Some people say that a simple good cleanser is all you need to cleanse the day away, but I disagree. If I have makeup or sunscreen on my face, which is pretty much every day, then I need to double cleanse. Have you ever wiped your face with a cotton pad after cleansing only to discover the pad covered in traces of makeup? Then you should probably be double cleansing too.
Double cleansing really doesn’t add too much time to my skincare routine, but it does help in getting that foundation and sunscreen that settles deeper in the pores. All you’re doing is first washing your face with an oil-based cleanser to break up the product and grime on the skin, and then following with a foaming cleanser to sweep it all away. Not everyone needs a double cleanse! Some people can be sensitive to multiple washings so it’s important to determine if you even need to do this, and which products would be best for you. I always think, go gentle!
I have a favorite cleansing balm that comes in a tub that I’ve used for years. It’s about $35 a jar which can be expensive for some so I like to explore the more affordable options you can grab at Target or ULTA that work just as well.
Pixi Beauty EOD Cleansing Oil
Available at Target and Pixi Beauty – $14
This one just came out from Pixi Beauty, which happens to be a brand that I’ve loved for years. EOD Cleansing Oil feels thin and silky on the skin making it comfortable to massage my face with and break down my Beautycounter Mascara and whatever foundation I have on. It has zero fragrance, is plant-based, and comes in non-nonsense packaging that’s easy to open and close when your hands are wet or eyes are closed.
This oil does emulsify to a white milk texture and can be rinsed off, or as they suggest, use a damp cloth to wipe the face clean. I love that this is fragrance-free and that it’s under $15. I don’t always like to use a cloth because my skin gets irritated from the rubbing, which is why I don’t go for micellar waters because it ends up being too much wiping or rubbing.
This is a great no-frills makeup remover for effectiveness and price. The argan oil in it soothes and moisturizes my skin instead of stripping and I can use it every day. This product is cruelty-free and vegan.
Pacifica Wake Up Beautiful Waterless Cleansing Balm
Available at ULTA Beauty and PacificaBeauty.com – $18
I’ve been using this cleansing balm over the last couple of weeks and really fell in love. I think I prefer balms to cleansing oils simply because of how it feels on the skin for me. Not only does this one effectively remove makeup and sunscreen, but it’s packed with antioxidants from quinoa & mushrooms that my aging skin loves.
This cleanser comes in an aluminum tube and because of its thickness, it’s easy to control how much you use. It has a very faint rose scent which I enjoy and just melts on the skin as you massage your face. It’s very similar to how aquaphor feels, and It emulsifies like other makeup removers turning into a milky liquid that rinses away leaving your skin feeling fresh and clean. I also like how small the tube is so you can easily throw it in a travel makeup bag or decant some into a small tub if needed.
The tubing is recyclable, and the formula is vegan and cruelty-free.
While I love my fancy cleansing balm in a tub, I am definitely keeping these as other options to rotate between. All did a great job removing the foundation and most importantly, it can gently remove my Beautycounter Mascara which feels bulletproof to most cleansers. Just remember this is a balm so it does melt at one point — make sure to screw that cap on tight so there is no leaks.
Is there a makeup remover that you absolutely love? Share in the comment section below!
