And am I so glad to have finally made that introduction? Better late than never, right?

But the real question is….

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Why Haven’t I Been Using This For Years?

OMG, I have literally just come to the realization that the days of me coming out of the bathroom looking like a beetroot Veruca Salt are over!

Seriously!

Now, I don’t have the most sensitive skin in the world, by any means.

But it does tend to flare up when I do any treatments or follow a regular skincare regime. No matter how gentle and benign the products in question may be, I tend to be left with very dry skin when I am too active in my skincare routine. Does this happen to you as well?

Then I have you firmly in mind when I recommend this product for you.

The best thing is that with the Makeup Eraser, that is all gone.

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I started to do some searching online and have discovered there is much cynicism and debate around the Makeup Eraser and that you might as well look at it as a hyped-up microfiber towel. A brand with impressive marketing power, perhaps?

Sure, they are much the same type of product. Perhaps even in the same ballpark, but I’m here to tell you that the Makeup Eraser is my friend til the end, and I’ll show you why!

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The Makeup Eraser

The details:

Buying Options

Amazon

Buy now

The Makeup Eraser

Buy now

Anthropologie

Buy now

Ulta

Buy now

Sephora

Buy now

Nordstrom

Buy now

Pros:

• rewashable – get rid of makeup remover wipes once and for all (woohoo!)
• machine washable
• takes off makeup with warm water – ditch your daily make-up removers
• quick-drying
• gentle on skin
• non-abrasive
• hypo-allergenic
• vegan
• cruelty-free
• dermatologist-approved
• good for all skin types
• long-lasting – around 3-5 years
• available in an eternal list of shades and patterns to suit every decor, style, taste and age group
• alcohol-free
• astringent-free
• paraben-free
• fragrance-free
• sulfate-free

Cons: So far I have very little to say about the cons of the Makeup Eraser. Perhaps the pricepoint which is in the double figures. But hey, sometimes (actually most times) you pay for quality, right?

I’m not sure why they chose to list the materials that the Makeup Eraser is free of, considering it’s not an actual skincare product, but I chose to list them regardless. And I guess in lateral terms, the Makeup Eraser can be classified with makeup removers.

It is a makeup remover, after all.

But one of the big drawcard reasons for me is the long-term usage.

And the days of my bathroom bin being filled by a mountain of single makeup-stained cotton pads and cotton balls are OVER!

Does anyone else despise makeup remover wipes as much as I do?

The use of 1 Makeup Eraser is the equivalent of 3600 Makeup Remover Wipes, as stated on their website.

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If you think about that for a minute, that’s 3600!

3600 makeup wipes that do little more than push product around your face (aka they DONT actually remove makeup well) and are made from plastic, that never breakdown, and that then end up in our oceans and waterways because there is this tendency to flush them in the toilet.

Ah, so many things. If you do actually use a biodegradable makeup wipe that is efficient and does actually break down or compost well, please comment below. I’m open to the best of the best of those for set work because disposable makeup wipes are still common practice. But I’ll save that for another time.

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Okay, so I hear you saying, “Yeah, but what do I do with my Makeup Eraser after it loses its fibers and doesn’t feel so nice on my face?”

Remember in the olden days – repurposing everything?

Although I don’t think we called it then.

In my house, torn shirts became cleaning rags. A makeup eraser could very easily become a perfect cloth to wash the car with, for example.

We really do live in what’s become a disposable society, haven’t we?

The message is, there are so many ways to reuse things, and not everything has to be shiny, new, and single-use!

Okay, I’m stepping off my soapbox and getting back to the debate at hand.

Essentially, the Makeup Eraser has become an overnight success in my household.

It feels strong when you wring it out, but still so gentle on the skin. Yep, it’s so soft, it feels like little clouds gliding over your face. Really – I’m not joking – it’s divine! Makeup Eraser tells me that the fibers that help make it feel so delightful are tiny fibers that are 10 – 50 times thinner than a human hair! Incredible!

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How To Use A Makeup Eraser

First of all, the Makeup Eraser website very clearly states and recommends that for the best results, you machine wash your Makeup Eraser prior to using it for the first time. This will prevent staining of the fabric and activate the fibers it is made with.

1. Machine wash your Makeup Eraser in hot water settings (they tell us that it is safe to use fabric softener and dryer sheets with your eraser).
2. Once washed, soak your Makeup Eraser in warm water. And as they suggest, the warmer, the wetter, the better! Love it!
3. Now, I didn’t pay attention to this before I jumped in. Yes, bad student, Kerrin! But there are two different sides to a Makeup Eraser. Pay close attention, my friend. As first off, you will use the shorter fiber length side to remove your makeup – even your waterproof makeup. Use in gentle, circular motions.
4. Then, once your makeup is off, flip it over and use the longer side for a gentle exfoliation.

Makeup Eraser also recommends that you machine wash your eraser 1-2 times per week.

There’s a great amount of info on their website that you can access here about FAQ’s, and exactly how and why it works. It’s quite fascinating. But yep, I’m a fan.

And, yep – it does claim to take off even your stubborn waterproof mascara!

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Can I Use the Makeup Eraser With Skincare Products As Well?

Yes. Yes, you can, my friend!

And if you still like to use micellar water or one of your go-to makeup removers to pair with your Makeup Eraser, then go right ahead!

I love the notion that I can use the Makeup Eraser on its own, to remove my makeup. And then, follow it with my skincare routine with the very same Makeup Eraser. So good!

And that’s basically the routine I intend to follow moving forward.

• use the Makeup Eraser and warm water to remove my makeup gently
• then use a gentle cream facial cleanser to cleanse my face
• I follow with cooler water to calm down my face and close my pores
• I then apply a spray toner
• I finish up with a moisturizer (or sometimes a hydrating mask!) and eye cream
• and lastly, I love to finish with a quick pat of the Makeup Eraser run under really cold water!

Microfibre Cloth

I’m sharing with you the Microfiber cloth that I personally invested in when I began this Makeup Eraser Pepsi Challenge (google it if you’re under 40!)

Having said that, there is a massive array of styles, prices, and country of origin available in the world of reusable cloths in this space, but I’m just talking about the specific one I discovered and put to task up against the Makeup Eraser.

Buying Options

Amazon

Buy now

Miss A

Buy now

Colleen Rothschild

See now

Pros:

• sold in a pack of 4 cloths
• available in a small variety of colors and sizes
• quick-drying
• long-lasting
• easy to hang ring design
• gentle on the skin
• non-abrasive
• good value
• more affordable option

Cons:

• the residue of dye is evident when washing and in the sink when wetting
• not as strong a cloth feel as the Makeup Eraser
• while still very soft feeling, the fibers just aren’t as soft as MUE

And that’s about it. So even though the dye did leech out of my Microfiber cloths, you could very easily purchase the white ones to avoid that happening.

Honestly, these are a very affordable alternative to Makeup Erasers, but for me, the texture and finish of the fabric of the Makeup Eraser pip the Microfiber Cloth at the post. And I would always use this cleansing cloth with skincare products.

And from what I understand, these average generic make-up remover cloths are not made from the same type of fibers as the patented Makeup Eraser. And that’s the big difference.

The Verdict: Makeup Eraser Vs Microfiber Cloth

The Makeup Eraser is for me the best of the best makeup remover cloths to use daily, weekly monthly.

And while its more affordable budget-conscious cousin still kinda does a similar job, it truly does feel like you get what you pay for.

Yes they both remove makeup. Yes, they are similar in shape and size.

And aside from loving this product, I truly hope we can put an end to disposable wipes in the long run once and for all!

And regardless of your choice or spending power, these are all great reusable options to remove stubborn makeup.

Regardless of how you feel about the Makeup Eraser vs the microfiber cloth, they all provide a great alternative to the environment killer – my frenemies that are the disposable makeup remover wipes.

And there you have my ideal daily skincare regime! It doesn’t necessarily happen every day, but I try!

The post The Makeup Eraser Vs The Microfiber Cloth Debate appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.

Removing your makeup at the end of the day is important to keep your skin healthy. And different skin types have different needs when it comes to makeup removers. (Let’s get to that later!)

But first, let’s talk about why using a makeup remover is beneficial, no matter your skin type. You might also be surprised to learn you don’t have to spend a fortune to find the right makeup remover for you. That’s right – you can find some of the best makeup removers at your local drugstore.

Makeup removers are essential in the quest for good skincare. They contain ingredients that help to dissolve the various types of makeup you wear, including mascaras and eye-shadows. And also, help to rid you of the dirt and impurities that can gather on your face. Removers and cleansers remove all traces of your makeup, preventing harmful substances from staying on your skin for too long.

So let’s go, and find out which drugstore makeup removers you should be looking for!

Why Is It Important to Remove Your Makeup Each Night?

If you want to maintain clear, beautiful skin, you should avoid falling asleep with your makeup on. Removing your makeup every night is important for preventing breakouts and clogged pores. And let’s not deny it – doesn’t it feel better going to bed with a clean, fresh face?

Makeup removers are a necessary part of any beauty routine. (and if not, they should be!)

They clean off everything from foundation to lipstick without the use of water or soap, leaving your skin feeling fresh and new again.

If you’re anything like me, I’m sure you’ve had the odd night, going to bed late, and the LAST thing you want to do is spend that time cleaning your face. But please – do your best not to make a habit out of this!!! You’ll thank me later!

Do You Use Waterproof Makeup?

Waterproof makeup is great for its long-lasting ability but often requires different makeup removers to get rid of it.

Makeup removers are products that remove makeup from the face, usually in the form of a water, a lotion, or balm.

There are many different makeup removers for all skin types and special needs: some remove waterproof eyeliner while others dissolve lipsticks. Makeup remover products come in two forms, liquids and creams. The latter type is beneficial for people with sensitive skin types.

Waterproof makeup requires stronger formulas to work efficiently. So, when looking for makeup removers, make sure you specifically look out for products that are specifically targeted towards waterproof makeup – if that’s your jam.

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This post may contain affiliate links. This means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.

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Different Skin Types – What is Your Skin Type?

Dry Skin

Dry skin doesn’t have enough moisture within it. It can appear rough and feel tight, especially after washing, or if the weather changes suddenly. Dry skin often requires extra care when using cosmetics because products can tend to dry out the skin even more. You know you have dry skin if your skin feels rough, tough, or flaky.

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin tends to react to chemicals, products, and fluctuations in weather. Sometimes it can be difficult for people with sensitive skin types to find makeup removers because most are made from harsher ingredients like stearic acid or sodium lauryl sulfate. Or your skin flares up at the drop of a hat.

Oily Skin

Oily skin can occur as a result of the body producing too much sebum. This excess oil leads to pimples and acne. And as we know, this can cause people who have oily skin to feel insecure and self-conscious about their appearance. You’ll know if you have oily skin because it tends to look shiny. Products tend to slide off or move around on your skin if you have oily skin.

Combination Skin

A person can experience both dryness and oiliness at the same time on their face. This skin type is called combination, or “combination skin.” The main focus of this kind of care should be on controlling these two conditions to give your skin a healthier appearance. Or even using two different products – one for dryness and the other for oiliness.

Mature Skin

Mature skin tends to lose elasticity and become dry, thin, or wrinkled. The skin may also develop dark spots from sun exposure. You’ll know you have mature skin if you’re seeing creases developing around your eyes, mouth, or on your forehead. Your skin may also feel a little less elastic and drier in texture.

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Best Drugstore Removers for Dry Skin

Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Melting Cleanser is suitable for people with dry skin.

The Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Melting Cleanser is formulated with nourishing micro-algae that helps restore the skin’s natural moisture balance to keep it supple – even in the driest climates. This gentle yet effective formula will remove all traces of makeup without stripping or drying your skin out so you can wake up looking radiant every morning!

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Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water With Rose Water and Glycerin is perfect for dry skin types because it’s gentle but effective.

The Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water with rose water and glycerin is an excellent drugstore makeup remover that balances the pH level of your skin to prevent dryness while removing makeup residue from pores for clarified skin.

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Another great makeup remover if you have dry skin is Pond’s Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm. It features softening ingredients that will gently remove all of your makeup without over-drying or irritating sensitive areas.

Using Ponds to remove your makeup will leave your skin feeling soft and nourished.

The cleansing balm contains natural minerals from antioxidant-rich plants to cleanse the skin of heavy makeup without leaving it feeling tight and dry. Instead, it’ll feel smooth and soft. The perfect drugstore makeup remover for dry skin.

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And finally, Bioderma Hydrabio H20 Micellar Cleansing Water for Sensitive and Dehydrated Skin is another top pick for dry skin. It contains very little alcohol to avoid irritating sensitive areas like under the eyes and around lips.

Bioderma Hydrabio H20 Cleansing Water gently removes makeup and impurities without stripping your skin of moisture or leaving any residue behind on your face.

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Best Drugstore Removers for Sensitive Skin

Cetaphil Gentle Makeup Remover is one of the best drugstore makeup removers for sensitive skin types. It doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals or oils.

Cetaphil Gentle Makeup remover cleanses and removes (even waterproof) makeup without stripping your skin of necessary nutrients. This leaves you with a clean complexion that’s soft to the touch – not dry, tight, irritated-feeling like many other brands can leave behind.

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Another good makeup remover for sensitive skin is Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil. It is designed to be gentle, soothing, and moisturizing without harsh chemicals on your delicate facial area.

The one thing you should know about Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing oil is its versatility. It also lacks major irritants like fragrance, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates, which are often found in many other products on the market today.

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Avène Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover is also worth trying if your skin gets easily irritated. It’s free of fragrance, alcohol, and color. And it will remove even waterproof mascara without harming the delicate eye area.

Avène Gentle Eye Makeup remover has been designed for sensitive or allergy-prone eyes. It is safe to be used with contact lenses and features an extra-gentle formula that does not contain alcohol, parabens, perfume, or mineral oil. This means you won’t have to worry about any redness from irritation developing in this crucial part of our face where we first show signs of aging like dark circles under our eyes!

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Klorane Micellar Water is another favorite for sensitive skin due to its soothing and calming water formula. Made from 97% natural ingredients, it won’t irritate your skin as alcohol-based solutions can. This water removes even the toughest makeup without stripping away moisture or leaving an oily residue behind!

The Klorane makeup remover water leaves your face feeling fresh and clean. It’s also extremely gentle on the eyes. All of these things make Klorane Micellar Water a preferred option for those of us with sensitive skin. For an effective and affordable drugstore makeup remover, look no further than Klorane!

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Best Drugstore Removers for Oily Skin

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Cleansing Water and Makeup Remover is an excellent choice for oily skin because it gently removes impurities, clears the pores, and provides a radiant complexion.

The La Roche-Posay Micellar Water is a product designed to reduce oiliness on your face without stripping away too much of what’s necessary to maintain a healthy tone. It can be used not only as a makeup remover but also cleanser in areas where you don’t wear makeup at all! You’ll enjoy its gentle formula, which contains zinc – the most effective acne treatment ingredient available over the counter today.

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Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover is another good pick if you have oily skin. Mainly due to its gentle formula that doesn’t leave behind any greasy residue. The makeup remover is gentle and efficient.

The Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover will get rid of all traces of last night’s smokey eye with ease!

The formula washes away quickly and gently for a smooth cleanse that won’t rub off onto anything else while washing up – including towels!

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Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser is ideal for oily, acne-prone skin with breakouts. Not only does this product help fight against the culprits that cause pimples, but it also works as an exfoliator! This cleanser gives people with breakouts an easy way to get their skin clear and healthy-looking again, at any age.

The acne facial cleanser has been clinically proven to help treat pimples and other blemishes that can pop up on the face or body during puberty without adding extra stressors like harsh chemicals or scrubs for sensitive skin types.

It will also calm the skin with ingredients like St. John’s Wort and chamomile. All the while removing dirt, makeup, and oil. And bringing to life dull, congested skin.

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Best Drugstore Removers for Combination Skin

Bioderma Sensibio H2O is a great choice for combination skin. It has a lightweight texture and contains soothing cucumber extract. Sensibio H20 is perfect as an everyday cleanser or makeup remover. It will leave you with soothed, clean skin that will stay hydrated all day long.

One of the best drugstore makeup removers, if ever there was one. With almost 30,000 (nope, that’s not a mistype!) reviews on Amazon at the time of publishing this post, you know there are a lot of happily cleansed faces out there!

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Banilla Co. Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm is excellent for removing impurities without drying out the skin. It also reduces irritation and redness that may be caused by other products.

Banilla Co.’s Cleansing Balm works by cleansing your skin while removing any excess oil or makeup. It contains natural ingredients such as mineral salt, Vitamins C and E for gentle yet effective facial cleansing.

The easy to work with solid balm becomes oil on the skin as it works to remove dirt and makeup. Apply with a cotton pad or clean fingers. Massage the balm into your skin. Once you add water to remove, the oil emulsifies and leaves you with a soft, cleansed complexion.

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Avène Eau Thermal Micellar Lotion is another top pick for combination skin due to its gentle formula that won’t dry out your sensitive skin.

The Eau Thermale Avène Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Makeup Remover can be used on all different complexions, including oily or normal-to-oily ones! With its mild formulation, you’ll never have to worry about over-drying again. And the best thing – no need to rinse!

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Best Drugstore Removers for Mature Skin

Olay Age Defying Cleanser is a great makeup remover for mature skin. It hydrates the skin and refreshes your complexion.

The cleansing wash from Olay is the perfect way to cleanse your mature skin. It works with salicylic acid and glycerin so it won’t dry out aging skin. Instead, it will nourish it with vitamins to keep it looking bright and radiant. A great drugstore cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from your skin.

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Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Cleansing Balm is a favorite for mature skin because of its gentle formula of nourishing, skin-hydrating ingredients.

The Palmer’s Coconut Oil Formula Cleansing Balm is made with ingredients like coconut oil, cocoa seed butter, and shea butter. These melt into an aromatic lather in your hand while gently removing makeup without stripping away moisture from the skin.

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Another good makeup remover for aging skin is e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm.

Thanks to its powerful hydrating properties, it’s a perfect balm for removing long days of makeup-clogged skin. Containing ceramides and hyaluronic acid, this is the perfect remover to help nourish and protect the skin’s barrier.

The e.l.f. Cleansing Balm is an easy-to-use product that’s great for people with more mature skin! It melts off your makeup without drying out or irritating the sensitive area around the eyes, and it deeply hydrates to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Ingredients to look for in Makeup Removers

Makeup can cause clogged pores and breakouts if you don’t use the proper tools to remove it, so it’s important you’re using the best makeup removers to eliminate every last trace of makeup.

There are some specific ingredients you’ll want to look for in makeup removal products. Things like:

• caprylic/capric triglycerides
• ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
• distearyldimonium chloride

Fragrance-free products are best for sensitive skin as they will not irritate your face.

Look for:

• aloe vera extract
• vitamin E
• witch hazel

All of which make great choices due to their natural calming properties.

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Avoid harsh chemicals such as:

• sulfates
• parabens
• propylene glycols
• petrochemicals

By understanding these different ingredients, you will find the best makeup removal product for your skin type!

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Why Should We Say Goodbye to Makeup Remover Wipes?

You may have noticed that not a single makeup remover wipe product is present in my list…well, that was certainly no accident.

And while makeup wipes may seem convenient, they’re not the best method for makeup removal.

That’s because they may not be compatible with all types of skin, and they often contain harsh chemicals that can leave your skin feeling irritated. Plus, you’re basically just pushing the dirt and makeup all around your face. You’re not truly cleaning it.

Some people prefer natural makeup remover wipes made from ingredients like grape seed oil or castor seed to remove the most stubborn waterproof mascara formulas and other problem-causing cosmetics residue. However, chemical-free alternatives are becoming increasingly popular, so you’ll need to do some research before making up your mind about which is right for you.

I always recommend opting for makeup removal cleansers and waters rather than makeup removal wipes. They’re better for your skin, more effective at getting rid of makeup, and targeted to your skin type. And most importantly, you’re not adding more waste to the planet!

Featured Image by Charisse Kenion via Unsplash

The post 17 Best Drugstore Makeup Removers (2024) appeared first on The Makeup Refinery.