Your makeup remover should depend on the type of makeup you’re wearing – here are the best pairings

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The best remover for waterproof mascara isn’t necessarily the best one for a skin tint. Dermatologists explain how to pick the right formula.Getty ImagesRemoving makeup at the end of a long day or night out is one of my least favorite parts of my routine, and I’ll admit that it’s a step I sometimes skip. To make matters worse, when I do remove it, I’ll sometimes see leftover foundation on my towel after washing my face, or mascara residue under my eyes the next morning. So, does the remover you use depend on the type of makeup you’re wearing?

I spoke to dermatologists and skin care experts about the best makeup removers to use based on the makeup you wear, and how to make sure your skin is completely clean before bed. I also rounded up expert-recommended makeup removers and NBC Selected editor favorites.

Best overallFarmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm$37.00$39.00AmazonLearn moreBest for long-wear makeupClinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover$undefined$44.00UltaLearn moreBest for sensitive skinBioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water$19.99$20.99AmazonLearn moreBest for waterproof makeupDHC Deep Cleansing Oil$28.98$31.50AmazonLearn moreBest cleansing padsSofie Pavitt Face Micellar Makeup Removing Cleansing Pads$undefined$24.00SephoraLearn moreSee 2 MoreRelatedselectedselectedBeauty brands are reformulating their bestsellers without talc — here’s why, according to expertsWant more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter

Yes, and it’s actually one of the most overlooked parts of a typical skin care routine. “Makeup formulas behave in very different ways, so a remover that works well on a light skin tint may do very little against waterproof mascara,” says Dr. Gina Maccarone, triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon and founder of The Surgeonista. “When you match the remover to the formula, you remove makeup completely with less rubbing, and that protects the skin barrier over time.”

Turns out, there’s no one-size-fits-all makeup remover, and the type of makeup you’re wearing usually determines how you remove it. Below, I list a few popular types of makeup and the best products to remove each one based on my experts’ guidance.

$44.00Ulta$44.00Amazon$44.00SephoraWhat to knowWhat we likeRequires minimal rubbingWorks on waterproof formulasLasts a long timeSomething to noteTub packagingExpensiveMaccarone recommends this cleansing balm for full-coverage or long-wear makeup, but it’s a great option for any type of makeup you use. “It melts on contact, dissolves foundation and sunscreen without harsh rubbing and rinses clean,” she says. It’s also one of our favorite cleansers for acne-prone skin because it’s gentle and won’t clog pores. “It melts makeup away so easily that even trickier products, like tubing and waterproof mascara, are easy to take off,” says NBC Selected associate SEO reporter Ashley Morris. “Another upside is that I don’t have to do much rubbing; after I swipe it across my face, I can go right in to rinse it off without having to knead or pull at my skin.”

$37.00$39.00AmazonNow 5% off$39.00Sephora$39.00Farmacy BeautyWhat to knowWhat we likeGentle formulaAvailable in multiple sizesMoisturizingSomething to noteSubtle scentAs someone with sensitive skin, I’ve used dozens of makeup removers that have caused redness and irritation. This Farmacy cleansing balm is one that actually worked at removing makeup, even tough mascara and liquid eyeliner, without stripping my skin or creating red, blotchy spots on my face. It does have a subtle scent, but it doesn’t leave that dry, tight feeling that’s so common after cleansing.

$19.99$20.99AmazonNow 5% off$20.99Target$20.99UltaWhat to knowWhat we likeComes in a big bottleGentle formulaOil-freeSomething to noteCan leave slight residueMaccarone and Perry both recommend Bioderma’s oil-free micellar water for sensitive skin or lighter makeup days because it’s gentle, fragrance-free and well-tolerated by most skin types, she says. It’s also a favorite of NBC Selected editorial operations associate Jem Alabi, who came across this micellar water while studying abroad in Paris for a semester and was “thrilled” to find it on Amazon when she came back. “As a waterproof mascara lover, this product doesn’t sting, leave my skin too dry and red, or have an astringent smell,” she says.

$11.49Target$11.99UltaWhat to knowWhat we likeDoesn't dry out skinSafe for sensitive skinOil-freeSomething to noteNeed to use a cotton padThis expert-recommended micellar water is extremely versatile: It removes eye makeup, dirt and sunscreen without causing irritation or stinging. To remove waterproof mascara and eyeliner, apply the micellar water on a cotton pad and hold it gently against your closed eyes for about 15 to 30 seconds, which loosens up the makeup and makes it come off easier, says Ostad. Plus, you don’t need to rinse it off afterward

$28.98$31.50AmazonNow 8% off$31.50DermstoreWhat to knowWhat we likeWon't clog poresGentleEmulsifies quicklySomething to noteHas fragranceUsing a cleansing oil is one of the most effective ways to remove stubborn, heavy and waterproof makeup since it breaks down the product quicker, experts say. It comes recommended by Maccarone, who says it emulsifies beautifully with water, which makes it a good option even for people who worry about oil cleansers. It also has vitamin E to moisturize skin and it won’t clog pores, according to the brand.

$39.00Amazon$39.00Sephora$39.00UltaWhat to knowWhat we likeMoisturizingButtery textureGently exfoliatesSomething to noteScentedThis cleanser, which starts off as a balm and turns into an oil as you massage it into your skin, comes recommended by both Perry and board-certified dermatologist Dr. Annette Czernik. “It does a great job of breaking down makeup, even heavier foundation and waterproof products,” says Czernik. It has a blend of antioxidants and oils that give your skin extra moisture, so it leaves your skin feeling soft instead of dry or tight. “It’s a little more expensive than some other makeup removers, but I think it’s a good option for someone who wears makeup regularly,” says Czernik. The balm does have a subtle scent, but luckily it doesn’t linger once you wash it off, experts say.

$29.00Reale ActivesWhat to knowWhat we likeGentle and non-irritatingDoesn't clog poresHydrates skinSomething to noteNeed to cleanse after using“For the longest time, makeup wipes were my go-to for taking off my makeup, no matter how much I was wearing. That was until I discovered cleansing balms, and this one from Reale Actives melts off my makeup in just a few minutes while simultaneously hydrating and cleansing my skin,” says NBC Selected associate social media editor Caitlin Cusack. Even when she has a full face of makeup on, this cleansing balm does a great job of breaking down makeup without irritating her sensitive, acne-prone skin. Plus, it doesn’t burn or sting her sensitive eyes even when wearing her most stubborn mascaras, she says.

“I still wash my face with a water-based cleanser after using the cleansing balm, so it adds an extra step to my routine, but I’m willing to spend the extra time if it means preventing makeup buildup and acne,” says Cusack.

$75.00Amazon$75.00Ulta$75.00NordstromWhat to knowWhat we likeSuitable for all skin typesAvailable in multiple sizesSoftens skinSomething to noteExpensiveI love this cleansing balm: It turns from a solid to a milky consistency that moisturizes and smooths my skin while seamlessly breaking down my makeup. Plus, a little goes a very long way, so the tub lasts me for months after using it one to three times a week. It has elderberry oil, which is high in essential fatty acids that help regulate oil production and hydrate skin; starflower oil, which reduces water loss and inflammation; and padina pavonica, a type of Mediterranean brown algae known for hydrating, according to the brand.

$28.00Sephora$28.00DieuxWhat to knowWhat we likeLightweightDoesn't leave residueFragrance-freeSomething to noteExpensivePackaging can be messyI’ve used this cleansing oil for over a year, and it’s one I instantly reach for if I’m wearing a darker matte lipstick or dark-colored eyeshadow. A few minutes of gently rubbing this cleansing oil into my lips and eyes takes off the color almost immediately. Since my lips are one of the most sensitive parts of my face and get dry and red easily, I love that this cleansing oil is gentle and fragrance-free to avoid any irritation. It also leaves absolutely no residue, doesn’t leave a gross taste in my mouth when I use it, and is noncomedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores if you choose to use it on the rest of your face.

$24.00Sephora$21.60$24.00Sophie Pavitt FaceNow 10% offWhat to knowWhat we likeTravel-friendlyWon't cause breakoutsGreat for quick cleanupSomething to noteMay sting eyesLeaves a sticky residueSince powder doesn’t adhere to the skin as well as liquid or cream makeup products, you don’t need a super powerful makeup remover, experts say. If I’m wearing powder makeup, a little bit of concealer or a tinted moisturizer and need something quick and easy to remove it, or if I have some leftover mascara under my eyes in the morning, I reach for these gentle cleansing pads. They remove a light amount of makeup with just a few swipes, and I don’t have to rinse it off afterward (which comes in handy on lazy days). I’ve also been traveling a lot this year and they’re small enough to fit comfortably in my travel backpack, which means I always have a makeup remover on hand. Keep in mind they won’t remove heavy eye makeup or long-wear foundation, so you’ll need to use a cleansing balm or oil beforehand to get it all off.

$20.00Prequel$21.99TargetWhat to knowWhat we likeGentle on sensitive skinLight gel textureDoesn't dry out skinSomething to noteSlight chemical-like smellI take a travel-size version of this cleanser whenever I go on a trip because it leaves my skin clean and hydrated, and it removes my lighter makeup and powders, which means I don’t have to take both a makeup remover and a cleanser in my travel bag. I love how gentle it is on my sensitive, acne-prone skin, and the light, gel-like texture doesn’t leave my skin feeling stripped and tight.

Yes, you should be careful when removing your eye makeup. “You never want to aggressively rub your eyes because the skin around them is delicate, and too much pulling can irritate your eyes or damage your lashes,” says dermatologist and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Ariel Ostad. One trick is to soak a cotton pad with a remover and gently hold it against your closed eye for about 15 to 30 seconds, which gives the product time to loosen the makeup before you wipe it away, says Ostad.

Glitter, shimmer or highly pigmented eye makeup can be especially tricky because those tiny particles can get into your eyes. “I’d recommend using a gentle cleansing balm that’s safe for the eye area, since it can help break down stubborn makeup without a lot of rubbing,” says Ostad.

These are the most popular types of makeup removers, and they can have different functions depending on the type of makeup you’re using.

Makeup wipes are good in a pinch and better than not washing at all, but they shouldn’t be your primary removal method. “One of the biggest issues is that they don’t always remove all the makeup, oil and dirt sitting on your skin,” says Czernik. “You also tend to rub your face more when using wipes, which can cause irritation, especially around your eyes. I’d treat them as a backup option and wash your face afterward whenever possible.”

When choosing the right makeup remover for you, keep in mind what kind of makeup you’re using first, then narrow down your options based on your skin type. Here’s what works best for common skin types:

Leftover makeup mixes with oil, sweat and debris, which can cause clogged pores, breakouts and irritation, says Maccarone. Similarly, residual mascara and liner can irritate your eyes and clog the small oil glands along the lash line. “Overnight is also when the skin does much of its repair work, and a clean surface supports that process,” says Maccarone. “One night won’t ruin your skin, but consistent, thorough removal is part of keeping it healthy over the long term.”

While some oils and balms can clog pores, this is generally a misconception. A cleansing oil is designed to emulsify and rinse off, so it shouldn’t stay on the skin long enough to clog pores, says Maccarone. “Problems tend to arise when a product contains heavier, pore-clogging oils [like cocoa butter or coconut oil], isn’t rinsed thoroughly or isn’t followed by a second cleanse,” she says. If you’re acne-prone, look for oils and balms that are noncomedogenic, meaning they won’t clog pores.

A good tip for people who are acne-prone is to double cleanse, which is when you start with an oil-based cleanser to remove makeup or sunscreen and then follow it up with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove any residue, says Perry.

For most long-wear and waterproof makeup, 20 to 30 seconds is enough. “You’ll often see the makeup begin to dissolve or transfer to the cotton pad, which is a sign it’s ready to come off with minimal effort,” says Maccarone. “If something is particularly stubborn, a second application is gentler than more force.”

You should always avoid harsh fragrances and alcohols when you can, as well as acids and abrasive formulas like scrubs, experts say.

A good way to check is to take a clean, damp cotton pad and gently wipe it across your face after cleansing. “If you’re still seeing foundation or other makeup coming off, you haven’t removed everything,” says Czernik. “I would pay extra attention to your hairline, around your nose and under your eyes; those are areas people tend to miss without realizing it.”

At NBC Selected, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

I’m a commerce editor at NBC Selected who has written about skin care, hair care and beauty for more than six years. I’ve also tested dozens of makeup removers over the past few years to determine the best ones to shop.

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Mili GodioMili Godio is the commerce editor for NBC Selected. Her expertise lies in wellness, skin care, hair care and pets.