Take it all off– your makeup, that is!
We get it. After a long day of slay, you barely have enough energy to slouch into your comfiest sweats, let alone remove that impeccably executed day-to-night winged eye and perfect contour job. However, failing to fully remove your makeup before hitting the hay can lead to clogged pores, irritation, and even premature aging. Ick. Stick with us as we outline the best way to remove makeup for a healthy and happy complexion.
IN A NUTSHELL
Main Takeaways: The importance of removing one’s makeup cannot be overstated. Certain approaches are better than others to ensure that nothing nefarious gets left behind.
Good to Know: Water is critical when cleansing, but only oils dissolve oils. Make sure whatever you use to remove your makeup contains oils to gently wick away your oil-based cosmetics.
Recommended Products: So Clean! Facial Cleanser and Rose and Shine Rose Water Toner.
Makeup Removal as Skin Care
Removing your makeup is critical for skin health and doing it well calls for more than just one step… no matter what any product package tells you. Sending your makeup down the drain the right way can be super simple and quick, as long as you apply the right products in the right order.
With tons of products marketing themselves as effective makeup removers, which ones actually work, and how should you use them?
Products for Makeup Removal
Cleansers
Cleansers, particularly water-based cleansers, aren’t the best at removing makeup on their own. We have discussed double cleansing before, and we highly recommend it. Reserve the use of traditional cleansers for the second step in double cleansing, to wash your face after makeup and oil-based impurities have been removed. Choosing a cleanser that contains some oils, like our So Clean! containing coconut oil, will ensure that any leftover residue or makeup traces are as good as gone.
Makeup Remover
Remember seeing that enormous tub of cold cream permanently affixed to your more-mature relative’s bathroom counter as a kid? Well, products like these are pretty antiquated, especially when you consider their ingredients. Though loved by many, it’s honestly pretty hard to find traditional makeup removers with clean, mild, and/or ethical formulas.
Nowadays, many makeup removers come in wipe form, which is honestly not a great option. Often touted as a one step, no-rinse solution to makeup dissolution, consumers are led to believe that you can simply swipe and sleep. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. Makeup wipes don’t effectively clean your skin. They do, however, smear dirt, oil, makeup, and dead skin around on your face, with a pre-moistened cloth that does double duty by:
A. grinding traces of unwanted surface grime deeper into your pores.
B. creating unnecessary and often non-recyclable waste for the environment.
Between all the rubbing and questionable ingredients (e.g., alcohol, harsh cleansers, parabens, etc.), repeated use of makeup wipes can actually promote things like low grade inflammation, clogged pores, and premature aging. Further, following the package’s instructions and failing to wash your face after the use of these undisclosed villains is a recipe for disaster. You’ll leave all sorts of unwanted nasties on your face and that’s never cute.
Ditch the wipes. Better yet, ditch “makeup removers” altogether. They beg too many questions and better options exist, we promise.
Micellar Water
Micellar water is a facial cleansing product powered by microscopic micelles, or tiny clusters of surfactant molecules. For each molecule, there’s one side that’s attracted to oil ,which sweeps away oil-based impurities like makeup. The other side is attracted to water, allowing the micellar water to be rinsed off or wiped off.
Their molecular structure helps them win it in the makeup removal department, while the light water-based formula works great for those with oily skin or folks who sport more natural looks without ultra-heavy makeup. They’re also more gentle than traditional makeup removers, and their ingredients tend to be less criminal.
If you aren’t heavy handed with your makeup and prefer a light approach to makeup removal, give micellar water a try. But opt for one infused with moisturizing and calming botanicals, like Desert Essence’s Cucumber & Aloe Micellar Facial Cleansing Water. No matter what your bottle says, it’s important to rinse any cleanser from your skin, then follow the steps we have outlined below on how to remove makeup.
Coconut Oil
If you think putting food on your face sounds a little nutty, allow us to set the record straight. Coconut oil offers a range of benefits for your skin, with moisturizing, nutrifying, antibacterial, and healing properties. And it makes a great makeup remover. Use requires no cleansing pads or cloths. Simply emulsify a bit of coconut oil between your fingertips before gently massaging onto your skin. It breaks down makeup and gently removes it while conditioning your skin.
How to Remove Makeup
1. Take it off!
First, rid your skin of any makeup and impurities you can visibly see. Gently sweep micellar water or massage coconut oil on your face in circular motions for about 30 seconds, or until everything has been completely softened and dislodged from where it was originally applied. Then RINSE (no matter what your product says) with lukewarm water.
2. Cleanse.
On damp skin, gently massage on your facial cleanser for about a minute. This gets rid of any leftover residue or trace impurities. Rise and gently pat dry with a clean cloth.
3. Tone and moisturize.
Follow up with a toner to balance your skin after cleansing. Try our Rose and Shine for added hydration and don’t forget to lock it all in with a nourishing, nutrient-rich moisturizer.
4. Be kind to your eyes.
The last thing to keep in mind is that your ultra-delicate eye area requires uncompromisingly gentle attention. We think coconut oil is the best eye makeup remover for protecting and preserving the delicate skin around your peepers, even if you choose not to apply it all over your face. No matter what you use, be sure to use an extra soft touch and refrain from rubbing your eyes. Once your eyes are clean and makeup-free, follow up with an anti-aging eye cream like Eyes Eyes Baby!
We hope that the main takeaway you got from this blog is that you should always remove your makeup at the end of the day– exceptions! The process only takes a few minutes and can make a world of difference to the health of your skin.
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