Tugging at your mascara with makeup wipe after makeup wipe is a wasteful shortcut to irritated skin, and washing your face at night only to wake up with raccoon eyes is just frustrating. You need a cleanser that will really get the job done — and luckily, there are products that work to wash away every bit of long-wear and even waterproof makeup.
From oil-based cleansers to eco-friendly towels, we rounded up the best waterproof makeup removers, ahead — so that you can live your best life in budge-proof makeup without ever having to rub your face off like you're scratching a lottery ticket.
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DHC Deep Cleansing Oil
There's a reason one of these cleansing oils is sold every 10 seconds worldwide. According to reviews, people love how effectively it removes everything (from waterproof makeup to full-coverage foundation). Although this product has got serious cleansing power, it's still super gentle and leaves behind zero residue.
DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
Some makeup removers can leave the skin feeling stripped dry, but that's the last thing you need to worry about with cleansing balms. This one removes all traces of water-resistant formulas and even sunscreen from the skin, while leaving it nourished and soothed with fruit extracts and lightweight oils like marula seed.
Drunk Elephant Slaai™ Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser, $, available at Sephora
Garnier Micellar Waterproof Makeup Removing Towelettes
Why have a big bottle of micellar water taking up space in your bathroom cabinet when you can have it in your makeup removal wipes instead? Micellar water works like a magnet to attract and wipe away dirt, oil, and makeup like magic; these do the same in wipe form.
Garnier Micellar Waterproof Makeup Removing Towelettes, $, available at Ulta Beauty
Makeup Eraser The Original MakeUp Eraser Makeup Remover Cloth
If you want a more eco-friendly option, the classic Makeup Eraser promises to get the job done with nothing more than a reusable towel that can be used for up to three to five years. Just add warm water and wipe away your makeup with the soft cloth, which won't ever pull at the skin.
Makeup Eraser The Original MakeUp Eraser Makeup Remover Cloth, $, available at Sephora
Smashbox It's A Wrap! Waterproof Makeup Remover
The last thing you need at the end of a long day is to fight to get your makeup off. That's why Smashbox created this heavy-duty liquid makeup remover that promises to sweep away any and all waterproof formulas just like that, so you can get to bed faster.
Smashbox It's A Wrap! Waterproof Makeup Remover, $, available at Smashbox
Almay Wipe It Never Happened Eye Makeup Remover Pads
These round, fragrance-free wipes remove eye makeup efficiently, yet gently. One pad gets the job done, and with 120 pads safely contained in a travel-friendly tub, you can basically toss it in your purse everywhere you go.
Almay Wipe It Never Happened Eye Makeup Remover Pads, $, available at Target
First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Coconut Micellar Makeup Melter
Heavy on the coconut, with both coconut oil and water packed inside, this gel-like makeup remover melts away makeup in the gentlest way possible, so you can wash away waterproof mascara without irritating your eyes.
First Aid Beauty Hello Fab Coconut Micellar Makeup Melter, $, available at Sephora
Glossier Milky Oil
If your skin is in need of some TLC, this formula heals and moisturizes sensitive areas with vitamins and root extracts. It also has the dual power of micellar water and a weightless oil to dissolve makeup without taking your skin's natural moisture with it.
Glossier Milky Oil, $, available at Glossier
Oily skin types will love this soothing, cucumber-infused liquid eye makeup remover, which takes everything off without leaving any greasy residue behind.
Bare Minerals Instant Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover, $, available at Bare Minerals
Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes - Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser
If you have sensitive eyes, this creamy, ultra-gentle remover — which contains honey extract to leave skin super soft — is for you.
Make Up For Ever Sens’Eyes - Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser, $, available at Sephora
Klorane Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover With Soothing Cornflower
Rest in peace to all the eyelashes we've lost to makeup removal over the years. This formula, which is perfect for sensitive eyes, dissolves your makeup on contact without rubbing — a unique feature that resulted in the brand's clinical trials showing a 75% decrease in eyelash loss after two weeks of daily use.
Klorane Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover With Soothing Cornflower, $, available at Ulta Beauty
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