Makeup Remover Cloth

Removing Makeup is a Must

Whether you like it or not, you simply must remove your makeup at the end of the day. Consider it your duty as a woman – if you choose to wear makeup, you should also choose to wipe it off! As anyone who's fallen asleep with a full face on knows, there's nothing fun about waking up to smudged raccoon eyes, foundation on the pillow and smeared lipstick. Annoying as those little treats are, though, it's the long term side effects that will really leave you singing the blues.

Neglecting to remove your makeup is a great way to trigger breakouts, clogged pores and irritated skin in general. Make cleansing a priority and you'll quickly develop a habit of keeping your face clean. It's also essential to allow your skin to breathe, and you may want to apply a moisturizer at night, too. You can't expect it to work if you apply it over foundation!

Types of Cleansers

There are many types of makeup removers on the market. Liquid cleansers and cleansing creams have long been considered the standard, and bar soaps are also not uncommon. In recent years, though, their popularity has been eclipsed by the makeup remover cloth. Visit any drugstore and you'll find packages of these convenient cloths lining the shelves!

Narrowing it Down: Which Makeup Remover Cloth?

If you've tried one, you've tried them all – at least that's what it may seem like when it comes to these ubiquitous cloths. They aren't all the same, though. Many contain specific ingredients that are included in the product for a specific purpose. Some are slightly abrasive for an exfoliating touch. Others may be extremely gentle for sensitive-skinned individuals. The cloth you choose is ultimately dependent on your skin type and what you require from a cleanser.

Of course, if we can make the job of choosing one a little easier for you, we'll gladly do so. Here's a rundown of some cloths on the market today. Give them a test drive and see which one best suits your needs.

Oily Skin

If you're constantly waging battle against the dreaded shine, you might consider adding one of these makeup removers to your regimen.

• Free of mineral oil and silicone, Korres Pomegranate Cleansing and Moisturizing Wipes are a great choice. Not only do they remove makeup and leave the skin feeling fresh and cool, but they also tighten pores and provide a healthy dose of antioxidants.

• Shiseido's Pureness Refreshing Cleansing Sheets are highly recommended for individuals with oily and combination skin. The pH-balanced formula removes dirt, makeup and oil quickly and effectively.

Dry Skin

Dry skin types require rich, comforting ingredients that infuse the skin with moisture and keep it hydrated.

• These Milk Proteins and Demake Up Wipes by Korres are ideal for individuals with parched skin. Milk proteins are naturally nourishing, while aloe and pro-vitamin B5 soothe and eliminate redness.

• Comodynes Makeup Remover Towels are renowned for their gentle, soothing properties. They're a favorite among women with sensitive skin, due mainly to the high avena sativa (oat) content. The ingredient is especially soothing to irritated skin and provides natural comfort.

Double Duty

Some removal cloths do more than just whisk away makeup. These ones offer several benefits.

• Pond's Clean Sweep Micro Dermabrasion towelettes are infused with cooling cucumber. They're most noteworthy, though, for their exfoliating microbeads. The beads coat one side of the cloth to gently eliminate dead skin cells, revealing fresh, healthy skin underneath.

• If you're on a mission to slow the effects of time, try Olay's Total Effects Age Defying Cleansing Cloths. They exfoliate, cleanse and treat the skin to brightening vitamins and lipids.

DIY Cloths

It's easy enough to find a gentle cloth to cleanse the face with, but ideally you should apply some sort of cleanser as well. Plain water will never completely get rid of all the makeup on your face – just ask anyone who's tried to remove mascara that way! If you prefer to cut costs and just use your own cloth, be sure to apply a mild milk- or gel-based cleanser to really get every bit of makeup off.