The 12 Best Makeup Removers for Even Waterproof Makeup

Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser ($34)

Ideal for dry skin, this rich, balmy blend of nourishing marula and baobob oils sinks in, dissolves every speck of makeup and sunscreen and leaves skin feeling soft to the touch.

Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover ($11)

Strong enough to remove even no-budge mascara but gentle enough to be used around the eyes, this wallet-friendly option is a staple in any makeup kit.

Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips ($19.50)

If you’re a matte lipstick, waterproof lash or full smokey eye kind of gal, this miracle-worker is for you. The smallest drop of this oil-rich formula wipes away the most stubborn makeup—all with zero fragrance or parabens.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm ($64)

Massage this buttery balm all over your face—lids and lashes included—before adding in water to create a milky froth. The result: a completely makeup-free face and soothed mind, thanks to its calming aroma.

The Original Makeup Eraser ($20)

If you’re trying to get on the no-waste bandwagon, this reusable, machine-washable cloth is can be used for up to five years to remove makeup with only water. Just soak it, then remove all of your makeup. 

Glossier Milky Oil ($12)

When the micellar water and oil is blended together, this hybrid remover helps melt waterproof makeup in seconds. Just shake, squeeze onto a cotton pad and wipe.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 ($15)

A staple in every French woman’s kit, this alcohol- and paraben-free cleansing water is suitable for sensitive skin and soothes and moisturizes while removing makeup. Bonus: it’s spiked with vitamin E and fatty acid esters to keep skin dewy and plump.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Cleanser & Makeup Remover ($9)

A favorite of celebrity esthetician Shani Darden, this kind-to-skin formula removes makeup as it cleanses skin—two totally different things!—without exacerbating any skin concerns or leaving behind a greasy film.

Burt’s Bees Eyes Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($3)

Perfect for contact-lens wearers, these no-fragrance-added moisturizing pads are tailor-made for the eye area and do not disappoint on the makeup-removing front.

Dior Oil to Milk Makeup Remover ($42)

Aside from the sweet almond scent of this chic transforming cleanser, one pump emulsifies a full face of makeup and rinses clean without any stinging or oily residue.

Maybelline Superstay Eraser Lip Color Remover ($8)

We all love a long-wearing lip stain, but we also love taking it off at the end of the day. This lip-color eraser—swipe then wipe—delivers on its promises.

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover ($62)

A cult classic for a reason, this seemingly miracle product removes all types of makeup with just one wipe and never leaves behind any kind of residue or excess product. It gets rid of everything in one step and leaves eyes feeling cool and refreshed.