Disclosed is an anhydrous makeup removing composition and method for removing making using such a composition. The composition includes at least two esters having a molecular weight less than 350 g/mol and a polarity index of less than or equal to 24.2 mN/m, where the composition contains less than 5 w/w % of any esters having molecular weights greater than 350 g/mol or having a polarity index greater than 24.2 mN/m, or any non-ester hydrocarbons. The esters may have a surface tension as measured at 20° C. of less than 40 dynes/cm, and the composition may also include additional components, such as a filler particle, a dye, a polymeric thickener, a preservative, and/or a fragrance. In some embodiments, the composition may consist solely of between two and four such esters, and in various embodiments, may be a solution, a gel, or an emulsion.
