12 Best Makeup Removers to Wipe Away the Day

News.com.au

26-05-2025

According to a recent survey, 25 per cent of Australians wear makeup daily and 38 per cent apply some every couple of days. That's a lot of foundation, mascara, eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush, highlighter and lippy being applied! So at the end of the day, you need something strong to get it all off.
As always, TikTok has the solution. The latest trend that's gone viral involves your trusty micellar water but rather than using a cotton pad, spritz in on with a spray bottle and then wipe. So simple.
I tested it out with two of the best micellar waters on the market: the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water and the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser.
Was it messy? Yes. Did it add an extra step to my routine? Also yes. But did it work? Hell yeah it did. It was so much more effective and faster to get rid of all the layers of foundation and mascara I cake on when I go into the office.
Beyond this clever TikTok trick, there are plenty of other top notch makeup removers to choose. From Clinique's cult favourite Take The Day Off Makeup Remover to Aesop Remove Makeup Remover, there's something for every skin type and makeup routine.
Read on to discover the best makeup removers on the market.
Best makeup removers
50% off
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water. Picture: Rosalyn Fannin / news.com.au checkout.
Other ways to buy:
$18 at Target
$24.99 at Priceline
What You Need To Know
The Garnier Micellar Water is one of the most popular makeup removers and skin cleansers on the market, and for good reason.
It has earned its popularity and reputation as the best of the best by removing all traces of makeup with a few gentle splashes on a cotton pad or flannel and a couple of wipes down the face. And it does it all without rubbing and irritating the skin while removing oil and other impurities and leaving your face feeling refreshed.
Aside from the traditional method, it can also be sprayed directly on the face for faster removal.
Tried and Tested by Rosalyn Fannin, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
I'm not a huge makeup wearer to begin with, but I always apply some foundation and mascara before heading to the office and dabble with a bit of eyeshadow and lipstick. And while looking good is a priority, my biggest concern is getting it off at the end of the day.
I'd seen the Garnier Micellar Water in supermarkets and pharmacies for years, but never really gave it a shot, but thank goodness I did.
It is super simple and gets the job done, so there's not much more you can ask for. While it's great with the traditional method, I found it even better when pouring some into a spray bottle and applying it like many have been trying in TikTok videos.
After three spritzes and a single wipe down my face with a cotton pad, it was amazing how much came off – much more than what normally does! And with three wipes, half my face was makeup free and my skin was feeling fresh.
If you're after a quick, easy and cheap makeup remover, you've got it all in one right here!
What You Need To Know
Endorsed by former Miss Universe Australia Maria Thattil, the Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover is one of the brand's best selling products.
With its 'tugless formula,' it dissolves makeup for a quick wipe and removal. Just shake the bottle, apply with a cotton ball and as the name says, you take it all off.
It is ideal for all skin types, textures and tones, including those with dehydrated skin, uneven tones and redness, dark spots and large pores. It's also free from the nasties that can dry out and irritate your skin, including parabens, phthalates, added fragrances and synthetic colouring.
'My eyes are super sensitive, I can't believe how well this works at removing my eye make up [sic] without irritating my eyes at all,' raves one five-star review.
Another said 'I wear some pretty intense graphic eyeliner looks, really layer on the mascara, and love a dark lipstick! This make up remover gets rid of it in an instant! Amazing product!'
What You Need To Know
Containing just three core ingredients, this Aesop makeup remover has three more things that make it amazing: it's vegan, cruelty free and Australian made.
This clean, oil-based formulation dissolves makeup while being sensitive around the eyes. It also has herbal, floral and nutty scent which is a welcome change from the usual chemical smelling makeup remover.
Topping it off are its rave reviews. One Adore Beauty shopper calls it a 'Great makeup remover – smells great and doesn't irritate my skin. I have extremely sensitive skin so struggle to find makeup removers that don't irritate it but I haven't had any issues with this.'
Another five-star review reads 'I love this eye makeup remover. It comes in a small bottle but lasts a long time. I put a small amount on a cotton pad, hold it over my eyes and even the most stubborn eye make up [sic] comes off,' while a third adds 'It easily removes all makeup and thoroughly leaving my skin soft. I use it every day, love it.'
Best micellar water
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser. Picture: Rosalyn Fannin / news.com.au checkout.
Other ways to buy:
$26.39 at Priceline
$32.99 at Adore Beauty
$33 at Sephora
What You Need To Know
The Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser comes highly recommended by beauty influencers and celebrity makeup artists alike.
Ideal for those with sensitive skin, it is unfragranced and made with a simple formulation that helps minimise the potential for skin irritation and inflammation while removing makeup, oil, debris and pollution built up from the day.
It's super quick to use. A few dabs on a cleansers pad, a wipe around the face and eyes and it's job done. It's even better when you apply it with a spray bottle and you don't need to wash it off afterwards.
Tried and Tested by Rosalyn Fannin, Shopping Writer for news.com.au checkout
This Bioderma Sensibio micellar water has a lot of hype around it and it certainly lives up to it. With just three spritzes on my face and about five or six wipes with a cotton pad, all my makeup was off.
Compared to the Garnier micellar water, this one took a few more wipes, and it also left my face looking a little bit red – it wasn't sore, stinging or irritated, but I think it was because I wiped a little bit more.
I tried the viral spray method again but wiped with a flannel, and found that so much more effective and just as fast as using Garnier. With this method as well as your classic pour and dab on a cotton pad, this Bioderma micellar water works well, gets the job done and gets a tick from me!
For a more moisturising makeup removal, you can also try the Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Hydrating Micellar Water Cleanser.
Dermalogica PreCleanse
Dermalogica PreCleanse. Picture: Amazon Australia.
Other ways to buy:
$85.99 at Amazon Au
What You Need To Know
The Dermalogica PreCleanse is a lightweight oil cleanser that pulls double duty. Not only is it a quality makeup remover, but it can also be used as a pre-cleanser as part of your regular skincare routine.
It is great for most skin types to use, but especially for those with oily skin as it dissolves sebum and oil on the skin as well as makeup and sunscreen to easily wash away with water. It's also packed to the brim with natural fruit and flower oils and extracts which adds some much needed antioxidants to the skin.
Averaging a 4.7-star rating at Adore Beauty, 94 per cent of customers recommend it. One five-star review boasts, 'This pre cleanse really gets in and gives a deep clean without stripping my face and making it feel even more dry.'
A second happy customer revealed, 'I have oily skin and it seems counterintuative [sic], but it removes oil without dehydrating. It also removes all traces of makeup including mascara so gently. It's seriously awesome.'
Best makeup removing balms
What You Need To Know
If you're not a fan of classic liquid makeup remover but want something that works just as well, Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is just the solution you need.
Made without fragrances, parabens, colours and phthalates like Clinique's original, this balm cleanser has a silky and non-greasy texture to gently and effectively remove all traces of makeup on your skin, including waterproof and stubborn eye makeup. It also helps remove debris like sweat, oil and environmental pollutants.
Just massage the balm all over your face, rinse, pat dry and your skin will be back to feeling fresh.
It is one of the most recommended makeup removers, scoring a 4.9-star average rating on the Clinique site, with 99 per cent of customers giving it their recommendation. One calls it 'so lush and delicious on the skin,' while another says it is 'mess-free and easy to use'.
'It makes taking makeup off at the end of the day something to look forward to rather than a chore. I haven't gone to bed with makeup on once since I bought it,' they add.
A third agrees, adding 'Who knew that removing your makeup could be this easy and satisfying? I love it, it is amazing.'
What You Need To Know
Simple, cheap and effective: That's what the e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is all about.
Upon application, this vegan and cruelty formula melts from a balm to a milky oil texture and lifts makeup from the skin, ready to wipe or wash away. It is made with hyaluronic acid and skin softening ceramides and peptides to add some extra hydration to the skin after potentially drying out after a day of wearing makeup.
'My skin has never felt so clean before,' one five-star Amazon review reads. 'The makeup removal process is very gentle on my skin, yet the results are amazing. I would highly recommend it to everyone.'
Another says, 'as someone who would use the oils or wipes previously I thought I'd try … oh my god! I will never go back! This is perfection! Leaves my skin feeling wonderful and removes all make up [sic] so easily!'
Best makeup wipes
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Facial Cleansing Towelettes, $4.49 (down from $9) at Amazon Australia
HALF PRICE
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Facial Cleansing Towelettes
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Facial Cleansing Towelettes. Picture: Amazon Australia.
$4.49 AT AMAZON AU
Other ways to buy:
$5.39 AT PRICELINE
$6.30 AT HEALTHY LIFE
$9 AT WOOLWORTHS
What You Need To Know
Many of us are guilty of thinking that the more you pay the better it is, but that certainly isn't the case for these Neutrogena makeup wipes.
Retailing for under $10, these towelettes are made with a patented formula designed to cleanse the skin from makeup, add moisture and extra hydration and act as a toner and serum to prep the skin for your beauty regimen.
It's also soft, gentle and free from alcohol while still being able to wipe away long lasting makeup and mascara. It's even safe for contact lens wearers to remove their eye makeup.
And over 1200 five-star Amazon ratings don't lie. One reviewer reveals, 'My go-to makeup wipe, very effective without burning my eyes.' Another couldn't get over the price, saying, 'So cheap! This stuff is a little packet of gold. Gets everything off while being gentle with your skin.'
Best makeup remover for sensitive skin
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil, $39.60 (down from $50.16) at Amazon Australia
ON SALE
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil
Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil. Picture: Amazon Australia.
$39.60 AT AMAZON AU
Other ways to buy:
$69 at BONIIK
What You Need To Know
K-Beauty has been one of the most popular skincare and makeup trends in recent years, and it isn't going away any time soon. If you've jumped on board the trend, you're bound to love this makeup remover.
Made with natural Korean herbs and oils, the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil is perfect for those with sensitive skin. Not only does it remove makeup, but it also gently moisturises and exfoliates the skin, leaving it looking and feeling soft while giving it an antioxidant boost.
It has now earned plenty of fans internationally and in Australia. One five-star reviewer said 'I've tried a gazillion oil cleaners and this is the best (from Amazon- who would have thought!) – great consistency, excellent packaging, gorgeous scent & a perfect result melting away makeup.'
Best eye makeup removers
La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover, $20.26 (down from $28.95) at Priceline
ON SALE
La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover. Picture: Amazon Australia.
$20.26 AT PRICELINE
Other ways to buy:
$28.95 at La Roche-Posay
$28.95 at Amazon Au
What You Need To Know
With its biphasic texture, the dermatologist approved La Roche-Posay Respectissime is made with oil and water to lift the makeup from around the eyes while cleansing the skin.
It is designed specifically for waterproof eye makeup and those with sensitive eyes to get your lingering mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow off without causing irritation. Even better – it is fragrance and paraben free and made with thermal spring water.
Sitting alongside over 2,400 five-star ratings on Amazon, one shopper loved how there was 'no pulling or tugging' during removal, calling it 'the only waterproof eye make up [sic] remover that actually works for me.'
Another reviewer agrees, revealing, 'Delicate and light, it removes makeup very well even waterproof pencils but does not leave heaviness in the eyes. Highly recommended.'
Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover, $64.80 (down from $81) at Lancôme
20% OFF
Lancôme Bi Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover
Lancôme Bi Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover. Picture: Myer.
$64.80 AT Lancôme
Other ways to buy:
$81 at Adore Beauty
$81 at Myer
$81 at Sephora
What You Need To Know
Described as 'fresh as water,' the Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover combines oil to lift the makeup off and water to cleanse and soothe the skin without leaving behind an oily residue.
It is safe for those with sensitive skin or contact lens wearers to use and has been formulated to be effective on all types of eye makeup, including waterproof makeup.
'I've been using this for the last few years its [sic] very gentle on sensitive eyes & removes all traces of makeup and mascara,' one happy shopper revealed in their five-star review on the Lancôme site.
Another had a similar experience: 'I have used quite a few waterproof eye makeup removers and they all irritated my eyes and made them red. This one however, does not do that and removes my waterproof mascara so effortlessly.'
Best budget makeup remover
Nivea Daily Essentials Extra Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover, $7.35 (down from $10.50) at Woolworths
ON SALE
Nivea Daily Essentials Extra Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover
Nivea Daily Essentials Extra Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover. Picture: Healthy Life.
$7.35 AT WOOLWORTHS
Other ways to buy:
$8.45 AT HEALTHY LIFE
What You Need To Know
Putting on a full face of makeup everyday can be expensive. The last thing you want to do is to flush more money down the drain to get it all off. Luckily you don't have to. This simple but effective Nivea Daily Essentials Extra Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover costs under $10 when on sale and gets the job done.
It has a lightweight formula that tackles tough mascara, eyeshadow and eyeliner without irritation. It is also made with Vitamin B5 to add some extra protection to the skin barrier so you don't strip away moisture from the skin.
Some of its best reviews include, 'Been using this for years. Every bit effective as an expensive brand,' and 'Works well and is gentle on sensitive eyes. Perfect for daily use.'
How we choose our products
Our team spends hours researching the products we include in our stories including reading reviews, ratings and articles as well as testing out the products for ourself. When it comes to makeup removers, we considered their suitability for different skin types, what makeup they are designed to remove, how easily it is to apply, their ingredients, their size and their price.
What to consider before buying makeup remover
Skin type: Like most beauty and skincare products, what is best for you will come down to your skin type. Those with oily skin should opt for something that is oil free and non-comedogenic to prevent clogged pores such as micellar water. Hydrating removers with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera will be best for those with dry skin and a cleanser should be suitable for those with combination skin.
Type and amount of makeup: Everyone applies makeup differently, mixing and matching foundation, mascara, blush, lipstick and more. If you just like a light application, a balm cleanser or micellar water will be effective in removal. However those who love to doll themselves up with long-lasting waterproof makeup should use an oil cleanser or dual water and oil remover to make sure all products are removed at the end of the day.
Ingredients: The last thing you want to do is irritate your skin after it's been covered in makeup all day. Look for a remover with calming and soothing ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E and chamomile as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin and some natural oils like argan and jojoba. You want to avoid removers with alcohol and added synthetic fragrances as they can be drying and irritating. Those wanting something clean should use a remover that is free from sulphates, phthalates and parabens, and is vegan and cruelty-free.
Size: Makeup removers come in different shapes and sizes, including wipes, waters, oils and balms. If you are starting a new remover, it might be a good idea to try a smaller size first to see how your skin reacts and how effective it is. Once you are comfortable, you can then invest in the bigger size.
Price: The makeup itself can be pretty costly, so adding a remover on top can take a big bite out of the budget. Weigh up how much you want to spend, if you want to buy a smaller or larger bottle and how reviews stack up to see if it's worth the splurge or if you can get by with something less costly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE BEST TYPE OF MAKEUP REMOVER?
It is tricky to say which type of makeup remover is the best, as they are designed for different makeups, applications and skin types. Here's what you need to know about the main types of makeup removers:
Micellar water
Safe for most skin types, micellar water is arguably the most popular type of makeup remover. It gently cleanses the skin and breaks down makeup without stripping moisture from the skin barrier. You also don't need to rinse it off, so it's fast to use. Those wearing stubborn waterproof makeup may not find it as effective as other varieties.
Oil cleansers
Most makeup removing cleansers are oil-based as it can dissolve makeup and maintain skin hydration. These are better alternatives to micellar water for those who wear thick or waterproof makeup. However, they can create excess oil on the skin, which makes them less suitable for those with acne prone or oily skin.
Balms
Makeup removing balms are a great option for those with dry skin as they are normally made with skin nourishing ingredients while doing its job in removing your makeup. Because they are so thick, they will need rinsing off after application.
Wipes and towelettes
Makeup remover wipes are a quick and simple way to remove your eye and face makeup. They are excellent to pack in your bag for overnight stays are often soothing and moisturising. They may not be as effective as cleansers or balms, so they are best left for those who use minimal makeup.
Dual phase removers
Also known as bi-phase removers, dual phase makeup removers combine oil and water. They sit separately within the bottle and needs to be well shaken before application. This combination makes it extremely effective in removing all kinds of heavy or waterproof makeup. They also normally have a gentle formulation and are safe to use around the eyes to remove mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow.
WHAT MAKEUP REMOVER IS BEST FOR MY SKIN TYPE?
Different makeup removers are best used for different skin types. To prevent irritation, retain skin hydration and make sure all the stubborn makeup is removed, you need to pick the right remover for your skin.
Oily skin and acne prone skin: Your makeup remover should have a lightweight formula that is oil free and non-comedogenic, as this will prevent excess oil from building up on the skin or clogging pores. Water-based makeup removers are the best bet.
Dry or sensitive skin: Look for something that contains hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid as well as soothing ingredients like vitamin E and aloe vera. These are often found in micellar waters, cleansing balms and cream cleansers.
Very sensitive skin: The main goal (aside from removing makeup) is to prevent irritation. Make sure the makeup remover is both fragrance and alcohol free. Also look for gentle and no-rinse removers to prevent moisture stripping.
Combination skin: Something that is hydrating but non-greasy like a light micellar water, cleansing balm or dual phase remover is a good option for those with combination skin.
Mature skin: A cleansing balm that dissolves makeup is great for those with mature skin as it can remove makeup without tugging or pulling on the skin. Oil cleansers and micellar water are also good alternatives and removers with hydrating oils and antioxidants can also have anti-ageing effects.
WHAT IS MICELLAR WATER?
Micellar water is a cleansing solution made from micelles, which are small molecules of oil on water. It is designed to draw oil, dirt and makeup from the skin without rinsing or stripping away moisture from the skin barrier.
This formulation is typically both alcohol and fragrance free, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin. It can also leave the skin feeling hydrated and without a greasy residue.
It is typically applied to the skin using a cotton pad and wiped around the face and neck. However, we found in our tests of the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water and the Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Water Cleanser that using a spray bottle directly on the skin can be more effective at removing makeup as it covers more of your face.
Those wearing waterproof makeup will need a thorough cleanse and should use a specifically formulated waterproof micellar water, or use a stronger makeup remover like an oil cleanser.
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Rosalyn Fannin Shopping Writer
Rosalyn has been working as a shopping writer and producer since 2022, and joined the team in November 2024. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Communications and Media from The University of Notre Dame in 2020. She is an expert in helping buyers get the best bang for their buck and make quality investments, covering a wide range of products - from appliances and tech to fashion and beauty. Her previous media experience includes over three years writing for 9Product Reviews and at Nine Entertainment as well as interning at 2GB and Seven Network. In her downtime, Rosalyn plays The Sims, watches netball and spends time with her nephews, niece and cats.