Her World Beauty Awards 2024: 9 facial cleansers and makeup removers for every skin type

#1 Best anti-ageing cleanser: Glowfully Gentle Cream Cleanser, $53

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What It Is A rich, milky emulsion that uses coconut-derived surfactants to melt away makeup. And with its blend of Swiss Pinot Noir grape seed, Swiss apple stem cell extract and antioxidant-rich triple tea complex, it also protects the skin, leaving it soft and plump. Plus, the soothing scent of neroli rosewood provides a spa-like experience that makes your cleansing step significantly more enjoyable.

“Cleans the skin well and leaves skin feeling nourished and not too dry. Recommended for everyday use, especially in the mornings.” — Sha Shamsi, makeup artist 

#2 Best brightening cleanser: belif Herb Bouquet Gel Cleanser, $54

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What It Is A hypoallergenic amino acid gel cleanser with an exclusive belif herb bouquet complex, vitamins B3 and C, that not only removes dirt and impurities cleanly, but is also oh-so-gentle on the skin. 

“A really good cleanser for everyday use. It lathered well, didn’t irritate my skin or make it feel dry after too. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin types as all four people in my household have been using it.” — Tay Ying, actress

#3 Best hydrating cleanser: Bobbi Brown Lathering Tube Soap, $65

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What It Is A gentle yet powerful cleanser that lathers into a pillowy foam to remove dirt and impurities. But more importantly, its moisture-charged cleansing technology (consisting of a plant-derived amino acid and glycerin) never leaves skin dry or irritated. 

“With the amount of makeup that I do, I absolutely love this product. It lathers easily, creating a rich and creamy foam that removes dirt, oil and impurities without stripping away skin’s natural moisture.” — Melvin Tseng, beauty enthusiast and content creator

#4 Best anti-blemish cleanser: Benefit The Porefessional Good Cleanup Pore Purifying Foaming Cleanser, from $26

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What It Is Not only does this lightweight foaming gel cleanser remove bacteria, oil and impurities, but it also cleanses the pores with a combination of lemon and yuzu extracts, bisabolol and ceramide-like sphingolipids. With regular use, this even promises to help refine the skin texture, minimising the appearance of pores. 

“It’s one of my top cleansers. It’s great for double cleansing, removing all impurities without stripping the skin’s moisture. I’ve also seen my pores looking smaller over time too.” — Munah Bagharib, actress and host

#5 Best hydrating cleanser: Cetaphil Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser, from $17.25

5/9

What It Is A cream-to-foam cleanser that contains soothing aloe, glycerin, niacinamde and panthenol to gently cleanse the skin without drying it out. Skin is soft and well-hydrated. Best bit? It can be used on both the face and body too. 

“Super gentle and my skin felt extra clear, but not dry. Awesome! A great everyday cleanser that does its job.” — Saffron Sharpe, content creator 

#1 Best cleansing balm: Then I Met You The Living Cleansing Balm, $63

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What It Is Infused with 57 per cent botanical oils together with anti-ageing and brightening persimmon extract and vitamin E, this sorbet-soft oil cleanser dissolves makeup, sebum and sunscreen for a clean and clear complexion. 

“Love the buttery feel and the citrus scent. It removes makeup thoroughly without leaving skin feeling dry. Skin is well-hydrated and feels supple after.” — Lasalle Lee, makeup artist

#2 Best cleansing oil: Shu Uemura Blackoil Pore Purifying Fresh Cleansing Oil, from $85

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What It Is Thanks to its blend of charcoal, AHA/BHA and Japanese black rice extract, this lightweight cleansing oil removes makeup – including stubborn, waterproof formulas – while restoring the skin barrier. And it even promises to reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and blackheads too. 

“Easily removed all my makeup and left my skin feeling refreshed. I’ve actually finished two bottles and would definitely recommend it to everyone. Quality ingredients and great results!” — Melvin Tseng, beauty enthusiast and content creator

#3 Best cleansing oil (wallet-friendly): KraveBeauty Makeup Re-Wined, $41

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What It Is Infused with sustainably sourced and upcycled grapeseed oil, this jelly cleanser transforms into a slick oil that effortlessly removes makeup, sunscreen and other oil-based impurities. Rinse off to reveal a smooth and clear complexion. 

“This does an incredible job of dissolving and removing all the makeup at first use. It consistently delivered and didn’t dry out the skin. I’m hardly ever impressed with makeup removers, but this was a top scorer.” — Faz Gaffa, beauty enthusiast

#4 Best makeup remover: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original, from $32.90

9/9

What It Is This reformulated vegan balm now boasts better cleansing power and higher moisture capabilities to leave skin clean and well-hydrated. That’s not all. The use of a Spa Biome also nourishes the skin for a healthier complexion. 

“A nice oil-gel texture that emulsifies easily to remove traces of makeup. Plus, it’s affordable too.” — Larry Yeo, makeup artist