Makeup removal is the first step of skincare! 3 “empty-bottle” makeup remover picks that erase even waterproof mascara in seconds

For women who wear makeup every day, few things feel more soothing than getting home and taking it all off. But did you know that if you don’t remove your makeup thoroughly, leftover makeup can become a breeding ground for whiteheads and blackheads, and even the most expensive serum won’t save your skin? When choosing a makeup remover, don’t just look at its cleansing power; pay attention to how your skin feels afterward, too. Remember, healthy-looking skin starts with removing your makeup properly.

• Related reading: Your mood needs a “makeup removal” too: How emotional residue affects you the next day – don’t bring a bad mood into a new day!

1. Best value: MUJI Mild Cleansing Balm

Its velvety-smooth texture quickly melts into an oil upon contact with skin. What stands out most is how quickly it emulsifies: with just a little water, it easily removes foundation and sunscreen. Skin feels deeply hydrated afterward, with no tightness at all. It also comes in four versions with different benefits: hydrating, anti-dullness, acne care, and antioxidant care. The minimalist white packaging brightens your mood just sitting in the bathroom, while the HK$ 78 price tag is great news for anyone on a budget, even for daily use.

2. A lifesaver for the lazy: Bioré Speedy Touchless Cleansing Spray

If you want to remove your makeup at lightning speed after work every day, Bioré’s newly launched cleansing spray is sure to surprise you. Built around a “Touchless” concept, its fine mist instantly penetrates through makeup, allowing stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner to lift away. Its biggest benefit is saving you the time of evenly applying cleansing oil over a full face of makeup, so the oil can dissolve makeup more efficiently before being rinsed away with water. It makes makeup removal feel as easy and elegant as spritzing on a hydrating mist.

3. Pore purifier: DUO The Cleansing Balm Black Repair

No roundup of star products at Japanese drugstores would be complete without DUO. This “black jar” is designed for enlarged pores and blackheads, and contains the brand’s exclusive black charcoal ingredient, giving the balm its cool black color. It’s more than a makeup remover; it’s like a deep pore spa that absorbs excess oil and clears away deeply embedded impurities. After using it consistently for a while, you’ll notice less bumpiness around the sides of your nose and a more radiant-looking complexion. For those with combination or oily skin, it’s a deep-cleansing ally you’ll want to pick up in 2026.

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