We can't emphasize enough the importance of cleansing your face. It's the first step in any skincare routine, laying the foundation for the effectivity of the next products you will slather on. Plus, sleeping with makeup on (or dirt and pollution from the day) will wreak havoc on your complexion!
The cleansing step may involve two products: a makeup remover and a facial wash. The former takes care of removing cream and oil-based product buildup, and the latter tackles water-based dirt from pollution and other environmental factors.
For this guide, we round up the best makeup removers we have ever tried, depending on your skin type and makeup style.
CLEANSING WIPES
Makeup remover wipes are lifesavers! You can tow them in your bag on days when you just want a quick pick-me-up, and place them on your bedside table for late evenings when you're too tired to walk to the bathroom to wash your face.
Celeteque Hydration Make-Up Remover Cleansing Facial Wipes
Aside from getting rid of dirt and makeup, this cleansing wipe also hydrates the skin with a light layer of moisture.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone, normal, dry, sensitive
Price: P160
Where to get: Watsons, Robinsons Department Store, SM Beauty, Landmark Department Store
Simple Micellar Cleansing Facial Wipes
This makeup wipe removes thick foundation and waterproof eye makeup in just one swipe. Your skin will feel refreshed right after—as if you really splashed water on your face!
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone, normal, dry, sensitive
Price: P299
Where to get: Watsons, Robinsons Department Store, SM Beauty, Landmark Department Store
Purederm Collagen Make-Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes
Affordable yet dependable makeup remover wipes you should always have by your side table or your bag.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone, normal, dry, sensitive
Price: P109
Where to get: Watsons, Robinsons Department Store, SM Beauty, Landmark Department Store
MICELLAR OR CLEANSING WATER
The French created micellar (or cleansing) water as an alternative to their harsh tap water. They soak their cotton pads with this and gently wipe away dirt and light makeup.
It gets its name from "micelles" which attract dirt, grime, and makeup particles. What's great about this is that it can act as a facial wash and makeup remover in one, depending on the product's strength. And while micellar water removes makeup and gunk easily, it also delivers hydration and good-for-the-skin vitamins. Your complexion will never feel stripped off of its natural moisture.
Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water
A mild cleansing water with botanical extracts that not only removes waterproof makeup, it also acts as a toner. It has white birch sap that brightens the complexion. Your skin will feel refreshed and clean after every use.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone, normal, dry, sensitive
Price: P650/100ml; P1,695/300ml; P1,995/380ml; P2,250/480ml
Where to get: Beauty Bar
Avene Micellar Lotion Cleanser and Make-up Remover
A 3-in-1 facial cleanser, toner, and makeup remover that can shave minutes off your cleansing routine. This can be your BFF on nights when you're too tamad to wash and tone your face. The edge of this formula over other micellar cleansers is it's made of Thermal Spring Water from a quaint French town called Avene, which promises to soothe and improve your skin condition over time.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone, normal, dry, sensitive
Price: P810/200ml
Where to get: Watsons
Simple Micellar Cleansing Water
This gentle formula is tough on makeup and impurities, leaving a fresh, clean canvas for your other skincare products.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone, normal, dry, sensitive
Price: P499
Where to get: Watsons, Robinsons Department Store, SM Beauty, Landmark Department Store
L'Oreal Micellar Cleansing Water in Deep Cleansing
A bi-phase micellar water that lifts dirt, waterproof makeup, and cream- and oil-based buildup. Its formula is so gentle that it's guaranteed to be safe even on sensitive skin.
Skin types: Oily, normal, dry, sensitive skin
Price: P325
Where to get: Watsons, Robinsons Department Store, SM Beauty, Landmark Department Store
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water For Acne-Prone Skin
An excellent choice for those with acne-prone complexions as this will soothe inflamed pimples while removing makeup and dirt from the skin.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone
Price: P249
Where to get: Watsons, Robinsons Department Store, SM Beauty, Landmark Department Store
Bioré Micellar Cleansing Water (Oil Control)
This cleansing water controls oil while dislodging dirt from the pores. It has an antibacterial formula that prevents pimples from forming.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone
Price: P460
Where to get: Watsons, Robinsons Department Store, SM Beauty, Landmark Department Store
Nuxe Micellar Cleansing Water with Rose Petals
The French are famous for taking the gentle and botanical route to care for their skin. You can get that experience with this cleansing water with real rose petals. As for its makeup removing abilities, it can take off base and point makeup, aka eye, lip, and cheek products.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone, normal, dry, sensitive
Price: P995
Where to get: Beauty Bar
CLEANSING OIL
Cleansing oil is especially formulated to dissolve cream and oil-based makeup products. This turns into a milky emulsion once in contact with water, which you'll have to massage on every nook and cranny of your face to get everything out. It's highly recommended that you still use a facial wash after using this, aka double cleansing, the secret of flawless Japanese and Korean women.
The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil
When you see chamomile on the label, you're guaranteed it contains gentle ingredients for your skin.
Skin types: Oily, normal, dry, sensitive
Price: P895
Where to get: SM Megamall, SM Makati, Glorietta
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
We'll admit it: DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is a favorite of Cosmopolitan Philippines editors—we hoard this whenever we travel or someone we know is flying to Japan. This is a powerful facial cleanser that breaks down even the most stubborn mascara. Plus, it purifies the pores and expunges sebum buildup! We love it so much that we use it every day even if we don't wear makeup.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone, normal, dry, sensitive
Price: P700
Where to get: BeautyMNL
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Have an aromatherapy experience as you melt away makeup and dirt with this lightweight cleansing oil. It has Lavender Essential Oil and Evening Primrose Oil that soothe and nourish tired skin. It's also guaranteed to be non-comedogenic, so you won't have to worry your pores are being clogged by its oil formula.
Skin types: Normal, dry
Price: P1,800
Where to get: Greenbelt 5, SM Mall of Asia, SM Makati
CLEANSING BALM
Lastly, here are the mighty ones you'll be needing to remove heavy-duty makeup—the perfect items to turn to on the day you wear full coverage foundation, layers of eyeshadow, and waterproof eye makeup products. Like cleansing oils, they transform into a milky emulsion once mixed with water. You must follow up with a facial wash to remove deep-seated, water-based dirt.
Human Nature Bare Necessity Cleansing Balm
This dissolves heavy and thick makeup easily without stripping off your skin's natural moisture. You're left with a cottony soft and dewy complexion after rinsing.
Skin types: Normal, dry, sensitive
Price: P375
Where to get: Robinsons Supermarket,. All Day Supermarket, Landmark Department Store
Banila Co Clean It Zero
A favorite of many, this balm melts all types of makeup, leaving your skin free from any oil-based dirt after rinsing.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone, normal, dry
Price: P945
Where to get: Glorietta, TriNoMa
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm
Besides taking off makeup, this micro cleansing balm works hard to remove dirt from pollution. It also improves your complexion's clarity and texture with regular use.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone, normal, dry
Price: Price available upon request
Where to get: SM Megamall, SM Aura, Rustan's The Beuaty Source
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