Your makeup remover should depend on the type of makeup you’re wearing – here are the best pairings

Dermatologists explain how to choose the best makeup remover for waterproof, long-wear and everyday makeup, plus the products they recommend.

Removing makeup at the end of a long day or night out is one of my least favorite parts of my routine, and I’ll admit that it’s a step I sometimes skip. To make matters worse, when I do remove it, I’ll sometimes see leftover foundation on my towel after washing my face, or mascara residue under my eyes the next morning. So, does the remover you use depend on the type of makeup you’re wearing? I spoke to dermatologists and skin care experts about the best makeup removers to use based on the makeup you wear, and how to make sure your skin is completely clean before bed.

I also rounded up expert-recommended makeup removers and NBC Selected editor favorites. Want more from NBC Selected? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter Does the type of makeup you wear determine what type of makeup remover to use? Yes, and it’s actually one of the most overlooked parts of a typical skin care routine. “Makeup formulas behave in very different ways, so a remover that works well on a light skin tint may do very little against waterproof mascara,” says Dr. Gina Maccarone, triple board-certified cosmetic surgeon and founder of The Surgeonista. “When you match the remover to the formula, you remove makeup completely with less rubbing,