Makeup remover is something in almost every woman’s beauty bag, as taking off makeup is the most important part of nightly skin care. However, store bought remover isn’t always the best option. If you’re like me and you wear makeup daily, buying bottle after bottle can get pricey after awhile, and it might not even work as well as you want it to. Here are some alternatives to makeup remover that may be more readily available, and could have some extra benefits for your skin!
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Petroleum Jelly
This is my personal favorite alternative to makeup remover. I use petroleum jelly as a moisturizer around my eyes at night anyway, and one day I discovered that a small dab of this and then a quick sweep of a cotton ball took off almost every layer off my makeup in one go. Plus, it’s cheap and one jar lasts forever. If petroleum jelly isn’t already a part of your beauty routine somehow, I recommend you start now!
Petroleum jelly is not only fantastic for removing makeup, but it nourishes the skin as well. Having sensitive skin myself, I’ve found it to be the kindest option, devoid of harsh chemicals that can irritate. It's perfect for those with skin that's prone to dryness or reactions. Simply warm a bit between your fingers and apply it to your skin in gentle, circular motions before wiping away with a cloth. It even tackles stubborn waterproof mascara without tugging at the delicate eye area. Plus, patch testing is a breeze, since allergic reactions to petroleum jelly are relatively rare.
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Baby Oil
Another great alternative to makeup remover that’s handy for new mothers is baby oil! The best way to use this is to squirt some onto a cotton pad and place it over your closed eyes. DON’T rub it in, but rather massage your eyes in small, gentle circles. This will get not only the eye shadow but also any eyeliner or mascara off your eyes very easily.
Baby oil is particularly kind to sensitive skin, acting as a gentle moisturizer while it cleanses. Plus, it’s affordable and multifunctional—use it for your post-shower routine to lock in moisture for baby-soft skin. Remember, though, to conduct a patch test if it's your first time using baby oil for makeup removal, just to ensure you don't have any sensitivity or adverse reaction. After you've effectively removed your makeup, follow up with your regular skincare to remove any oily residue for a fresh, clean complexion.
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Olive Oil
If you’re really in a pinch for makeup remover, look no further than your kitchen! Dig around the cabinets and grab a bottle of olive oil (virgin and extra virgin are great too!). It may seem weird to put something generally used for cooking on your face, but trust me, it works like a charm. Olive oil is also a great moisturizer, so your skin will feel really supple after you’ve washed the oil off.
Olive oil not only dissolves makeup easily, it's also rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K. These nutrients help in repairing and renewing skin after a long day covered in makeup. For delicate areas like your eyes, it's gentle and won't irritate. Just apply a small amount to a cotton ball or pad and gently swipe away the makeup. Plus, it's a natural alternative to those store-bought removers filled with chemicals. Once you're done, simply use your regular cleanser to remove any oily residue for a clean, nourished complexion. Say goodbye to raccoon eyes and hello to a natural glow!
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Honey
Continuing with the kitchen-themed alternatives to makeup remover, honey is also one of my go-to’s. Honestly, honey is probably one of the most versatile and useful foods, with dozens of different beauty uses and makeup remover is one of them. But, honey is very thick, and using too much could make your face a goopy mess. It’s best to rub it in lightly with your fingers, and then swipe it off with a cotton pad. Honey has a lot of properties that are great for your skin, so if you’d like to leave it on as a moisturizer, go for it!
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Yogurt
I know, you probably make a weird face when you read that one. Yogurt? Now that’s just ridiculous. But it’s not! Plain yogurt (none of the fancy fruit ones) will do the job just fine if you have no other alternative. Just be careful not to get any in your eyes to avoid irritation, and be sure to cleanse your face well as the bacteria in the yogurt could go bad if left on your face.
Yogurt is actually packed with lactic acid, which helps in gently exfoliating the skin and removing dead cells. It's naturally hydrating and can soothe your skin, giving you a bit of a pampering session as it cleanses. So, simply dab some onto a cotton pad and swipe it across your skin, much like you'd use a more traditional makeup remover. The probiotics in yogurt are also great for maintaining skin balance and health. Just make sure it's the plain, unsweetened kind to avoid any sticky sweetness on your face. Rinse off thoroughly afterward to enjoy a refreshed, clean complexion.
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Aloe Vera
Not just for burns, ladies! Aloe Vera is great if you have oily skin and don’t want to make it worse. It’ll get your makeup off just fine, and is recommended for tough to remove mascara. It’s very gentle on the skin, especially around the eye area, and will provide a nice non-greasy moisturizing. As an added bonus, if your eyes are feeling irritated or puffy, the aloe will calm down any inflammation and help decrease redness.
Aloe Vera is a great alternative to makeup remover, particularly for those with oily skin. It is gentle and non-greasy, making it a great choice for removing mascara and other tough-to-remove makeup. Aloe Vera is also a natural anti-inflammatory, so it can help reduce redness and puffiness around the eyes. It is also a natural moisturizer, so it can help soothe and hydrate the skin.
Aloe Vera is a popular ingredient in many commercial makeup removers, but it can also be used directly from the plant. To use it, simply break off a leaf and squeeze the clear gel inside onto a cotton ball or pad. Then, gently wipe the gel over your face to remove your makeup. Be sure to rinse your face with warm water afterwards.
Aloe Vera is a great natural alternative to makeup remover, as it is gentle, non-greasy, and can help reduce inflammation and puffiness around the eyes. Plus, it can help moisturize and soothe the skin. It is important to remember to rinse your face afterwards to remove any residue.
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Coconut Oil
This is something that not many women are aware of but I think they should be. I discovered it one day when my mom brought home a jar of it from the grocery store and I looked up what it could be used for. Turns out, it’s a great makeup remover! In the jar it has a thicker consistency, but it gets oilier as you rub it. Just use your fingers to get the oil nicely spread across your eye. Like with any oil, use it sparingly so as to not cause greasiness.
Will you be trying any of these alternatives to makeup remover? Do you know of any others that work well and weren’t mentioned?
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