Lancome Bi-Facil is still my favorite for getting every last bit of makeup off, especially eyeliner where it can be harder to get cleanser to (like a facial cleanser).
Thanks to Grace for today’s topic!
— Christine
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I completely agree with you on BiFacial. It is my favorite, too. The only thing it does not remove well is Benefit They’re Real products. The Benefit They’re Real remover does a wonderful job of removing those items, and I love it for that and spot removal. For overall removal, I always prefer BiFacial.
Simple. Oil.
I use a mixture of almond, cold pressed castor, and virgin olive oil to remove stubborn makeup.
It works 100% of the time. Plus, the oils have been strengthening my feeble lashes.
2nd this. There’s no makeup on earth that plain oil or an oil based remover can’t handle with ease.
I couldn’t agree more, only I prefer coconut oil.
I used to use coconut oil before, but then it began to break me out. 🙁
It’s a pity. I really liked the feel of the coconut oil.
And I use grape seed.
Thanks for the tip ladies! Seems like I’ve been going on makeup remover samples for a long time now. This seems like it’s worth a try! 🙂
Give it a try. It’s totally worth it! 🙂
I want to try this. Do you mix the oil yourself? How does it do against waterproof mascara?
Yes, I mix it myself. You can use any of the oils I listed individually. A lot of people have virgin olive oil in their kitchen cabinets already. I use the 3-oil concoction because it works well on my skin, and I also use it to do an oil cleanse (which is something completely different). Some individuals, like Xamyx, use coconut oil (I recommend ‘virgin coconut oil’, which can be found at your local drugstore in the vitamin aisle).
I first started using the oil mixture because I was having so much difficulty removing my water-proof mascara, and I had been constantly ripping my eyelashes out when using other removers. Now, water-proof ‘anything’ don’t stand a chance against the oil makeup remover. Give it a go, and you’ll see for yourself.
Thank you so much for responding. I also have trouble with waterproof mascara so I’m going to try this.
You’re welcome! If you try it, just gently massage the oil into the lashes for about 20 seconds, and the water-proof mascara should come right out. I typically use a lint-free wet wipe afterwards to remove the oil and mascara residue from my eyes, prior to cleansing. This way, I’ll be able to see if I missed a spot on my lashes.
Have a Happy New Year! 🙂
I just tried it with the jojoba oil I had on hand and tissued off. I was very amazed I did not lose a single lash. YAAAYYY!!!
I’m going to have to try your own personal mixture. Thank you so much for your help!
Happy New Year to you as well!
Happy New Year from Greece! … under what ratios?
Happy New Year from the USA!! 🙂
My personal mixture is…
• 25% cold pressed castor oil
• 25% virgin olive oil
• 50% pure [sweet] almond oil (alternatives: pure jojoba oil, pure grapeseed oil, or pure sesame oil)
The Neutrogena blue liquid stuff has never let me down. I’ve never even tried anything else.
Isn’t that a dual phase, like Bifacil? Used to use it; good drug store clone with same properties.
Yeah I think it’s the same thing. It looks the same at least.
I usually use Clean & Clear eye makeup remover. Right now I am using up the 2 bottles of Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup remover I bought before Target stores closed in Canada. I am really loving it, it is too bad that there are no longer any Target stores in Canada and I don’t have any friends/family in the US that could pick me up some once I run out.
Marcelle Gentle Make-Up Remover for Sensitive Eyes, It’s basically the poor mans verson of BiFacial at around $15CAN but it does leave a slight oil film compared to BiFacial. But I use this first to take off my eyeliner and lashes before washing.
I like MAC and Chanel for waterproof eye makeup remover. I must be one of the few people who dislikes Bi-Facil. It feels greasy to me. For facial cleansers, my HGs are Lancome’s galetee douceur and Charlotte Tilbury’s multi-miracle glow.
CT multi-miracle glow is an amazing cleanser, I can understand why it is one of your HG’s.
And so little goes a long way!
Another oil person here. Usually Jojoba or Sweet Almond since both are pore-friendly and nicely moisturizing on the eyes. No remover ever works as well for me as straight oil.
Thanks for commenting. I’m going to try these oils BC I am prone to breakouts. How do you use the oil? Do you use a cotton swab or pad to apply the oil? Or do you just directly put it on your face with your hands?
Maggie,
I use 1:1 almond & coconut oils — with fingertips, I dab gently around eyes & on eyelids and rub (gently) everywhere else. Removes all face & eye makeup, incl waterproof liners. I don’t wear mascara (messes up my glasses) so can’t say if it works on that.
As Momo noted ^^^, coconut may not work for everyone so experiment with a mix that feels perfect for you! if your skin is super sensitive or breakout prone, try olive oil.
Hi Sol, thank you very much for the thoughtful tips: I am going to try this and will bear in mind to be careful with the eye area. Thanks again!
Hey, Maggie 🙂 I personally apply with my fingers since it gives me the most control in breaking down the product and getting every lash. But certainly you could use a gentle cleansing cloth or pad with some oil on it if you prefer. The process is very similar to using a makeup remover. Apply oil, break down product, remove product/oil with washcloth, cleanse. The oil breaks down all sorts of products (I’m an actor so makeup removal is a daily job requirement and it takes off waterproof stage makeup with ease). Because you’re prone to breakouts, I would recommend avoiding coconut oil (which can be comedogenic) and looking into jojoba or sweet almond since both are very pore friendly though grape seed, sea buckthorn, argan and others are worth checking out too. Those are all friendly to more breakout-prone skin so see which one(s) your skin likes.
Let me know if I can help any further 🙂
Hi Celia, thank you so much! For responding, for all the suggestions, and for clearly explaining the makeup removal process (I just realized how clueless I am with makeup removal). I have never used a washcloth to remove product/oil before cleansing but that seems like a great idea. It would certainly reduce waste.
If you don’t mind me prying, do you use a special washcloth for the face? The kind I have is just terry cloth that would be rough on the face after stiffening up in the wash and I imagine if you remove makeup daily, then this wouldn’t be the right kind. Also, I feel silly for asking: but how do you clean grimey washcloths? Do you just toss them in the wash along with other linens? The makeup pigment won’t bleed on other linens? (I guess I am just used to disposing tissue and cotton pads/swabs.)
Happy to help any time, Maggie 🙂 You are correct about terry cloths as they can indeed be rougher on the skin. I highly recommend microfibre cloths instead as they are softer, gentle on the skin, easy to clean, and most importantly can be purchased cost effectively. I keep multiple microfiber cloths around so there are always clean ones (which I personally choose to wash separately from other garments in the machine plus dry in the dryer for extra heat sanitation. But I also rinse out with gentle cleanser after using on my face to keep extra clean. Regular cycle in the wash. The pigments do not stick around the way they can on rougher terry or get on other clothes but I’m careful regardless. Microfiber is more resistant and filtering than regular clothes so they keep nicely) and I can dispose of any I feel have seen their best days.
You can find them available in multiple packs but through a combination of spot-cleaning and regular machine washing they do last a good amount of time before needing replacement. Still much more conservation-friendly than disposables. And please don’t feel silly at all! These are very valid questions and as I said, I’ll help however I can 🙂
Many thanks, Celia, for taking my questions seriously and for going into such clear detail. This is all new to me.
Just one more if you don’t mind: does it matter what kind of microfiber cloths I buy? I’ve been searching, and they all seem to be marketed for auto-care or house-cleaning. Would the kind I use on my face also be the same kind I’d use to clean my house?
Sorry to respond here instead of your most recent post, but the reply button is being finicky so here it is 🙂 Yes, microfiber clothes are also used for cars and house-cleaning because they are so gentle and clean easier. If you search microfiber+beauty you will find a ton of results as well 😉 They’re great for any gentle/delicate purpose. I have beauty/skincare certification and promise they’re completely skin-safe and gentle. But you’ll be fine whichever you choose. I have ones specifically labeled beauty and ones sold for cars but there’s no difference 🙂 Go with whatever you like!
BHcosmetics Eye & Lip Makeup Remover takes off everything, no matter how waterproof or staining. It’s inexpensive, gentle, and doesn’t irritate my eyes.
Coconut oil, straight from the jar!
I know Lancôme’s is the classic, but it irritates my eyes and feels oily. I much prefer Chanel’s biphase for its gentle effectiveness.
Lancome Bi-Facil is great, except that it’s frangranced, gosh darn it! I also really like Bobbi Brown Long Wear Makeup Remover, Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, and coconut oil from the grocery store. Since I apply my makeup to stay on even if I have to walk a mile through a downpour in 90-degree heat, I really need to use two different products if I want to get absolutely every last trace of waterproof and long-wear makeup off. Coconut oil (wiped off with a tissue) followed by the Clinique balm (removed with a warm washcloth) is great for dehydrated winter skin. Another excellent option is Sephora Collection Triple Action Cleansing Water on a cotton pad (it’s not *as* fragranced as the Lancome product, doesn’t bother my eyes) followed by the Bobbi Brown long-wear remover on a cotton pad. Either way, I then wash my face after removing my makeup.
I really love the make up for ever sens’eyes for removing my eye makeup. Its magic, i use the estee lauder little black primer and getting that off my lashes can sometimes be really difficult. the sens’eyes is the only thing i have currently found to remove all of my lash makeup.
Oil. I use a homemade mix of almond, sunflower and grapeseed. I use it to smoosh everything around on my skin for a few minutes, then I use a regular cleanser to remove the oil and debris. Works amazingly well and has stopped the need for a washcloth or sponge or other scrubber every single time because no cleanser I ever tried actually removed my makeup. And with this method I can use tepid water, as hotter water makes my face red and raw feeling. So my skin is no longer abused, but still cleaner and softer than it’s ever been. And my eczema went away. Can’t recommend it enough.
the clarins version of bi-facil is very good too. and i think it costs a bit less.
Banila Co Clean It Zero. K beauty for the win!
Completely agree. I love this stuff. It makes my skin feel amazing too.
I absolutely love The Body Shop’s Chamomile Waterproof Eye & Lip Makeup Remover. I usually use the Chamomile Cleansing Oil first to get most of my face makeup off and then use a cotton round with the waterproof one to get off any stubborn mascara/eyeliner/etc. I’ve used it for YEARS and I don’t see myself changing anytime soon. It’s also pretty affordable compared to some of the other ones out there. The waterproof one is $16 for 5 oz (and you barely use any each time so it lasts AGES) and the cleansing oil is $19 for 6.7 oz (in the US). The line also has a cleansing butter and a “gentle” eye makeup remover, but all of them are suitable for sensitive skin. Basically this is the line of makeup removers that I recommend for anyone regardless of their skin type or skin issues, it’s that good.
Ooh, just checked the ingredient list @ Ulta. Nothing I’m allergic to! Thanks. Gets 5 stars, too. Probably be pretty good to get off the traces of grape seed oil. GSO is def a night product.
Bifacil used to be my favorite until they remormulated it a few years ago (inexplicably) without nitifying consumers. I noticed it wasn’t performing as wella s it had been and when I made mention the slaes rep told me about the change. After a few trials, I have settled on Cle de Peau. It is wonderful with no tugging or pulling. Of course Balms Away is excellent and Eve Lom is DIVINE!
L’Oreal Gentle Makeup Remover Eyes and Lips (blue bi-phase) works well, and is inexpensive and readily accessible.
The best I’ve tried is Bifesta Eye Makeup Remover by Mandom Corp., it removes even waterproof mascara wonderfully and doesn’t leave a greasy film. Almost like a budget dupe for Lancome’s Bi-Facil, and it’s unscented. Unfortunately, it seems to be available only in Asia, but I’ve seen it sold on Amazon.
Eye makeup, Almay’s eye makeup removing wipes. The depuffer version is great for quick fallout cleanup as I do eyeshadow looks.
Dermalogica’s Precleanse is holy grail status for me for the rest of my makeup removal process.
I just got the garnier micellar water in waterproof formula love it takes all eye makeup off
I love Sephora Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover –it’s cheap and gets everything off my eye quickly, without irritating or drying out the skin.
For face, I love the Belief Creamy Cleansing Foam Moist (Sephora sells it). A small dab massaged into skin takes off layers of sunscreen, primer, full coverage foundation, and powder — it cleans so well I don’t even need the clarisonic anymore, but don’t use too much at once or it can strip the skin.
Boots Botanics Soothing Eye make up remover All Bright is my favorite for getting rid of waterproof makeup/etc. I buy mine at Target and I feel like it’s well worth my money on it. 5oz for $8ish isn’t too bad at all.
For the rest of my face, I quite like Josie Maran’s argan cleansing oil. Really smooth skin afterwards. 😀
I still use the same exact thing that I have been using for years: Baby oil with ADDED aloe vera. Takes everything off thoroughly, quickly and gently! However, after reading Momo’s oil mixture below, I am game to try that out because it has castor oil in it , which is super for growing thick, strong, healthy lashes! But only if it’ll take off waterproof liner and mascara.
I use the Body shop cleansing oil every day it is ahmazing 🙂
I really love Bobbi Brown Eye Make Remover and Philosophy Just Release Me Eye Makeup Remover because it can remove the eyes makeup that I make sure myself that they’re in full waterproof so easily!
I do really like the Sephora brand waterproof eye makeup remover. I primarily use waterproof formulas (darn you, humidity, hot weather and oily eye lids!) so this takes off all of my eye makeup in 1 go most of the time. I just use The Body Shop’s cucumber cleansing cream for the rest of my face.
DHC’s Deep Cleansing Oil, which also has some other ingredients in it other than olive oil. It doesn’t leave a heavy film like straight-up oil and rinses off pretty cleanly.
Olive oil! I came upon this out of necessity while travelling and having nothing else to use. But now there’s no going back. It’s soothing and absolutely thorough.
I wish to add that in the past I’ve used coconut oil and sweet almond oil among neutral carrier oils. I believe it’s just a question of the desired feel on the skin, but their all equally talented at removing makeup super easily.
Bi-facial IS good, but I can’t stand bottled makeup removers that you have to put on a cotton pad etc. I don’t like how the grease gets all around the opening and everywhere. And I can’t imagine using straight up oil, just thinking about that getting on my hands makes me shiver.
I have been using the Garnier 2 in 1 Express Eye Makeup remover. I bought it specifically for waterproof mascara that doesn´t quite come off with the Bioderma or Garnier Micellar water it is biphasic and I find it works really well. It also has a fantastic price point!
I think I may be posting this twice….I really enjoy the Garnier 2 in 1 Express Eye Make Up Remover. I bought it for water proof mascara that is difficult to remove with Bioderma or Garnier Micellar water. It is biphasic and works really well, the price point is very affordable!
The Almay pads made for waterproof/long wear makeup are EXCELLENT! I use hardcore waterproof everything on my eyes and these remove it all without making my eyes blurry.
Dermalogica pre-cleanse, takes off all of my makeup before washing, even waterproof mascara