The 10 Best Over-The-Counter & Natural Makeup Removers
Makeup is typically used to enhance our already beautiful features and no matter how poppin' that Fenty's Killawatt Foil Highlighter is on our cheeks, eventually we have to take it all off.
It is very important to wash away all the makeup (typically before you go to bed) so that our skin can breathe and renew itself. If we don't, it will lead to breakouts, wrinkles, and more skin issues in the future. Luckily, there are many beauty brands that are catered to the cause and have products that are specifically designed to wipe away every last bit of makeup on your face. And if you are more into the natural way of doing things, we've got you covered too.
Below, we've listed the five best over-the-counter makeup removers and the five best natural oils that also work as a makeup remover.
The Best Over-The-Counter Makeup Removers To Buy
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Garnier Micellar Water All-In-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover
Garnier
Micellar water took over the beauty industry a few years ago when it was first introduced on the market as a powerful cleanser, thanks to micellar technology. It was quickly found in many beauty products, including Garnier, and consumers really gravitated towards the idea of the makeup remover attracting dirt, oil, and makeup like a magnet without harsh rubbing.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Facial Cleansing Towelettes
Neutrogena
These towelettes are soft and gentle on the skin while it effectively removes the makeup. With one towelette, it promises to leave the skin feeling so fresh and so clean.
Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover
Cetaphil
Cetaphil is the brand name of a popular facial cleanser, so it's no surprise that it has a great makeup remover. With aloe vera, ginseng, and green tea added, Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover works for all skin types, as it actively dissolves dirt, oil and other impurities.
Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
Sephora
This beauty store brand and fan favorite makeup remover prides itself on being a product that can be used for people with sensitive eyes and who wear contacts. It also includes a lash-strengthening ingredient and hydrosenn+, which is a plant-based ingredient that moisturizes the skin.
Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lips & Lashes
Just like the name suggests, Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover completely takes off long-wearing makeup without leaving a trace. It is also gentle on the skin and non-irritating.
The Best Natural Oils To Use As Makeup Remover
Yes you can use oils to remove makeup. See how!
Grapeseed Oil
Shutterstock
Grapeseed oil is extracted from the very grapes that are used to produce wine. It is a light oil that easily removes makeup while leaving your face feeling hydrated and clean.
Argan Oil
Shutterstock
Argan oil has become a popular oil used in haircare products, but did you know it is also great for removing makeup? This oil removes any impurities that may get in your skin throughout the day and since it's a dry oil, meaning it absorbs into the skin rather quickly, it won't make your face greasy.
Almond Oil
Shutterstock
If you have sensitive skin, you may want to try almond oil. It's a gentle cleanser that is rich in vitamin A and E, which are also great for your skin. Period.
Jojoba Oil
Shutterstock
With anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, why wouldn't you want to use jojoba oil on your skin? Not only is it an excellent choice for a makeup remover, it can also repair damaged skin and control acne while keeping the skin calm.
Olive Oil
Shutterstock
I know what you may be thinking, olive oil is too thick to use on the face, but hear us out. Extra virgin olive oil has a lot of healthy fats that is moisturizing for the skin and it is anti-aging. Just make sure to use a small amount to avoid a greasy mess.
Sidebar: When purchasing oils, make sure they are pure and aren't mixed with any other ingredients.
These are just a few products that we highlighted that is great for removing makeup. In lieu of these products, make sure to also wash your face regularly.
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London Alexaundria is the contributing editor for xoNecole. She is an alum of Clark Atlanta University, where she majored in Mass Media Arts and has worked in journalism for over ten years. You can follow her on Instagram and TikTok @theselfcarewriter
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
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THE ITGIRL MEMO
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When discussing the topic of raising children, discipline is often the first thing that comes to mind. Children need discipline. Full stop. But what is discipline? And how do we draw the line between discipline and revenge?
The origin of the word "discipline" can be traced back to the Latin word "disciplina," which means "instruction" or "teaching." Over time, however, discipline has come to be synonymous with punishment, with parents relying on shame, fear, and/or physical pain to curb undesirable behavior.
Teaching takes time, so nipping it in the bud in whatever fashion parents deem necessary (within reason) has become the norm. But is this what’s best for children? And when does it become less about curbing undesirable behavior and more about getting our licks back for offenses we feel our children should know better to do?
In my work as a parenting coach, I’ve often heard parents say, “I asked him nicely three times before spanking him. He didn’t stop doing it until I did, so clearly talking doesn’t work.”
And the parent isn’t wrong. Talking often doesn’t work the first, the third, or the even the 10th time. And the reason is directly tied to brain development.
Children cannot and do not process information the way an adult can. Auditory processing is not fully developed until a child is 14 or 15 years old. And even then, if a child has auditory processing delays or Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), they may always struggle with processing auditory commands. According to Susie S. Loraine, MA, CCC-SLP, the term auditory processing refers to how the brain perceives and interprets sound information. Several skills determine auditory processing ability—or listening success. They develop in a general four-step hierarchy, but all work together and are essential for daily listening.
Without this understanding, discipline can easily become revenge because parents will then view their child’s misdeeds as a personal slight. Instead of teaching them to do better, parents now want to show them the consequences of not doing better. This is why it's imperative for parents to discern between discipline and revenge to maintain healthy relationships with their children.
5 WAYS TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN PARENTAL GUIDANCE AND RETALIATION:Â Â
​Understanding The Intent
Discipline is rooted in love and concern for the child's well-being. It focuses on teaching lessons and helping children understand the consequences of their actions. Conversely, revenge-driven actions stem from a desire to inflict pain or punishment as payback for perceived slights or disobedience. Parents should reflect on their motives before taking disciplinary actions. Ask yourself whether your intention is to help your child learn or to make them suffer for upsetting you.
Example: If a child accidentally breaks a valuable item, a disciplinary response would involve discussing the importance of being careful and working with the child to come up with a way to replace or fix what they’ve broken. On the other hand, a vengeful reaction might involve yelling, harsh punishment, or bringing up past mistakes to intensify guilt.
​Maintaining Emotional Regulation
Effective discipline requires parents to remain calm and composed, even in challenging situations. It's natural to feel upset or frustrated when children misbehave, but responding with anger or resentment can escalate the situation and blur the line between discipline and revenge. Before addressing the issue, take a moment to breathe and collect your thoughts.
Example: If a child cannot follow instructions, a disciplined response would involve calmly explaining why their cooperation is necessary in working with the child to accomplish the goal. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve shouting, name-calling, or resorting to physical punishment out of anger.
​Promoting Growth and Learning
Discipline should always aim to promote growth and learning. It involves guiding children toward making better choices and understanding the impact of their actions on themselves and others. Effective discipline strategies include positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing opportunities for reflection and growth.
Example: If a child repeatedly forgets to complete their chores, a disciplinary approach would involve discussing the importance of responsibility and finding solutions together, such as creating a chore chart or setting reminders with Siri or Alexa. In contrast, a revenge-driven response might involve imposing overly harsh punishments or belittling the child, which can undermine their self-esteem and hinder their ability to learn from their mistakes.
Momo Productions/Getty
Building Trust and Communication
Trust and open communication are essential components of a healthy parent-child relationship. Discipline should strengthen this bond by fostering trust and encouraging children to confide in their parents without fear of judgment or retaliation. When children feel safe and supported, they're more likely to accept discipline as a form of guidance rather than punishment.
Example: If a child admits to breaking a rule or making a mistake, a disciplined response would involve listening to their perspective, discussing the consequences of their actions, and working together to find a solution. Conversely, a retaliatory response might involve accusations, blame, or shutting down communication, which can erode trust and damage the parent-child relationship.
Seeking Professional Guidance
Parenting is a learning journey, and, disciplining children is a delicate balance between guiding them toward responsible behavior and nurturing their growth. By understanding the intent behind our actions, maintaining emotional regulation, promoting growth and learning, building trust and communication, and seeking professional guidance when needed, as parents we can help our children built on love, respect, and understanding.
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