Removing your makeup at the end of every day sets the rest of your nighttime skincare routine up for success. However, not all makeup removal products are created equal — and no, your facial cleanser alone won’t be enough to remove your foundation. If you’re looking to completely remove your makeup without tugging on your skin or drying it out, here are eight expert tips that you need to follow:
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Understand why removing makeup matters.
When you get home late at night and the last thing you feel like doing is washing your face, you’re probably wondering: Does it really matter if you remove all your makeup? The truth is that sleeping in your makeup can trap dirt, sweat, and other impurities in your skin, leading to breakouts and irritation. Makeup also blocks your skincare products from actually reaching your skin, effectively wasting them. It can also dehydrate your skin and throw off the balance of oil and water, causing it to become too dry or too shiny.
Consider what makeup you are trying to remove.
Removing a single layer of non-water-resistant sunscreen is a much easier task than taking off a full face of waterproof foundation and heavy eye makeup. If you’re just taking off your regular skincare products, then you can probably get away with a simple micellar water, which consists of drops of oil suspended in water. If you’re wearing a lot of makeup, a cleansing balm is going to be more effective at removing every last trace of the product. You might even wish to keep both kinds of removers on hand so that you can match them up with whatever you’ve got on your face that day.
Try out a dedicated eye makeup remover.
Cleansing balms and oils are an excellent option for your entire face because they remove not just foundation but also stubborn eye makeup and lipstick as well. However, some people prefer to take a more traditional approach with a classic eye makeup remover. To use eye makeup remover effectively, we recommend soaking a cotton pad with the product, laying it on your eyes or lips, and letting it sit for at least 60 seconds. Don’t rub or tug at the delicate skin around your eyes. Instead, gently wipe away the remaining eye care product once you’re done soaking.
Use makeup wipes sparingly.
It wipes sound too good to be true — and, in most cases, they are. That’s because it only remove visible makeup and often require a lot of rubbing and tugging on your skin. If you don’t wash your face after using them, they can also leave behind residue that can irritate your skin and lead to breakouts. While makeup wipes may be quite convenient, in many cases, they are only marginally better than not removing your makeup at all. Whenever possible, we recommend removing your makeup and washing your face every night when possible.
Steam your face before cleansing.
If you want to give your makeup removal routine an extra boost, then you might want to consider steaming your face before cleansing to open up your pores and make it easier to remove the last trace of it. And also if you shower at night, then you can simply enjoy the hot water for a minute while you wait for your pores to open up. If you don’t shower at night, then partially fill your sink with hot water and hold your face over it for a minute or two while you wait for the steam to do its work. This step is optional, but it can make your double cleanse more effective — plus, it’s really relaxing!
Follow makeup removal with a regular cleanse.
Once you’ve fully removed your makeup, you need to follow it up with your regular facial cleanser in order to get rid of the makeup remover and any remaining traces of product. People with oily skin tend to prefer a gel or foaming cleanser, while those with dry or sensitive skin often enjoy a milk or cream cleanser. Pull your hair back and be sure to get your hairline, ears, and neck in addition to your face. Traces of product tend to linger on the edges of your face, which can lead to irritation and breakouts if you don’t cleanse them away.
Don’t scrub your face vigorously.
When both using a makeup remover and cleansing your face, don’t scrub vigorously, which can push product deep into your pores and cause microtears in the skin. Instead, gently massage your face with your fingertips in small circular motions. For very stubborn or waterproof makeup, we recommend letting the makeup remover sit on your face for a minute or two while you brush your teeth or do another task. The makeup remover will continue to break down the product on your face even if you’re not actively rubbing it in, making it easy to rinse everything away with water when you’re done.
Continue with the rest of your skincare routine.
Removing makeup and cleansing your face is only the first part of any 3-step skincare routine. That’s why we recommend following up your face cleanse with toners, serums, moisturizers, and whatever other products you include in your regimen. We suggest prioritizing hydrating and moisturizing products since both wearing makeup and removing it can be drying for your skin. That way, you will wake up in the morning with a dewy, fresh face instead of one that looks as dry as a desert.
What are your other top tips for removing your makeup without fail? Do you have any makeup removers that you love to use? Let us know in the comments below!
