The best trick to know about makeup is how to take it off. The prettiest made-up face begins with the cleanest, freshest skin. There are countless combinations of cosmetic products on the market, and just as many to remove them. How do you know what to choose? Here are some popular selections.

Using cleaners that are too harsh or that leave behind an oily film are two of the most common mistakes women make when choosing a makeup remover. It’s best to pick one that’s meant for your skin type. After that, it depends on what you expect the product to do for you. If you’re prone to blemishes, choose one that contains salicylic acid or other acne-fighting ingredients. If your face is flakey and dry, try one that will scrub away the dead cells that clog up pores and provide extra moisturize.

Excessive scrubbing can irritate and damage skin, that’s why Simply the Best makeup remover claims to wash away even stubborn cosmetics like eyeliner and waterproof mascara. The Ponds line has Clean Sweep Cleansing & Makeup-Removing Towelettes. The convenient wipe uses natural ingredients like green tea, ginseng, cucumber extract, aloe, cornflower and chamomile to take off your make up with no rinsing required, and it’s disposable.

Finding a product to remove your face makeup is usually not a problem, but eye makeup is generally more obstinate and the skin around the eyes is much too delicate for just any old soap. Some cleansers may ever inflame the eyeball itself. For these reasons, stores are stocked with products specifically for the removal of eye makeup, but not many are marketed solely for the removal of foundation.

Both the scrubbing and residue issue are addressed by Kiehl’s Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover. It advertises to rinse clean without a lot of effort. Greasy residue can counteract the cleanser by clogging pores and vigorous scrubbing can damage skin and lashes. Your eye lashes not only make your eyes look nice; they also protect them from debris. Nivea’s Visage Eye Makeup Remover promises pretty much the same benefits, but at a much smaller price.

Don’t worry if you can’t find anything on the commercial market to suit your needs. Over the years, women have developed a secret arsenal of home remedies for such things. Vaseline and baby oil both remove eye makeup, but are likely to leave behind a film. The same baking soda that’s so handy in other areas of your home is great for taking off stage makeup and dark lipstick. No-tear formula baby shampoo does the job with little irritation. Applying a small amount of olive oil will remove makeup and condition lashes. If you feel an oil-based remover is best for you; follow it up with an astringent to get rid of any excess.