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
*Some links are affiliate links. If you make a purchase, xoNecole may earn a small commission.
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.
Want more stories like this? Sign up for our newsletter here to receive our latest articles and news straight to your inbox.
Featured image by Getty Images
- Best Hyperpigmentation Products to Clear Skin Fast - xoNecole ›
- These 10 Sleeping Masks Will Keep Your Skin Hydrated Overnight ... ›
- I Tried 9 Budget-Friendly Drugstore Mascaras And Here's My Review ›
- How I Got Rid Of My Hyperpigmentation Fast - xoNecole: Women's Interest, Love, Wellness, Beauty ›
- The Best Makeup Removers - New Drugstore and Luxury Makeup ... ›
- Best Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover - Fashionista ›
- The Best Makeup Removers for Every Budget | BuzzFeed Reviews ›
- The best makeup removers: makeup remover wipes, coconut oil and ... ›
- The Absolute Best Waterproof Makeup Removers - theFashionSpot ›
- The Absolute Best Waterproof Makeup Removers - theFashionSpot ›
- The best makeup remover you can buy - Business Insider ›
- 20 Best Makeup Removers for 2019 — Makeup Remover Reviews ›
- 7 Absolute Best Makeup Removers - Eye Makeup and Face Makeup ... ›
- The 8 Best Makeup Removers We Swear By | StyleCaster ›
- 13 Best Makeup Remover - How To Remove Makeup Easily ›
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
The Final Mercury Retrograde Of 2024 Is Here—How This Bold Energy Will Shift Your Perspective
The final Mercury retrograde of the year arrives this month, and this is an opportunity to close one chapter and prepare for a new one. Mercury retrogrades are the time of the year when you take a step back, assess where your life currently is, and be a little more flexible with how things are playing out for you. When Mercury is in retrograde, miscommunications and misdirections are more likely; however, this isn’t the time to fear where you are headed; it’s more about looking at things from a different perspective right now.
Mercury enters Sagittarius on November 2, will be retrograde from Nov. 25 until Dec. 15, and will be in this sign until Jan. 8, 2025. Mercury in Sagittarius is bold and outspoken but, in retrograde, can come across as impulsive and brash. Thinking before speaking is important right now, and so is considering your values and interests before committing to something new. Since Sagittarius rules long-distance travel, this isn’t the best time to plan a new trip or to rush the ones already in place.
Consider where you want to be, and take your time getting there.
What to Expect from Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius
A little more than a week after Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, Mars goes retrograde in Leo. With these important transits happening in fire signs, energy can be misdirected right now. It’s about looking at the full picture and not overwhelming yourself with too many options or interests. Take your passions and align them with your heart and willpower, without confusing inspiration with ego. Emotions are running high, yet this activation is creating a breakthrough in personal development before the year ends.
Read below to see how this Mercury retrograde transit will be for you. Read for your sun sign and rising sign.
Your Sun Sign and Rising Sign Horoscopes for Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius
ARIES
Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, and you are focused on the bigger picture right now, Aries. With Mercury retrograde in your 9th house of adventure over the next few weeks, this is the time to expect the unexpected and to go at your own pace. Don’t rush the clarity that is meant to bloom for you right now, and take things one day at a time.
Even if you don’t have all the answers you need right now, there are still some important truths and insights to gain. You are in the process of reinventing yourself and your life, and the universe is helping you get the space in order to do so. If you are traveling over the next few weeks, remember to be flexible and to go over plans thoroughly.
TAURUS
Mercury goes retrograde, and you enter a time of change and rebirth, Taurus. This transit, for you, is an opportunity to gain balance, perspective, and empowerment. Your commitments and close partnerships are being addressed right now, and you are seeing where your needs are being met and where they aren’t. You are on a journey of letting go and allowing more, and this is the time to focus on being more flexible rather than controlling outcomes.
This retrograde could also be affecting your shared finances and earnings, and this is a good time to take another look at the money coming in and the money going out and make sure things are in order here. Trust your intuition right now, Taurus.
GEMINI
Mercury goes retrograde in your sister sign, Sagittarius, and you are ready for a fresh perspective in love. This retrograde will highlight your 7th house of partnership, connection, romance, and inner harmony, and your heart is figuring things out right now. Confusion or disagreements are more likely within your relationship dynamics, and this is the time to address what your partnerships need.
If you have been feeling out of balance when it comes to love, then this is the time to get things back on track.
This Mercury retrograde is helping you gain a new perspective and reminds you that you deserve the love you are looking for. Use this time to forgive, grow, and use better judgment regarding matters of the heart and the relationships you are building in your life right now.
Coveteur
CANCER
This Mercury retrograde transit for you is a chance to gain some renewed clarity regarding your health, well-being, and work life. You could be feeling more pressure to perform and have it all together on the job, and there is a need to delegate, let go, and take care of your health more right now, Cancer.
This transit will highlight where some cracks are seeping, where you may need to build stronger foundations and healthier daily routines, and also how you can manage a better work/life balance. Your daily lifestyle may feel a little more difficult to find consistency in right now, and this is because new avenues and perspectives are waiting for you to grab ahold of. Overall, use this time to listen to your inner voice and do more of what feels right for you and your body.
LEO
Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, and this transit highlights your 5th house of romance, creativity, passion, and happiness, Leo. This retrograde is an opportunity for you to address what and who makes you happy and how you can show up more for these fortunate experiences in your life. You are looking at if you’ve been making your happiness as much of a priority as it should be this year and also taking a look at what sources help you align with that energy altogether.
This time is about being a little bit more flexible, doing things differently, and being open to a new perspective. Relationship developments are also providing your heart more clarity right now, and you are balancing your needs with the needs of your partnerships and creative ventures.
VIRGO
Your ruling planet Mercury goes retrograde before the year ends, and this is helping you rebuild your foundations, Virgo. Mercury will be retrograde in an area of your life that has to do with your home, history, family, and emotional stability- and you are getting a new grasp on things here.
Where you have been planting your seeds and building for your future are coming up for review during this time, and you are gaining clarity on which of these foundations is stable enough to continue to build upon. You could be feeling less secure than you would like to right now, and this change of pace is helping you reassess your goals and figure out what is worth it for you and the legacy you want to live.
Coveteur
LIBRA
Mercury goes retrograde in Sagittarius, and the focus turns towards your communication channels, Libra. Mercury retro is already a more chaotic time when it comes to communication, and with this retrograde also happening in your 3rd house of insight and communication, you may feel this heaviness a little more right now.
This transit, for you, is about taking your time getting your message across, being patient while traveling and running errands, and giving yourself space to gain some new clarity.
Meditation, journaling, and talking to someone who can support you are therapeutic, and know that your voice deserves to be heard. You are looking at ways you can take up more space and show up in the world without letting your insecurities keep you away from true connection, vulnerability, and understanding.
SCORPIO
This Mercury retrograde is happening in your 2nd house of income, values, assets, and self-confidence, and you are taking a step back to assess your current reality, especially financially, Scorpio. This is a good time to go over your spending habits and earnings, to find greater balance here, and to think about some of your financial goals moving forward.
Look at your resources, skills, and talents, and make sure what you are receiving is equal to or greater than what you have been giving. Less is more right now, and this isn’t the best time to overspend or overindulge, as you need more time to grasp your current stance on things, and how to increase your overall wealth and abundance.
SAGITTARIUS
With this Mercury retrograde happening in your sign, it’s hitting a little closer to home for you, Sagittarius. This is a good time to refine your goals and direction in life and how you want to show up right now. You deserve to be able to change your mind when you need to, and you are thinking about some of the things you have done and what you want to do moving forward.
Miscommunications are more likely while Mercury is in retrograde, but you can use this as a source of empowerment, knowing that you are living in your truth and allowing yourself room to grow in the process. Remember to be a little kinder to yourself during this transit and to give yourself the grace you need right now.
Coveteur
CAPRICORN
This Mercury retrograde for you, Capricorn, is about rest and taking care of your emotional world. You are being given the opportunity to spend more time alone, to gather your strength, and to heal before you enter the new year. A lot has happened, and there have been many changes in your world this year. This Mercury retrograde is here to help you find acceptance and closure.
You are in a preparation stage right now, and things can feel a little more lonesome in this energy, but with a different perspective, you can see just how much of this space your heart truly needs right now. The past is coming up for you to see things in a new light, and you are ready to gain some renewed insight, closure, and healing.
AQUARIUS
This Mercury retrograde highlights your friendships, community, and your hopes and dreams, Aquarius. You are being reminded of the importance of connection, but more significantly, of good connections. You are looking at who and what surrounds you right now and gaining clarity on whether this energy matches who you are and the things that you stand for.
Your social circle and the people around you are shifting as the power dynamics do, and you are finding your place and purpose amidst this change. It’s about identifying who and what makes you feel good and aligning things in your life to bring in more of that energy. Don’t be discouraged right now; find your people and ask for support.
PISCES
Your career and ambitions are the focus during this Mercury retrograde, Pisces. You have a lot to address here, and you are gathering your skills and talents and reminding yourself that you are worthy of your dreams. Miscommunications and setbacks are more likely within your professional world, but they are here to ask you if what you are striving for, is really what you need right now.
You are thinking a lot about how you show up in the world, what you want to be known for, and what successes you still want to obtain. This isn’t the time to let anyone’s idea or vision of you define who you are; rather, define that for yourself. Show up as you want to be seen, and don’t count yourself out right now, Pisces.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by We Are/Getty Images
From Fresh Face To Glam: Keke Palmer’s Skincare And Makeup Must-Haves Are Here
If it’s Keke Palmer, baby, we are locked in.
The multi-faceted star showed Vogue her beauty routine, and we can’t get enough. It reflects her love for self-care and natural beauty. Her skincare emphasizes hydration and brightening, using products like La Roche-Posay cleanser, Paula’s Choice BHA exfoliant for hyperpigmentation, and Neutrogena Hydro Boost serum.
Of course, our cousin does her research before recommending any products. Keke said, “When I do any kind of product, I do check and see what kind of people have reviewed the product, particularly Black people, to know that somebody with obviously Black skin uses the product.”
Skincare
Screenshot/ Vogue
- Cleanse: Uses La Roche-Posay Gel Cleanser for a gentle, effective cleanse, ensuring it’s reviewed for Black skin compatibility.
- Exfoliate: Applies Paula’s Choice BHA to target hyperpigmentation and improve texture.
- Mask: Treats herself with Dr. Dennis Gross Vitamin C+ masks for fun and nourishment.
- Hydrate: Sprays Avène Thermal Spring Water, followed by Neutrogena Hydro Boost serum.
- Moisturize: Locks in hydration with La Roche-Posay Double Repair Moisturizer and Aquaphor for dry areas.
- Protect: Applies Cay Skin SPF to prepare for makeup.
Screenshot/ Vogue
"The real reason why my routine has changed as a mom is because I’m tired. Sometimes I have to really like pull myself to do the routine." More than anything, time with her son, Leo, is what matters most. “Personally, during my pregnancy, my skin was absolutely amazing, and when I had my son... the excess amount of progesterone helped level my skin out.”
Hair
Screenshot/ Vogue
Keke shared,"When I started doing my natural hair... I realized that I really loved flexi rod sets. It’s not too much; I just try to keep it in its form." She went on to say, “It took me a long time to get to the place of being able to really appreciate my hair and all its uniqueness and what it can do.”
- Style: Sets her natural hair with flexi rods for defined, voluminous curls.
- Shine: Uses Creme of Nature Argan Oil Shine Mist to maintain luster.
- Separate & Shape: Carefully separates curls and picks them out for volume.
- Protective Styles: Wears wigs occasionally, embracing them as a choice, not a necessity.
Makeup
Screenshot/ Vogue
Her makeup style is casual yet polished, featuring staples like Anastasia Brow Wiz and Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation, creating a radiant, natural glow. "I’m going for a very casual makeup look... oh my gosh, did she do her makeup? Maybe she did. She’s such a fab girl naturally."
The routine highlights self-love and artistry while staying relatable to her audience.
- Base: Applies Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation and NARS concealer for a light, highlighted finish.
- Set: Uses Charlotte Tilbury spray and bronzing powder for a flawless glow.
- Blush: Adds Patrick Ta Creme Blush for a soft, youthful flush.
- Eyes & Lashes: Uses mascara to refresh false lashes, adding a pop of drama.
- Lips: Lines with Make Up For Ever pencil and applies Huda Beauty matte lipstick.
- Final Touch: Sets everything with Hourglass powder and Chanel blush for a blurred, seamless finish.
Screenshot/ Vogue
Keke finishes her beauty routine with Kilian Angels’ Share perfume, adding a touch of luxury.
One gem the Nope actress dropped was also the fact that Brandy gave her her first journal. In it, she left a note that said, "I am who I am because you are who you are.” Representation matters in every way.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image Screenshot/ Vogue