Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Cleanser Review & Photos

Reviews

Affordable Skincare: Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Cleanser

Aveeno Positively Radiant Makeup Removing Cleanser ($6.99 for 5.5 fl. oz.) is a foam-based cleanser that feels lightweight, doesn’t dry out skin, and removes most makeup.

This review is one of those short and sweet kind, because the product itself is really simple.  Like many Aveeno products, it’s not about frills, it’s about meeting a need.  If I had to compare this to another high-end brand, I’d consider this similar to Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple (Foaming).  This one comes in a bottle-shaped container with a pump to distribute the foam cleanser.  I find one or two pumps is all I need to feel clean.

It is advertised as a makeup removing cleanser, not just a cleanser, and it’s unfortunate, because it doesn’t quite remove all makeup.  Whenever I have a makeup remover, I test it against the long-lasting power of MAC Fluidline.  This removed some, but it didn’t remove all.  It does remove the majority of my makeup (eyeshadow, non-waterproof mascara, foundation), but it’s not necessarily the best choice for heavier or more long-wearing products.

I do, personally, prefer to remove heavier makeup with an oil-based makeup remover (like Lancome’s Bi-Facil) before I do my nightly cleanser, so it’s not a big deal for me.  It’s just something that does take away from this product’s score, since it doesn’t completely live up to its claims.

It smells like something soft and clean and a little sweet–it reminded me of baby shampoo, to be honest.  When I was trying to describe it, all I could think of was baby shampoo as my descriptor.

Bottom Line: This is an affordable cleanser that works well for daily dirt and grime and light to medium makeup.  If you’re looking for a cleanser to remove heavy eyeliner, you may want to look elsewhere.   I actually really liked it, and I was pleasantly surprised by it overall.  I’ll probably be switching over my boyfriend over to this from Philosophy’s Purity Made Simple when he runs out.  (Well, I’m going to have to see if Aveeno offers a foaming cleanser in this product line that doesn’t have “makeup remover” on it!)

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  • Product: 26/30
  • Value: 10/10
  • Ease of Use: 4/5
  • Packaging: 4/5

Recommendation: For an easy, lightweight cleanser that works well on daily dirt and build-up, this one is worth checking out!

Availability: ULTA

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About the Reviewer

Reviewer

Christine has normal-to-dry skin with areas of dryness (cheeks, nose, and under the eyes). She has a light-medium skintone with subtle, warmer yellow undertones. Her best foundation matches include: Tarte Rainforest of the Sea in Light-Medium Neutral (best match), Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup in Desert Beige 2N1, Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow in 4.0, Hourglass Warm Ivory Vanish Seamless Finish, Laura Mercier Candleglow Soft Luminous in Dusk, MAC NC20/NC25, Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Liquid in Y305 (140). For more matches, please read our full Foundation FAQ. For more information on our review process, please read our Review FAQ.

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10 Comments

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Comments on this post are closed.
Siledhel

I love Aveeno
and I must say that after switching from Neutrogena to Aveeno and back to Neutrogena again, I couldn’t notice much of a difference of either of those two with Phisolosphy’s Purity made simpler when I tried it.
Except for the price of course

Siledhel

I’ve lost track of all the “new” things Neutrogena has, but I used One Step Gentle Cleanser. I worked, and it’s cheap I even use it to clean my brushes.
I use Neutrogenas Oil-Free Makeup Remover afterwards
I’ve tried everything… I haven’t found a product that really removes all of my make up in one step. No matter how much it costs or if the brand is renown.
But.. hey… not everything works for everybody

CRiSTaL

I would try it, but just as a cleanser not as a makeup remover, just because I like to remove my makeup with makeup removing wipes/pads =)

thanks for the review!

Bettina

I personally have sensitive skin and this stuff works very well on it. It keeps the oil at bay and it doesn’t cause breakouts and whatnot. It does remove most make up…I don’t use fluidline but it did get alot of the glitter eye make up off me one day which is pretty impressive considering it was from a full blown mac make over.

amy

I use Aveeno Positively Radiant Cleanser and this is the one that doesn’t have “makeup remover” in it. It is a gel cleanser that does the job in cleaning light to medium makeup but with waterproof and heavier makeup. I quite like this product.

MissDeeCanada

When something says makeup remover it is not usually referring to eyemakeup remover. According to cosmetic cop (cosmeticcop.com) you are suppose to have a seperate product specifically designed for eye makeup removal, especially if you are wearing heavier eye makeup.

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