My reviews of these two Biore makeup removers are long overdue since I finished both bottles just last month. 😛 Since then, I’ve switched to Bifesta, another Japanese makeup remover brand. Both Biore and Bifesta are reasonably priced. While Bifesta is a little more expensive, all of them still cost well below the four-digit mark.
I’ve been searching for affordable makeup removers that perform as well as the Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover or Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover. If you’re looking for one too, I hope this review could help. I’ll start my reviews with the first one I emptied.
Biore Make-Up Remover Perfect Oil
The Biore Make-Up Remover Perfect Oil claims to gently melt away makeup, including waterproof mascara. It has a fruity, citrus-like fragrance that smells familiar; it reminds me of the Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner, only a little milder. The oil makeup remover comes in a plastic container with a pump dispenser, making it convenient to use.
On nights when I’m exhausted and just want to jump straight into bed, this isn’t the makeup remover I’d reach for. I would need to wash my face after since the oil residue doesn’t come off easily with just wiping off. There were also times when it doesn’t completely remove all of my makeup, especially my eye makeup, even after using an extra pump and spending more time massaging the oil over my eyes . Additionally, it occasionally stung my eyes, particularly while trying to wash it off.
On the bright side, it dissolves matte lipsticks quickly without leaving any residue.
Biore Micellar Cleansing Water
The second product I tried was the Biore Micellar Cleansing Water.
According to the product claims, it contains natural mineral water from the Japanese Alps and lifts off more makeup in one wipe and feels light and refreshing.
The micellar cleansing water gently and quickly removes makeup. It comes in a travel-friendly plastic bottle with a flip-top cap and retails around PHP 199. While the Biore Micellar Cleansing Water seems affordable at first, it actually comes out to be more expensive than the Biore Make-Up Remover Perfect Oil since it only contains 90 ml of product. As for the scent, it has a slight alcohol smell.
For waterproof makeup, such as eye makeup, I soak a cotton pad with the cleansing water and leave it over my eyelids for about a minute. Letting the product sit works much better, although it still takes a bit of time and patience. When that is not enough, I still have to rub the cotton pad more on my eyes, which means more tugging at the delicate eye area—something we all know we’re supposed to avoid.
One thing I really love, though, is how refreshing it feels on the skin. Better yet, I do not need to rinse afterward.
Both Biore makeup removers have their own strengths and weaknesses, and I imagine many people would prefer the oil cleanser. I personally prefer the Biore Micellar Cleansing Water because it feels lighter, more refreshing, and, most importantly, it doesn’t sting my eyes.
Biore products are available at The Landmark, SM Department Stores, and Watsons.
Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion
The Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion is the makeup remover I’m currently using. This particular variant is formulated for oily skin.
Before I continue, I have to say this is my favorite among the three products I’ve reviewed. 🙂
The cleansing lotion looks and feels like water. It’s clear, doesn’t feel oily, thick, or heavy, and fragrance-free.
My routine is to remove my eye makeup first using two to three pumps of cleansing lotion on a cotton pad. I make sure the cotton is thoroughly soaked, then gently press it over each eye for about a minute before wiping away the makeup. It doesn’t irritate or sting my eyes at all. Afterward, I use it on the rest of my face.
I use it twice, by the way. I apply another two pumps onto a fresh cotton pad and go over my entire face again to remove any remaining traces of makeup, especially around the eyes. While removing waterproof eye makeup with it still takes some time, it requires much less effort than either of the two Biore products. The cleansing lotion leaves my skin feeling incredibly clean and refreshed, especially after the second pass. I absolutely love that feeling! 🙂
A 300 ml Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion bottle costs around PHP 450, which is more expensive upfront than either of the Biore products. However, because I use quite a lot with each cleanse, I suspect it may actually cost more in the long run. I’ve already used more than half the bottle in less than two months.
Final Thoughts
Among these three products, the Bifesta Sebum Cleansing Lotion is easily my favorite. It’s gentle, refreshing, fragrance-free, and doesn’t sting my eyes, making it the one I enjoy using the most.
That said, I’m still on the lookout for another makeup remover because of how quickly I go through a bottle. It might actually end up costing me more than investing in a high-end makeup remover that lasts significantly longer.
As always, I’m open to recommendations. 🙂
Post was last updated on 20 July 2026.
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