7 Easy Ways To Remove Long-Wearing Makeup

Whether for an especially hot day or simply because you've got a long night ahead, we often find ourselves reaching for long-lasting makeup to get the job done. But when that sunny day is over or you've danced all you can dance, have you ever tried removing mascara with milk? Because even though we've gone through the trouble to make sure our foundation and mascara especially are not going to melt and smudge, we still want it to come off when we're ready — and sometimes have to resort to unconventional methods to get the job done.

Sure, commercial makeup removers like bi-phase waters, wipes, cleansing balms, and micellar waters will do the trick. But these options are not always the best for skin (wipes can leave residue), can just take a little too much elbow grease to fully remove that extra-strength mascara (micellar waters especially), or there just aren't enough good drugstore options. Don't even think about making a concession to sleep in your makeup, though. Instead, try one of these seven ways to easily and completely remove all of that heavy-duty and water-insoluble makeup. And the best part? All of these options are either natural or easy on sensitive skin. Oh, and they can also all be found for under 10 dollars (if they're not already in your kitchen).

1. Olive Oil

When it comes to removing waterproof makeup, one of the best ingredients to reach for is oil. Olive oil especially is easy to find and will totally remove everything. Just rub some into dry skin and rinse with water. Not only will your skin be clean, but it will also be moisturized. Of course, you can still follow up with a face wash and moisturizer if you prefer.

2. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is another great all-purpose beauty ingredient to have lying around. Not only will rubbing some into the skin easily remove long-wearing makeup, but it can also be used on skin and even hair as a moisturizer post-wash.

3. Cleansing Oil

Garnier Clean + Nourishing Cleansing Oil, $13, Amazon

If you're more into commercial cleansers, give a cleansing oil a try. Cleansing oils tend to include different types of oils so as to provide the same clean as a raw oil but with the added benefits of the variety. Plus, there's usually a handy pump so you don't have to worry about scooping or pouring your oil.

4. Vaseline

Vaseline Cocoa Butter, $6, Amazon

Though some may find it a bit too heavy to use all over your face, Vaseline can be used to remove stubborn eye and lip makeup. Just smooth some on and wipe it off to reveal makeup-free skin.

5. Milk

Milk (or yogurt) make excellent makeup removers. Just saturate a cotton ball and rub it over the skin to gently and effectively remove the most obstinate makeup. (And yes, whole milk is better here.)

6. Baby Lotion

Johnson's Baby Lotion, $4, Amazon

Because baby products are made especially for sensitive skin, you can count on it to not irritate yours. Smooth on baby lotion wherever you want to remove makeup, and wipe it off before washing and moisturizing your face.

7. Cold Cream

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser, $5, Amazon

Cold cream has gotten sort of a bad rap for its inclusion of mineral oil, which can clog pores. However, this oil combined with the beeswax that is also usually a main ingredient is what works so effectively to remove stubborn makeup. Just make sure, like with all of these products, to wash off any residue after removing your makeup.

Images: Getty Images (4); Courtesy of Brands