the Hannah Hardy

I’m a big fan of double cleansing. I HAVE to double cleanse every day and the first step is removing my makeup. I love trying new products and formulas. There are so many options: micellar water, cleansing balm, cleansing oil, cleansing lotion, gel cleansers, wipes, etc.

Keep reading for the details on some new (to me) makeup removers that I’ve been testing.

AVEENO MAXGLOW MICELLAR GEL CLEANSER

Claims–Draw out & wash away makeup, oil, and other skin-dulling impurities :: leave skin hydrated, soft, and dewy

Price–$5.14 at Ulta :: $10.69 at Walgreens :: $7.97 at Wal Mart :: 5.1 oz

Pros–Affordable :: easily accessible :: packaging–pump! :: hypoallergenic :: paraben-free :: phthalate free :: non-comedogenic :: smells amazing :: removes all traces of makeup :: hydrating

Cons–Not cruelty free

Final Thoughts–I love the MaxGlow line and this product was a hit too. It’s gentle yet effective and removes all makeup. The MaxGlow line smells so good and I need them to add a body wash and lotion to this line. It leaves skin soft and hydrated.

FIRST AID BEAUTY HELLO FAB COCONUT MICELLAR MAKEUP MELTER

Claims–Gentle, yet effective :: melt away even the most stubborn makeup :: leaves skin hydrated, conditioned, and smoothed :: safe to use around the eyes :: won’t leave skin tight, dry, or greasy

Price–$26 at Sephora :: $20 at firstaidbeauty.com :: for 5.4 oz

Pros–Clean beauty product :: packaging, pump! :: doesn’t feel greasy or leave on a film behind :: no alcohol, parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, or sulfates :: allergy-tested :: gluten free :: vegan :: cruelty free :: ophthalmologist tested :: hydrated :: removes all makeup

Cons–Expensive :: availability

Final Thoughts–I found this at TJ Maxx for $9.99. I love the Hello FAB line and I loved this too. I wouldn’t pay for $20+ for it though. It’s hydrating and has a pump that locks so it’s travel friendly. It removes all traces of makeup and is very gentle.

IT COSMETICS BYE BYE MAKEUP CLEANSING BALM

Claims–3-in-1 cleanser, makeup remover, and anti-aging serum :: completely remove all traces of eye makeup & impurities without drying or irritation :: perfect for all skin types, even the most sensitive

Price–$38 at Sephora, itcosmetics.com for 2.82 oz :: $15 travel size 0.99 oz

Pros–Cruelty free :: removes ALL makeup, even waterproof with ease :: hydrating :: good ingredients–hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants :: hydrating :: doesn’t leave a greasy film after rinsing :: no parabens, sulfates, phthalates :: leaves skin soft and smooth :: anti-aging properties :: mini size for travel/testing :: sleek packaging

Cons–Expensive :: Sephora or online only :: some view jars like this unsanitary :: bulky packaging for storing

Final Thoughts–I love It Cosmetics skincare products and this was no exception. A little goes a long way and it is super hydrating. It says it’s a 3-in-1 cleanser, but I still follow up with a cleanser and serum separately. It’s expensive, but all of the anti-aging properties and ingredients attribute to that. I like this, but I won’t pay $38 for the full size when there are other, cheaper products that do the same things.

PHYSICIANS FORMULA THE PERFECT MATCHA 3-IN-1 MELTING CLEANSING BALM

Claims–Ultra gentle :: melts away makeup :: deeply cleans away impurities :: leaves the skin supple and hydrated

Price–$7.79 at Target :: $13.49 at physiciansformula.com & Walgreens :: 1.4 oz

Pros–Comes with a scoop so you don’t have to dip your fingers in it :: vegan :: cruelty free :: non-comedogenic :: gluten free :: paraben free :: dermatologist & ophthalmologist tested :: safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers :: hypoallergenic :: small, compact packaging :: removes all makeup

Cons–Expensive for a small amount of product

Final Thoughts–This has a slight scent, but it’s not overpowering and it doesn’t linger. I like that there is a scoop included and that the packaging is small and compact. It removed all my makeup and is a good product. However, I won’t repurchase it because you get little product for such higher price tag.

POND’S COLD CREAM CLEANSING BALM

Claims–Leaves skin instantly soft & radiant :: easy rinse :: non-greasy :: solid balm transforms into a silky oil, melting away stubborn makeup and removing impurities

Price–$9.99 at Target & Walgreens :: $9.98 at Wal Mart :: 3.38 oz

Pros–Affordable :: easily accessible :: cute packaging design :: won Best of Beauty prize for Allure in 2018 :: little goes a long way :: moisturizing/hydrating :: little goes a long way :: removes ALL makeup with ease, even waterproof mascara :: no harsh rubbing required :: doesn’t leave greasy residue/film behind

Cons–Not cruelty free :: some view jars like this as unsanitary, but you can use a scoop to prevent dipping dirty fingers back in the jar :: bulky packaging for traveling/storing

Final Thoughts–I LOVE this and it is a total dupe for the Clinique Take The Day Off Balm and is a third of the price. It’s affordable, hydrating, and easy to access.  A little goes a long way and you get a lot of product. It removes ALL makeup so easily. There is a slight scent, but it’s not overpowering and doesn’t linger.