11 Best Makeup Removers For Different Skin Types Available In Singapore

By now, we already know the nasty consequences of not removing makeup before going to bed. But we wonder: are you using the right makeup remover for your skin type?

Thankfully, we now have gentle and very effective formulas that will thoroughly cleanse our skin and remove our eye makeup (without us sacrificing a few eyelashes). Whether you have oily, sensitive, dry, combination or ageing skin — there's a perfect makeup remover just for you.

For refreshing 'get un-ready with me' moments.

Makeup removers for oily skin

shu uemura BlackOil Purifying Fresh Cleansing Oil

shu uemura BlackOil Purifying Fresh Cleansing Oil. (Photo from: sephora.sg)

It seems counterintuitive to recommend a cleansing oil for oily skin types but it's actually an effective way to remove all the gunk (a.k.a makeup, sebum, pollutants) on your face, simply because oil attracts oil. Shu Uemura's formula contains oil from precious Japanese black rice infused with charcoal helps reduce clogged pores with superior removability. It promises a luxurious cleansing journey and long-lasting freshness for oily skin.

It's priced at SGD185 per 450ML via Sephora.

Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm

Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm. (Photo from: sephora.sg)

Aside from cleansing oils, you can also turn to cleansing balms to remove your daily makeup. These are cleansers that take an oil-like texture when rubbed on dry skin and help melt away oil-based impurities. Once you're sure all your makeup has been dissolved, splash some water on your face to transform the cleansing balm into a milky texture for easy rinsing. The Glow Recipe Papaya Sorbet Enzyme Cleansing Balm contains papaya enzymes to gently resurface skin while dissolving makeup, dirt, and oil, creating a baby-soft canvas for skincare and makeup. It also has antioxidant-rich blueberry, soothing apricot kernel oil, and moisturising camellia seed oil for skin that's clean, bouncy and glowing.

It's priced at SGD52 per 100ML via Sephora.

Makeup removers for sensitive skin

NUXE 3-in-1 Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water

NUXE 3-in-1 Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water. (Photo from: nuxe.com)

If your skin has an adverse reaction to oils and creams, then your best bet is micellar water. It's an old technology that first gained popularity among French women. It contains micelles that attract deep-seated dirt and grime. Since it contains no alcohol and other ingredients that can irritate the skin, it's the safest formula for sensitive skin types. Some brands add helpful elements to their formula like NUXE's 3-in-1 Soothing Micellar Water, which is infused with rose water to keep the skin moisturised and balanced. Apply this using a 100% pure cotton pad and gently wipe onto the face using upward strokes.

It's priced at SGD31 per 200ML via Lookfantastic Singapore.

Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser

Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser. (Photo from: watsons.com.sg)

A no-rinse makeup remover for sensitive skin? You can find it in the Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser. In fact, this gel cleansing lotion is formulated to remove makeup without irritating sensitive and reactive skin types. It contains 99% natural origin ingredients, which includes the Avene Thermal Spring Water, and a fragrance-free formula that helps clear out skin impurities and leave your skin feeling soft. See how it works by reading our review on this gamechanger.

It's priced at SGD31.10 per 200ML via Guardian.

Makeup removers for dry skin

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser

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Unlike other cleansers, the Pond's Cold Cream is actually 50% moisturiser, that's why it's a cult favourite for cleansing dry skin. It's very easy to use; just apply one layer to the face then wipe off with a cloth or tissue. Take note if your skin is leaning towards a dry-sensitive combination: it's better to opt for the brand's micellar water since the key ingredient of this cold cream is mineral oil, which can trigger irritation and pore-clogging.

It's priced at SGD22.86 per 9.50Z via Amazon Singapore.

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel. (Photo from: sephora.sg)

If you prefer to stick to traditional rinse-off makeup removers, then it's best to choose one that is soap-free. The Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel is formulated to attain a rich lather (care of naturally foaming Quillaja Saponaria) to help easily lift and wash away impurities without disturbing your skin's moisture balance. It's ideal for folks who wear minimal makeup on a regular basis because of its gentle formulation.

It's priced at SGD77 per 250ML via Sephora.

Makeup removers for combination skin

Dior Hydra Life Oil To Milk Cleanser

Dior Hydra Life Oil To Milk Cleanser. (Photo from: perfumestore.sg)

You have combination skin if you're oily in the T-Zone and dry in the other parts. It's quite tricky to find the perfect formula to satisfy your combination skin but the key is to find a cleanser that has a balanced formula. Try Dior's Hydra Life Oil To Milk makeup removing cleanser. It purifies your pores while simultaneously moisturising your skin. The hero ingredient is sweet almond oil, which targets dry areas in your face.

It's priced at SGD152 per 200ML via Perfume Store Singapore.

Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Cleansing Almond Milk

Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Cleansing Almond Milk. (Photo from: sephora.sg)

The Caudalie Vinoclean Gentle Cleansing Almond Milk is another good makeup remover for combination skin — particularly those that are also sensitive. It is enriched with nourishing sweet almond oil, soothing cornflower water and anti-oxidant polyphenols that prevent your skin from drying out. Its milky velvet texture also helps make your skin feel soft post-cleansing. It's also comprised of 97% natural-origin ingredients and is soap-free, non-comedogenic, and ophthalmologically tested so it's safe to use to remove your eye makeup.

It's priced at SGD35 per 200ML via Sephora.

Fenty Skin Total Cleans'R Remove-It-All Cleanser

Fenty Skin Total Cleans'R Remove-It-All Cleanser. (Photo from: sephora.sg)

Love creamy cleansers? Try the Fenty Skin Total Cleans'R Remove-It-All Cleanser which promises to refine the look of pores and instantly washes away dirt, oil and impurities. It claims to have a feel-good formula transforms from a decadent cream to a plush lather and a lush, fruity, and floral scent for a sensorial cleansing routine. It also contains ginkgo biloba to balance pores and fight shine, antioxidant-packed barbados cherry to revitalise skin, and mineral-rich quince fruit and coconut-derived cleansers to comfort and refresh skin.

It's priced at SGD43 per 145ML via Sephora.

Makeup removers for ageing skin

Banila Co. Clean It Zero Revitalizing

Banila Co. Clean It Zero Revitalizing. (Photo from: banilaco.sg)

Although those with ageing skin can also use other cleansers intended for other skin types, it's best to take advantage of makeup removers with added ingredients that will benefit mature skin. Look for makeup removers that do not need unnecessary tugging for them to work. The Banila Co. Clean It Zero Revitalizing is a good option to consider. The added resveratrol is a natural antioxidant that can prevent damage from free radicals and ensure that our collagen production remains stable. Just take a pea-sized amount of this balm and massage it onto the skin.

It's priced at SGD39.90 via Banila Co. Singapore.

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. (Photo from: sephora.sg)

If you have mature and sensitive skin, then the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm is another makeup remover you can consider. It is a lightweight option that contains safflower seed oil to remove dirt and oil while leaving your skin feeling moisturised. Since mature skin also typically needs an extra boost in the cellular turnover department, this cleansing balm also has vitamin E to smooth, soothe, and hydrate skin as well as minimise the appearance of scars.

It's priced at SGD67 per 125ML via Sephora.

This article was first published on 15 December 2021. Last updated: 19 March 2024.

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