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10 makeup removers that really work according to REVIEWcrew Members

"A big five stars from me"

By Briar Clark

Beauty Crew Beauty Editor / September 04 2025

Fact: At the end of the day, we all want that to look like perfect examples of the 'Mochi Skin' and 'Butter Skin' trends IRL.

However, our skin care routines also have to contend with full faces of eyeliner, mascara, blush and lip stains in the evening, which is why investing in an effective makeup remover is so darn important.

Whether your weapon of choice is a makeup removing balm, oil cleanser, or micellar water, doesn't matter — we're after clean skin by any means necessary. And, is it turns out, so are our REVIEWcrew Members.

Ahead, BEAUTYcrew's trusted reviewers break down the best makeup removers you're likely to find in your local Chemist Warehouse and Priceline (if you're on a budget), as well as skin care finds worth splurging on at Adore Beauty and MECCA.

Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Oil Cleanser Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin

from $28.99 at Chemist Warehouse

"One of my favourite skincare products in the market for cleaning makeup! Whilst pricier than most cleansers, this product never disappoints when you want clean, supple skin without feeling dry and stripped of natural skin oils. I like to use this morning and night using just one pump before my skincare routine. It lathers on nicely, and the oil leaves your skin smooth and gentle after a wash. What's great about the product is that it's an all-in-one and does it all — it removes makeup, hydrates the skin and leaves your skin fresh. I wish it came in a bigger bottle!" — Kimberly L, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Oil to milk formula
Dissolves makeup and removes dirt
Contains makeup removing micelles, amino acids and omegas 3 and 6
No greasy residue
Fragrance free

Available at:

150ml: $28.99 from Chemist Warehouse
150ml: $33.99 from Priceline
150ml: $33.99 from Adore Beauty

Garnier Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Vitamin C

from $20.99 at Chemist Warehouse

"Hands up if you’ve got a signature wing, defined lashes and a lined pout. That’s me, every single day. My makeup routine is quick, precise and unapologetically glam. But when the day’s done, I want every trace of it gone in record time. No smudging, no panda eyes, and absolutely no harsh scrubbing. Just clean, calm skin that still feels cared for. Garnier’s Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Vitamin C lives up to its name. The balm glides on effortlessly, melting into an oil as it touches the skin. It lifts away every layer of makeup, from waterproof mascara to long wear liner, without the need to rub or double cleanse. My eye makeup disappears within seconds and my skin feels fresh, never stripped. There’s a lovely bonus too. I’ve been using it as a quick treatment mask. I apply a generous layer and let it sit for ten minutes while I unwind, then rinse it off in the shower. The Vitamin C leaves my skin visibly brighter and feeling silky smooth, almost like I’ve just had a mini facial. It’s gentle enough for everyday use and effective enough to handle even my most full glam looks. The balm removes everything with ease and leaves my skin soft and radiant. If you’re after a cleanser that works as hard as your makeup routine, this one delivers on every promise." — Indigo 77 M, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Melts makeup
Simultaneously cleanses and acts as a brightening skin treatment
Infused with vitamin C
Balm to milky lather formula
Hydrates skin for 24 hours
Non-greasy and fragrance free

Available at:

122g: $20.99 from Chemist Warehouse

Weleda Skin Food Nourishing Cleansing Balm

from $19.96 at Oz Hair & Beauty

"I love this balm for cleansing my skin because it’s super gentle. It won’t irritate sensitive skin and it’s effective for removing dirt, grime and makeup so gently. It starts as a creamy balm and with the addition of water becomes a milky emulsion that cleanses skin beautifully. At just $25 it’s great value for money and I love the Weleda brand, it’s very trustworthy for me. I do need to use something a little bit stronger to remove waterproof mascara but for everyday cleansing this balm works a treat. I would recommend this cleanser." — Debbie P, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Nourishing natural cleansing balm and face mask
Removes makeup, dirt and impurities
Oil to milk formula
Made with 100 per cent natural essential oils
Recyclable box, lid and tube

Available at:

75ml: $19.96 from Oz Hair & Beauty
75ml: $24.99 from Priceline
75ml: $25.95 from Adore Beauty

Embryolisse Makeup Remover Micellar Lotion

from $18.69 at Chemist Warehouse

"Very gentle on my skin. I love this product. A little goes a long way with this. I use a few drops into a cotton pad to clean my face. It removes all my makeup and I don't have to go over multiple times. It's not too strong, and it gently removes all the dirt and make up very easily. It doesn't strip the natural oils on my face either. It leaves the skin clean and hydrated compared to other products available on the market, and the price point is affordable as well." — Ray R, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Non-rinse, soothing cleanser and makeup remover
Contains micelles and glycerin
Enriched with cornflower, chamomile and witch hazel
Removes stubborn long-lasting and waterproof makeup
Fast-drying formula can be used to fix makeup mistakes

Available at:

250ml: $18.69 from Chemist Warehouse
250ml: $24 from Oz Hair & Beauty
250ml: $28 from Adore Beauty

Dermalogica PreCleanse

from $82 at Adore Beauty

"This would have to be my absolute favourite skincare product. Cleansing is my favourite step in my skincare routine as it not only feels so nice and relaxing but also great to have a fresh face. This product is amazing. It has a lovely light scent and you only need a small amount to remove make-up etc from the day. As you would tell from the name of the product it is used as the first cleanse. It is so effective at removing makeup and leaving my skin fresh and ready for a second cleanse. Definitely a product I rave about and will continue to purchase." — Stacey E, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Deep cleansing oil
Melts away oil, sunscreen, waterproof make-up, environmental pollutants and residual product
Enriched with apricot kernel oil, lavender oil and sunflower oil
Conditioning essential fatty acids nourish skin
Suitable for oil skin types, including oily and acne-prone

Available at:

30ml: $25 from MECCA / Dermalogica
150ml: $82 from Adore Beauty / $82 from MECCA / $82 from Dermalogica
295ml: $128 from MECCA / $128 from Dermalogica

La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin

from $27.26 at Priceline

"This is a staple cleansing product for me, and I buy a large size on repeat, so I always have some available. It's very gentle, non-oily, [doesn't make my skin dry out], and has a very light, almost-coconut scent. It makes a reliable make-up remover in the evening; I use it as a second cleanse to ensure all traces of make-up are removed, and because I'm a double-cleanse kind of girl. In the morning it is perfect to quickly freshen my skin and to whisk away the remains of my evening skincare. It is also an effective, non-stinging eye makeup remover, which makes it ideal for travel where it can perform double duty. In other words it is an amazingly versatile product that I can't do without. The fact that it is especially made for sensitive skin is another bonus. I don't have particularly sensitive skin but many people do, and it is good to find a cleanser that can be recommended to anyone. A big five stars from me." — Anne F, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Enriched with hyaluronic acid and glycerin
Hydrates skin for 48 hours
La Roche-Posay thermal spring water calms skin
Micelles gently remove makeup
Smooth glide formula comfortably cleanses without tugging at the skin

Available at:

400ml: $27.26 from Priceline
400ml: $32.99 from Chemist Warehouse
400ml: $37.95 from Adore Beauty

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil

from $76 at Kiehl's

"I reserve this beautiful cleanser for night time as the lavender essential oil fills the bathroom with a relaxing scent that gets me ready for a good nights sleep. This oil is thin and light weight but really gets to work to remove any makeup or grime from the day. I like to use a little to remove my makeup and a more generous second application to give myself a relaxing facial massage. This oil emulsifies well in water and rinses clean. My skin feels calm and comfortable after application." — Jessica R, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Lightweight makeup-removing oil cleanser
Softens and replenishes skin
Gently melts away dirt, makeup and impurities
Emulsifying formula transforms into a cleansing milk
Formulated with a blend of botanical oils

Available at:

175ml: $76 from Kiehl's
175ml: $76 from MECCA

Cetaphil Healthy Renew Micellar Cleansing Water

from $20.99 at Chemist Warehouse

"After using consistently for a several weeks, I found Cetaphil Healthy Renew Micellar Cleansing Water very effective in cleansing deeply without leaving my skin dry. My skin has felt firmer and more radiant. It was able to remove my daily makeup and sunscreens with ease. It feels light and perfect for my sensitive skin. Even on days when I hadn't used any make up or sunscreen and thought my skin was rather clean, the micellar cleansing water showed me how wrong I was. I enjoy using this product as my skin feels hydrated and refreshed each time afterwards." — Gulay N, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Enriched with micelles solution, pro-vitamin B5, rice extract, panthenol and edelweiss extract
Soothes and hydrates for up to 24 hours
Removes makeup and sunscreen
Gently refines texture
Enhances radiance and elasticity

Available at:

160ml: $20.99 from Chemist Warehouse
160ml: $29.99 from Priceline
160ml: $29.99 from Adore Beauty

Dr. LeWinn’s Daily Cleansing Balm

from $27.47 at Chemist Warehouse

"I have been loving the Dr. LeWinn's Daily Cleansing Balm as the first step in my double cleanse routine! The texture is heavenly — smooth and effortlessly removes makeup, giving my face a spa-worthy treat every day. Perfect for my sensitive skin too — no irritation, just pure cleansing joy. What sets it apart? The hydration boost is real! Unlike other cleansers, it leaves my skin supple, not tight. The scent is a spa escape, making every use a sensory delight. Plus, at the end of the day, it tackles sebum and makeup like a boss, ensuring my skin is fresh and revitalised. It's become my bedtime ritual, and the results speak volumes — a radiant complexion I can't get enough of. This balm is my secret weapon for that coveted glow. Dr. LeWinn's, you've won my heart with this skincare miracle! If you're ready for a skincare upgrade, dive into the jar. Your skin will thank you!" — Suss R, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Enriched with squalane, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and jojoba oil
Non-stripping balm to oil formula
Can be used on wet or dry skin
Melts makeup and sunscreen
Suitable for sensitive skin

Available at:

100g: $27.47 from Chemist Warehouse
100g: $46.71 from Oz Hair & Beauty
100g: $54.99 from Priceline

Palmer's Skin Therapy Facial Cleansing Oil

from $9.99 at Chemist Warehouse

"This stuff is amazing!!! I have been using this as a first step in a double cleanse in my night time routine, only when I wear make up. I find that this removes most of my make up and grime from the day and it leaves the skin feeling amazing and hydrated. I then use a gentle cleanser as the next step. I am even considering using this as my night face wash on the days I don't wear make up instead of my gentle cleanser. I love the feel of this and it has a slight fragrance to it, which I actually quite like! The best thing about this is it is free from the nasties and is very very affordable! So glad I found this brand! Definitely will be repurchasing." — Evana D, REVIEWcrew Member

Key features:

Enriched with cocoa butter, grapeseed oil, jojoba oil, rosehip oils and vitamin C
Removes makeup and impurities
Deeply cleanses and brightens
Rosehip fragrance
Won't clog pores

Available at:

190ml: $9.99 from Chemist Warehouse
190ml: $19.99 from Palmer's
190ml: $20 from Woolworths

Main image credit: @addisonraee

After more expert-approved skin care products? Try these seven retinol products approved by skin experts.

Briar Clark

Briar Clark got her start in the media industry in 2017, as an intern for Marie Claire and InStyle. Since then, her keen interest in fashion and beauty has landed her gigs as a Digital Content Producer and Beauty Editor with titles like Girlfriend, Refinery29, BEAUTYcrew and beautyheaven. She loves the way seemingly innocuous topics like skin care and style have the ability to put a smile on people’s faces or make them think about themselves a little differently. A big believer in self love and experimentation, Briar has made a point of becoming the Australian beauty industry’s unofficial guinea pig for unusual treatments and daring hair trends. When she’s not testing out the latest beauty launches, Briar is big on broadening her horizons, mostly in the form of food but she’s also partial to travelling to new destinations both near and far (and of course, allocating an extra bag to bring their best beauty offerings home with her).