Planning your complex Halloween makeup look in advance is one thing, but have you thought about how you’re going to get it all off? Rubbing your skin raw might feel like the inevitable solution to removing stubborn Halloween makeup from your face – but it doesn’t have to be – and you won’t get by with a regular face wipe.
For makeup removal that requires more than a casual rinse, these six cleansers are tried, tested, and proven to cut it for all the waterproof makeup, glitter, adhesive, and body paints you’ve caked on.
Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm
A Team BEAUTY BAY favourite which earns big points for its makeup-shifting abilities – massage this luxurious balm over your face to take everything off. The thick texture melts into a silky oil that breaks down everything from high coverage foundation to waterproof eyeliner. Bonus: Your skin feels super soft post-cleanse.
Neighbourhood Botanicals Face Off Oil To Milk Cleanser
Although they might be a little messier than other cleansers, oils are the best solutions for removing Halloween makeup – which tends to be more pigmented and long-wearing than regular formulas. The reason boils down to the science – like attracts like so the oil helps to break down oil-based makeup. This uses a potent blend of marula, avocado, calendula, and apricot oils to remove every last trace of pigment from pores.
Yes To Coconuts Oil Cleansing Balm
This cleansing balm is intensely nourishing, thanks to the coconut, almond, and castor seed oils in the formula, which help to break down makeup without irritating or stripping the skin. Massage in (for hard-to-remove makeup use the included sponge) and watch the makeup melt off your face – leaving behind soft skin and a healthy-looking glow.
Mehron Makeup Remover Cream
This cleanser looks and feels like old school cold cream, but it’s an industry favourite that can tackle even the most stubborn catwalk looks. A pro-MUA essential (trusted by models and backstage makeup artists), the extra strength formula is great if you’ve gone all out with high-pigment face paint, SFX makeup, or waterproof formulas. Massage it in, then rinse with a hot cloth – every trace of makeup disappears instantly.
Skindinavia Makeup Remover Spray
Expecting to stumble in in the early hours after a late-night party? It will be tempting to fall straight into bed, but you don’t want to run the risk of waking up to “blood”-smeared pillowcases and bad breakouts. This easy-to-use formula spritzes on evenly and gets to work loosening makeup – once you remove it (with a cotton pad or wet cloth), it wipes away clean, taking any sign of pigment with it. No scrubbing required.
Yes To Tomatoes Charcoal Micellar Water
Don’t let its water-like consistency fool you – micellar water still manages to cut through just about everything – face paint, mascara, fake blood, you name it. Simply soak a cotton pad and swipe over dry skin (press and hold over long-wear and waterproof formulas) – the clever micellar technology will instantly dissolve a full face of makeup. We particularly love this one because the formula is boosted with charcoal for extra powerful decongestion.
