We all know how important it is to remove makeup at the end of the day before we hit the snooze button. There are so many makeup removers out there, that it can get super confusing, more so because makeup remover feels more like a chore than skincare. So, we decided to get our hands dirty, and try out some of the most affordable ones we could find for a few weeks, before giving our verdict on them. So, keep reading to know which ones you should add to your cart!
#Tried&Tested: The LBB Crew Tested 6 Makeup Removers Under INR 350
My Take On Garnier's Micellar Water
This product is loved by many many users and has been all the hype for a while now. It is economical, even more so if you get the bigger, 400ml bottle for INR 349 only (still under our INR 350 budget), which claims to last 200 uses. Coming to usage, I had to use quite a bit of product and two cotton pads to take a full face of makeup off. For eye makeup, I was able to remove my eyeliner with ease but waterproof mascara was a real big problem as I had to tug a lot to remove it completely. Even though Garnier claims you don’t need to rinse your face, I felt like I needed one facewash to feel squeaky clean before I proceed with my skincare routine.
Verdict: This is an economical product and a good pick for everyday use, especially for people who wear minimal makeup. However, I don't recommend it for removing eye makeup.
Aakanksha's Take On The 'Rosy Cheeks Makeup Remover & Facial Cleanser'
I discovered Bare Necessities' Rosy Cheeks makeup remover when it came in a post-wedding care package for me! It’s magic, my friends! Made from rose water and coconut oil, it not only takes out makeup, but also leaves your face free of sweat, grime, and oil. What I loved was that it removes the toughest of waterproof eyeliners and lipsticks, AND it doesn't leave you looking like a racoon afterwards. It's also vegan, natural, and zero waste, which makes it doubly good. Don't be fooled by the small jar it comes in, by the way. Even the littlest drop is capable of removing makeup.
Verdict: Zero waste and does the job well, definitely a must-try.
Diana's Take On Maybelline's Eye+Lip Make Up Remover
This one does what it claims, which is to remove all eye and lip make-up even if they're waterproof, or in the case of lipsticks, stubbornly long lasting ones. However, even when it comes to a thin line of waterproof eyeliner I did end up having to swipe multiple times to make sure the product is removed. It doesn't sting my eyes, which I like, and it keeps up to its promise of being suitable for sensitive eyes and skin! It is also odourless. The only con would be that a lot is needed to be used in one go.
Verdict: If you have sensitive eyes then do go for this one, however, I'd suggest an option for a bigger bottle if you want it to last a whole month.
Manya's Take On Lakme's Absolute Bi-Phased Makeup Remover
For someone who believes in double-cleansing just as staunchly as she believes in second breakfast, this product hit all the right spots. This makeup remover is an oil-based cleanser which can be sprayed onto a cotton pad, or simply massaged on the face using your hands. It deconstructs the makeup on your skin, and it starts melting as easily as ice-cream on a summer day. When I wore just eyeliner, it wore off in a single swipe, and a full face of makeup came off in under a minute! Needless to say, washing your face after this product is still required, since it also is slick in its consistency, but that is to be expected anyway.
I have abstained from using Lakme products for long, because of their undisclosed status on animal testing. A quick google search proved me wrong, and for the first time, feeling very happy about it. The fact that as of 2022, Lakme is cruelty-free (as certified by Ethical Elephant and PETA) makes this experience even sweeter.
Verdict: Gentle on the skin, this product takes off makeup like we do food — wipes it off effortlessly. 10/10 would recommend.
Diana's Take On Swiss Beauty's Make Up Remover
This one does a fantastic job at easily melting away waterproof mascara in two-three swipes. Also when it comes to eyeliner, lipstick, and BB cream, two swipes do the trick. What I do not like about this one is that it's got a slight fragrance to it, and tends to sting the eyes a bit after. Other than that, a little goes a long long way!
Verdict: Perfect to remove waterproof mascara, though I'd say keep refreshing eye drops handy if you do choose to use this.
My Take On Colorbar's On-The-Go Makeup Remover Wipes
I’ve never willingly bought wipes of any kind and this was no exception as they're not the best things for the environment but there's no denying the fact how convenient these wipes are. Even glitter makeup takes a maximum of three gentle swipes. It's gentle and doesn't sting around the eye area as well. The wipe material itself feels soft on the skin and the size is big enough to remove an entire face of makeup.
Verdict: I wouldn’t use it on a daily (as it's not eco-friendly) but it's a great addition when travelling as it takes almost no space and there's a 100% chance it won’t leak in your suitcase.