The ultimate guide to makeup removers

From shimmery eyeshadow palettes to long-lasting lipsticks, we love experimenting with makeup. Still, nothing feels as good as taking it all off at the end of the day. While there are countless ways to remove your makeup, not all products are created equal. So we've rounded up some of our favourites to help you make sure you’ve got the right goods for the job.

AVÈNE INTENSE EYE MAKE-UP REMOVER, $20 at Shoppers Drug Mart

Getting off that bold cat eye or long-lasting lip stain can sometimes be a bit of a pain, especially if you typically resort to wipes. But even the longest-wearing products are no match for this gentle liquid, which is great for sensitive skin. People who wear contacts will also love that it doesn’t leave that foggy film some removal products do. How to use: Shake the bottle well and apply on a cotton pad. Hold the pad to your eyes or lips for five seconds to let it do its thing, then gently wipe away the product.

BELIF AQUA BOMB CLEANSING BALM, $45 at Sephora

We're big fans of the double-cleanse method, and this balm is perfect for the pre-cleanse. It's both hydrating and effective at removing all traces of makeup without stripping the skin of necessary oils. How to use: Apply a scoop into your hands and lightly emulsify the product. Then, work it into your dry skin to allow the product to break down the makeup, before gently rinsing it off.

THE ORIGINAL MAKEUP ERASER, $26 at Sephora

Tired of overly harsh wipes and cloths? Enter The Original Makeup Eraser: an ultra-soft antibacterial polyester cloth that both removes your makeup and gently exfoliates the skin. It works on all kinds of makeup without any tugging or pulling and is generally just super soothing on your skin. Plus, it’s sustainable: The reusable cloth can be machine-washed up to 1,000 times! How to use: Run it through the wash once first. Then, when you’re ready to use it, saturate the cloth with warm water, squeezing out any excess, and gently wipe away your makeup, using the shorter hair side. Follow that up with a quick exfoliation with the longer hair side.

DR. DENNIS GROSS SKINCARE HYALURONIC MARINE MAKEUP REMOVING MELTAWAY CLEANSER, $39 at Sephora

Dry skin? This one’s for you. Made with marine algae, hyaluronic acid and kiwi, this cleanser completely dissolves dirt, oil and waterproof make up with ease. It's both soothing and refreshing, as it prevents moisture loss and visibly enhances elasticity. Bonus: If you’re not a big makeup wearer, try is as a hydrating treatment and just don’t wash it off. How to use: Apply a dime size to your fingertips and massage into your face, dry, then rinse with water.

GARNIER SKINACTIVE MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER ALL-IN-1, $11 at Shoppers Drug Mart

Micellar water works just like a magnet: It captures and lifts away dirt, oil and makeup without over-drying the skin. Best of all, it's made without sulphates, fragrances, parabens, oil or alcohol so is gentle on the skin. A great option if you wear lots of waterproof makeup products. How to use: Shake to combine first, before applying to a cotton pad. Place pad over the eyes for a moment to let the product work, then gently wipe all over face, wherever you need extra cleansing.