When it comes to our beauty and skincare products, we all have things we’ll definitely splurge on without a second thought and things we’d rather hit up the drugstore for. It all comes down to personal preference, but the good news is that there are a lot of affordable finds out there that are just as good as their pricier, name-brand counterparts.
For me, I don’t mind opening up my wallet for moisturizers, eye creams, retinols, and sunscreens. I think there are some great drugstore dupes out there, but I’m okay with investing in keeping my skin in good shape, and I feel lucky enough that I have the means to do so. But there are a couple of items I purchase at the drugstore more often than not, like eye shadows, mascaras, and lipsticks. And the skincare item that I always buy on the cheap is makeup removers.
I’ve tried both expensive and drugstore makeup removers, but honestly, I really can’t tell the difference between the two sometimes. My favorite formulas on both sides get the job done and manage to erase every trace of makeup off my face (even the waterproof stuff), so in the interest of saving a few bucks, I always choose the cheaper option. It’s more money in the bank for the other skincare items I want to invest in.
Yes, I know some of the pricier formulas can feel a little bit more luxe on your skin and have some pretty fancy ingredients, but let’s not knock the drugstore stuff. A lot of them are still nourishing for the skin and don’t strip it bone-dry. Plus, removing makeup is just one step of the skincare process for a lot of us—there are more cleansers and moisturizers and serums to add, depending on your personal routine.
To prove my point, here are some of my drugstore faves. Say hello to saving money and goodbye to sleeping in your makeup!
I’d say 99.9% of the time I have a bottle of Neutrogena’s classic makeup remover on my bathroom vanity. It’s tough on eye makeup, in that it only takes a couple of swipes to get rid of it all, yet it never leaves my face feeling dry or overly greasy.
Simple is another drugstore brand I love for its makeup remover and micellar water. This one is especially made to erase waterproof eye makeup, but I use it all over my face, too. It also has ingredients to nourish your lashes, so bonus points there.
French drugstore brand favorite Avène’s eye makeup remover is good for all skin types, even sensitive skin. The gel-like formula is infused with thermal spring water to hydrate and soothe. Sometimes, makeup removers can irritate my contacts, but this one is gentle on my eyes.
Micellar water is a good option for removing makeup, too, because it removes makeup and cleanses your face. This formula is infused with rose water and glycerin for a refreshing and hydrating feeling.
These pads have soothing ingredients like aloe, cucumber, and green tea, so they’re super gentle on the eye area, which can be extra sensitive.
This is my favorite micellar water—I use it to cleanse my face and to remove makeup. If I’m wearing heavy makeup, I normally need to use a regular makeup remover on top of this one, but for just mascara and a little bit of concealer, this does the trick. It always leaves my face feeling refreshed and calmed.
This oil-free formula doesn’t leave any residue at all. Good for all skin types, it also contains antioxidants to protect skin from free radicals and irritation.
If you love Cetaphil’s face cleansers, you’re going to be equally impressed with the brand’s makeup remover. Free of fragrance and oil, this product leaves your skin feeling so good thanks to ingredients like aloe vera, ginseng, and green tea.
Another French drugstore brand we love, La Roche-Posay’s eye makeup remover dissolves makeup, leaving your skin smooth and soft. The texture is water-like, and it doesn’t leave any greasiness.
I normally prefer liquid solutions or balms instead of towelettes so I can use my reusable cotton rounds and reduce waste, but sometimes, they come in handy, especially when you’re on the go. These are made from repurposed cotton and do three things: remove makeup, cleanse, and tone.
This makeup remover is pretty cool because it’s formulated with the same pH levels as your natural tears, so it’s gentle on the sensitive eye area. It has ingredients such as cornflower water to wash away residue and vitamin B to nourish the skin.
Pond’s Cold Cream ($5) is a total classic—maybe your mom or grandmother used it for years. A new take on the cult-favorite product, this has a balm-like consistency that easily removes makeup and moisturizes skin. Rinse it off with warm water, and you’re all set.
You might prefer a balm or lotion to a liquid formula for your eye makeup. This option from Neutrogena works to dissolve makeup and can also be used as a daily facial lotion. We can’t say no to a multitasking product!
You won’t get any clogged pores here, which is probably at the top of your wish list if you have oily skin. It’s another three-in-one product that removes makeup, cleanses off oil and dirt, and tones the skin.
Infused with grape-seed and olive oils, these wipes will leave your skin thoroughly nourished. They’re made without parabens, phthalates, silicones, or synthetic fragrances.
Cut back on your waste with these reusable cotton rounds. Put them in the laundry bag and throw them in the washer when they need a cleaning.
You can use these cloths alone to get rid of makeup or with one of the removers above. There’s one for every day of the week.
You get 15 makeup remover pads in this kit—three terry pads and 12 velour versions. Use the terry ones for waterproof makeup and the velour ones for the eye area. Next up, 5 Winning Ingredient Cocktails for Out-of-This-World Glowy Skin
