Makeup Removal Done Right
A lot of us don’t think about makeup removal too much. After all, it’s just a simple cleansing wipe or a cotton pad, right? Well, real removal requires a little more finesse, and foregoing proper techniques can mean anything from breakouts to premature aging. With that, let’s dive into the best and worst ways to get that gunk off.
1. Scrubbing Your Skin
We get it—it’s been a long day, and you just want that foundation off! However, nighttime routines require a little TLC, not abrasive scrubbing that damages your skin. Whether you use makeup-removing wipes or trusty micellar water, avoid rubbing your face raw.
2. Only Using Wipes
Speaking of wipes, try not to fall for the godsend propaganda. Oftentimes, they leave behind residual makeup that clogs pores, irritates the skin, or dries you out completely. They’re also not great for the environment and can come packed with harsh chemicals. They might get off some makeup, but never all of it.
3. Avoiding Hard-to-Reach Areas
Think of makeup removal like a shower: the perfect place to clean every nook and cranny. Areas like the jaw, the corners of your nose, and the hairline all deserve proper treatment. Neglecting them can lead to breakouts or clogged pores.
4. Using Dirty Tools
That washcloth isn’t self-cleaning—and neither is your face! Filthy towels or brushes only exacerbate lingering dirt, which doesn’t do your skin any good. Make sure you use fresh towels or clean cotton pads for thorough removal.
5. Not Washing Your Hands First
Not every cleanser needs a washcloth, so clean your hands before removal. Between touching door handles and keyboards all day, germs fester on our hands, and the last thing you want is to transfer all that gunk to your face.
6. Skipping Your Neck
You know what they say: whatever you do to your face, do to your neck. From proper skincare to makeup removal, your neck needs the same love as the rest of your body. It’s also a prime target for premature aging, which is one more reason to take care of it!
7. Using Hot Water
Boiling water handles a lot of problems around the house, but it’s not good for your face. Scalding temperatures damage the skin, leaving it dried out and potentially uneven; stick with warm water for the best results.
8. Applying the Wrong Products
With so many makeup removers on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed—and heaven knows companies peddle all sorts of junk. However, delicate areas like your eyes and lips may need specific items; gentle cleaners ensure you remove all that product without damaging your skin.
9. Irritating the Eyes
Our eyes need more than just the right cleanser! To avoid infection or irritation, you should cleanse the area without any harsh scrubbing. Gentle methods fight off signs of premature aging and ensure your eyes are in tip-top shape.
10. Not Removing It at All
The worst way to remove makeup is by not doing it at all. No matter how tired you are, no matter how late it is, your skin will thank you for the removal. You’ll keep pores clear, you’ll fight early wrinkles, and you won’t have to deal with any breakouts either.
Photo By: Kaboompics.com on Pexels
With some of the worst methods out of the way, let’s explore some of the best.
1. Double Cleanse
It’s not enough to use a wipe. It’s not enough to only cleanse once, either. The best routines include a double cleanse, so invest in the right products. Think of makeup removal as a prelude to your nighttime routine.
2. Tie Your Hair Back
After a long day at the office, it’s tempting to leave your hair in the way—but fight those yawns! Keeping your hair back allows you to reach every difficult area, including the scalp, and a thorough scrub wards off any breakouts.
3. Invest in the Right Remover
As powerful as micellar water is, it often isn’t enough for a deep clean. Speak with a dermatologist or consult a skincare professional to learn more about what your face truly needs. The right remover not only clears makeup, it also targets problem areas.
4. Apply Additional Skincare
As mentioned, makeup removal is the first step in your nighttime routine. Don’t forget to moisturize afterward, and don’t neglect any serums or night creams. Now that your skin’s nice and clean, it’s the perfect canvas for additional products.
5. Focus on Your Skin Type
Some removers work best with oily skin. Others benefit combination skin. Whatever you need, aim for products specifically made for your target areas. Just like other cosmetics, investing in the wrong products can cause all sorts of damage down the line.
6. Pay Attention to Every Area
We’ve talked about the nose, we’ve talked about the eyes—but now it’s time to talk about other delicate zones. Anything from your chest to your ears can do with a good scrub, so don’t forget about them. Proper cleansing scares away premature aging and helps fight breakouts.
7. Consider Cotton Pads
Cotton pads over cotton balls! Exfoliating pads do much more for your skin than their pesky cousin, especially when those balls leave behind fluffy residue. You also have more real estate with pads, so it’s better to invest in those.
8. Take Your Time
Makeup removal can feel like a huge chore, but it’s not a race to the finish line. Even simple cleanses require time for proper scrubbing and follow-up skincare. Remember: you don’t want to scrape your skin or damage your eyes with a carefree cleanse.
9. Don’t Wet Your Face First
Oil and water don’t mix, so there’s no need to wet your face before an oil-based cleanser. The best way to apply those bad boys is right onto the skin, allowing the oil to scrub away any makeup and gunk along the way.
10. Remember Your Lips
Our lips can be just as sensitive as our eyes. You know what that means: a gentle cleansing routine! Lips also come with their own line of products, but if you don’t want to spend a fortune on skincare, you can still do simple things like applying a balm right after. Oil-based removers also work well for long-lasting lipsticks.
