee Lauder’s Take It Away Makeup Remover lotion works on every skin type. Especially on dry skin. It removes makeup and dirt from the skin as easily as you can add 2+2. Even the most pigmented of lipsticks or the 16-hour-lasting eyeliners don’t stand a chance.  

The icing on this smooth cake though, is that it does the job it’s enlisted to do without leaving behind a greasy, sticky mess. However, it is recommended to cleanse and follow your usual skincare routine after ridding your face of day-long makeup.  

₹2,750

Anastasia Beverly Hills Makeup Wipes 

These make-up wipes from Anastasia Beverly Hills use a combination of aloe vera, cucumber extract and chamomile to dissolve dirt, oil and even the most persistent makeup. These are primarily for the on-the-go days (or the lazy nights) when you don’t have the luxury or patience to follow your skincare routine. Of course, these wipes aren’t the substitute but think of them as a temporary fix. They will get rid of the makeup, cleanse your skin and the presence of green and white tea extracts also help to fight oxidative stress caused by free radicals. 
What’s one more product in your on-the-go vanity pouch? 

₹ 510

Smashbox Waterproof Makeup Remover

Do you know the infuriating feeling that envelopes you when your waterproof eyeliner and mascara don’t even budge when trying to get them off? When all you want to do is get into bed and forget all about the intense day you’ve had but your makeup just refuses to cooperate? If you’re nodding your head, you know that you will have this problem with the Smashbox Waterproof Makeup Remover. It’s designed to gently (with a no-irritation formula) deal with the make-up that doesn’t want to be dealt with. 

₹2,050

Forest Essentials Floral Make Up Remover Oil

If you’re someone that loves wearing stubborn matte lipsticks but hates going to bed with it on (as you should!) you should consider investing in the floral make-up remover oil from Forest Essentials. It’s brimming with natural ingredients that will wage war against your stubborn makeup to cleanse your skin. 

Packed with the goodness of jasmine essential oil, jojoba oil, rose essential oil and wheat germ oil, not only will this makeup remover do its intended job in 2-3 simple swipes (no more harsh rubbing and scrubbing) but also leave the skin nourished. However, if you have overly sensitive skin, we suggest doing a patch test before actually using this makeup remover. Better safe than pimply, right? 

₹1,075