In Current Rotation: Makeup Removers

I don't know about you but removing makeup is just as exciting as putting it on, especially if you have many options to choose from! It's like entering a candy store and you just want to hoard every flavor, texture, and shape there is. Guys may never understand it but hey, we're not born to be understood either, haha! But seriously, I have tried aplenty and there are still more I need to road-test; but given my growing stash of makeup removers, I thought I'd give you a buzz of what I liked and repurchased so far.

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Repurchased many times, Neutrogena Cleansing Towelettes is one of my staples for as long as I can remember. I keep one at my vanity for quick makeup removal but more so when I wipe arm swatches and whatnot. I keep one at work too in case I need to remove makeup (i.e test out a procedure or the new makeup I am trying melts horribly).

Some mascaras are tough to remove (i.e Maybelline Colossal Big Shot) so they require extra reinforcement. I alternately use Pixi Lash Nourish Pad and iLashcare Protein Remover & Primer Pads (bought from Hautelook), both of which are excellent for lash extensions or faux lashes.

I talked about Sulwhasoo, a luxury Korean skincare brand, in detail here but in a nutshell, this cleansing oil is possibly one of the gentlest makeup remover in my stash. You apply 1-2 drops, massage your face to help melt and break down the makeup, then rinse with warm water. Or in my case, I take it up a notch by gently rubbing my face with damp warm towel after all the makeup is dissolved. derma e recently revamped its packaging so you will see a different version of this makeup remover online and elsewhere. I am not entirely sure if they changed the ingredients but nevertheless, this particular chamomile and cucumber-infused makeup remover is 100% vegan and paraben-free.

I'm happy to have found Erborian at my local Sephora's K-Beauty section because I have been meaning to try this Korean skincare brand for a while now. This solid cleansing oil had me at aloha, I'm in love with it because it does a great job of removing all makeup and gunk without feeling greasy! It has a spatula which makes scooping all the more hygienic. The fragrance is quite on the strong side but it doesn't bother me a bit. The ingredient list is mostly plant-based (7 herbs) and is paraben-free.

If you're a skincare junkie, I am more than certain that you know or have heard of Caroline Hirons, UK-based popular aesthetician who also runs the eponymous blog and Youtube channel where she regularly reviews skincare brands. Her collaboration with Pixi yielded Double Cleanse, a 2-step approach to cleansing vis-a-vis removing makeup. The jar is divided in shape of yin yang (I am not sure if this concept was patterned after it) but keen eyes caught it; step 1 is solid cleansing oil (similar to Pixi Nourishing Balm sans fragrance), it's meant to remove makeup; step 2 is cleansing cream which is meant to "further clean" the face or as prep for the next steps in your skincare. I know what you're thinking, is the 2-step approach really necessary? No and yes, supported by several scenarios for your better judgement:
(1) No because either one (oil or cream) will remove makeup; hence it boils down to preference. I like oil better because it dissolves hardcore makeup like a boss (long-wearing foundation and mascara). The cream is a nifty add-on, a moisturizer for the most part
(2) Yes if you're OCD (and I use that loosely) with cleansing. In my case (before discovering this product), I use whatever is in my current rotation, wipe with damp washcloth, then proceed with facial cleanser using Foreo as medium. In days I am not convinced enough that my face is thoroughly cleansed, I use toner afterwards
(3) Yes if you're lazy with skincare. I know it just contradicted my statement above but hear me out first. Since this is a makeup remover with extra hydration on the side, you can totally skip skincare for a night, i.e following super late meetings or parties. Good excuse to have this on standby. 

what are your favorite ways to remove makeup?