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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RELATED
Camesha created the organization after her struggles with mental health and the lack of community she experienced. The Chicago native explains how she created Sista Afya to be rooted in “culturally grounded care.”
pixelheadphoto digitalskillet/ Shutterstock
“So at my organization, Sista Afya Community Care, we focus on providing mental health care through a cultural and gender lens,” she tells xoNecole. “So when we think about the term intersectionality, coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw, we think about the multiple identities that lead to certain experiences and outcomes as it relates to Black women.
“So in the context of culturally grounded care, being aware of the cultural history, the cultural values, and then also the current issues that impact mental health outcomes.”
Words like “strong” and “independent” have long been associated with Black women for some time and many of us have begun to embrace the soft life and are using rest as a form of resistance. However, some of us still struggle with putting ourselves first and overall shedding the tainted image of the “strong, Black woman” that had been forced on us.
Camesha shares that while there’s more and more communities being created around empowerment and shared interests like running, she still questions, “are Black women really comfortable with being vulnerable about sharing their experiences?”
Being vulnerable with ourselves and others play an important role in healing the instinctive nature of always being “on” for everyone. “I'm currently facilitating a group on high functioning depression, and yesterday, we talked about how when Black women may be struggling or have shared their concerns with other people. They may be minimized, or they're told to just be strong, or it's not so bad, or I went through something worse back in Jim Crow era, so you should be thankful,” she explains.
“So I think there's a challenge with Black women being able to be honest, to be vulnerable and to receive the support that they need in the same capacity as how much they give support to other people. So that is probably a very common theme. I think we've made a lot of progress when we talk about the superwoman syndrome, the mammy stereotype, the working hard stereotype, the nurturing stereotype. I think we're beginning to unpack those things, but I still see that we have definitely a long way to go in that area.”
I think there's a challenge with Black women being able to be honest, to be vulnerable and to receive the support that they need in the same capacity as how much they give support to other people.
Roman Samborskyi/ Shutterstock
While we’re unpacking those things, we know that we’re still women at the end of the day. So as we continue to serve in various roles like mothers, daughters, sisters, and caretakers, we have to make caring for ourselves a priority. Camesha reveals four ways we can still care for others without abandoning ourselves.
Trust
First things first, trust. Camesha explains, “Some of the burdens that Black women have can be linked to not feeling like you can trust people to carry the load with you.
“It's hard because people experience trauma or being let down or different experiences, but one of the things that I found personally is the more that I'm able to practice trust, the more I'm able to get my needs met. Then, to also show up as my best to care for other Black women.”
Know Your Limitations
Another thing Camesha highlighted is Black women knowing their limitations. “The other thing that I would like to bring up in terms of a way to care for yourself is to really know your limitations, or know how much you can give and what you need to receive,” she says.
“So often, what I see with Black women is giving, giving, giving, giving, giving to the point that you're not feeling well, and then not receiving what you need in return to be able to feel well and whole individually. So I really think it's important to know your limitations and know your capacity and to identify what it is that you need to be well.”
Don’t Take On A Lot Of Responsibilities
Next on the list is not taking on so many responsibilities, sharing herself as an example. “The other thing is taking on too much responsibility, especially in a time of vulnerability.
“One thing that I personally struggled with was being so passionate about community mental health for Black women, and saying yes to everything and taking on so much responsibility,” she reveals. “That affected me to do well in serving Black women and then also impacting my own well being.”
Practice Self-Care
Lastly, she notes the importance of practicing self-care. “The last thing is really practicing regular self care, regular community care, so that it's embedded into your daily life. So for me, having prepared meals, going to the gym, getting eight hours of sleep, spending time with friends and family, all of those things are part of my self care that keep me at my best,” she explains.
“Then community care, leaning into social networks or social groups, or spending time with other interests or hobbies. That's a part of my community care that keeps me going, so that I can take care of my needs, but also to be able to show up best in care for others.”
Find out more about Camesha and Sista Afya Community Care at communitycare.sistaafya.com.
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