Makeup Remover

If you thought a face cleanser was exactly the same thing as makeup remover, then think again. Makeup remover is designed to specifically remove your color cosmetics, including stubborn waterproof formulas and eye makeup. This step should be done before you actually cleanse your skin at night. To learn more about the importance of this essential step, just keep reading.

Usually the process of makeup removal takes two steps or more, but thanks to Elemis, you can condense your cleanup routine down to one product. The brand's Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($60) is a thick, lather-free cream that provides a unique cleansing experience to say the least. After applying the product to your face, the starflower and elderberry oils contained within immediately start to dissolve your makeup, melting away the most stubborn, no-budge mascara formulations. Just add water to rinse.

There are antiaging benefits, too. Padina pavonica (a brown alga) assists in firming skin and renewing elasticity. While it's too early to see the antiaging effects, it's one product that's perfect for a DIY spa day — particularly when used as a mask. A mix of lavender, menthol, chamomile, and eucalyptus create an aromatherapy experience to rival any resort's.

Premoistened wipes are a busy girl's staple — they're portable, fast, and easy. But what's a girl do when she has sensitive skin? Garnier is answering that question with its new Soothing Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($6). They do everything the original does, like remove your makeup and even waterproof mascaras without a drop of water, but without the irritating fragrances and dyes you can find in other towelettes. You can thank calming rose extract and vitamin E for that. Besides, having a more gentle cleansing option is a win in our book.

Do you ever get the feeling that your facial cleanser's benefits are getting washed down the drain? Makeup artist extraordinaire and Estée Lauder Creative Makeup Director Tom Pecheux has the solution. "I take a few pumps of makeup remover and put it all over my face. Then I leave it on for 10 minutes while I shower and shampoo," Pecheux explained. This mask method gives the steam time to help your product penetrate.

His favorite all-in-one makeup remover and cleanser is Bioderma Créaline H2O (a French brand that is hard to procure on this side of the pond). But this trick works with any moisturizing face wash. This season at NYFW, Pecheux did shows for big names like Badgley Mischka and The Row, passing on his skin care knowledge to all; even manicurist Deborah Lippmann is already using his tip.

YouTube star and beauty guru Michelle Phan always has a new tip or two for making life a little easier. This week, Michelle tells us how we can create our own natural makeup remover:

Hi everyone,
Makeup remover doesn’t have to be expensive or come with a label. In fact, I actually prefer this gentle version that you can make at home on the cheap. It’s non-irritating, easy to make, inexpensive and highly effective.

Sublimely pretty Spring makeup

I recently uploaded a video on how to make this perfect makeup remover, but here is a step-by-step guide to have on hand when you try it out for yourself.

If you've been struggling to remove your pool-proof mascara or lip color lately, listen up: Elizabeth Arden All Gone Eye and Lip Makeup Remover ($16) is your saving grace. The formula has two phases — one for dissolving, and one for hydrating — that act quickly and gently to remove even the most stubborn waterproof makeup without leaving an oily residue. Just make sure to give it a good shake in order to combine the layers of ingredients.

Recently, after I spent a long day (and night) wearing waterproof liquid eyeliner, mascara, and hot pink lipstick, a few drops of All Gone on a cotton pad did the trick, and quickly. Never mind that your lip color is transfer-proof; All Gone can cut through it with zero problem. It's unscented, leaves no traces of makeup, and doesn't require any tugging — so you won't lose lashes in the process.

I'm usually not a makeup wipe user because my skin is sensitive, and they inevitably have some weird artificial "clean" scent that irritates it or leave a residue that gets my follicles all inflamed. But earlier this week after putting on a serum that was taking my skin bad places fast, I reached for a packet of Yes to Cucumbers Face Towelettes ($3) in desperation and found them rather delightful. They smell like sweet cucumber, and my skin isn't oddly sticky or shiny after I use them the way it is with most towelettes. They're not a substitute for cleansing, but they do a good job of getting makeup off, and for an after-work lipstick change or cleaning yourself up after the gym, they're perfect. I also like that you can get them in a small 10 count pack, which is ideal for tucking away in your purse. And if you have price or ingredient concerns, they're also cheap, paraben-free, not tested on animals, and the packaging is certified sustainable.

I don't know about you, but when I see the skincare aisle at Target, my eyes glaze over. There's so much variety that it's easy to become overwhelmed. Last time I was there, I didn't have time to compare every single makeup remover, so I thought, "Enh, I'll try the Target brand. It's cheap."

Well, not only is it less than $4, but it gets rid of most makeup with just one swipe. What's more, I am not alone in my love of the Target makeup remover. My friend Sabs and I do weekly ANTM-inspired photo shoots. (You know, because we have awesome hobbies like that.) The last time we had a makeup-intensive look, I reached for that blue-tinted bottle. "Oh, that stuff is great," she said. "And cheap!" Which pretty much sums it up. There are lots of other good removers out there, but if you just want an effective and simple one, look no further.