How to Remove Makeup: 7 Tips to Get Every Last Bit Off

One key component of good skin is making sure it is thoroughly clean each day. And this aspect is very important to focus on if you wear makeup frequently. It can be pretty simple to clean a bare face, but using the same tactics when you are wearing a face full of makeup is usually not as effective. Makeup can be tricky to remove; and if you are not persistent, you could leave some behind. Sleeping with makeup residue on your face can be detrimental to your skin, clogging pores and trapping the day’s bacteria on your face. Removing makeup takes a bit more attention than how you may clean your face regularly. In gathering the best ways to remove makeup, we consulted a few beauty and skincare experts, who gave us some of the best tips in the industry. Read on to learn how to remove makeup: 7 tips to get every last bit off.

Take your time and don’t rush the process

One of the first steps is to take your time. The slower you go, the more you allow the process to be effective. “Apply makeup remover and let it sit, and sit some more. Give it a couple of minutes, say, while you brush and floss. If you do this, you won’t find smudges under your eyes in the morning anymore,” says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch. Giving the makeup remover time to do its job will ensure that you don’t have to continuously scrub your face. Doing this can lead to heightened friction, and ultimately damage your skin.

Use good old soap and water

What many people don’t know is that soap and water is actually a better option than makeup wipes. Makeup wipes are good for the first step in removal, but they don’t totally get the job done. “Many of us make the mistake of just using wipes and going to bed, but the makeup really is not all off — you still have to wash your face, ladies,” says makeup artist Azra Red. “Using water and face wash is what’s really going to remove residue and prep your skin for a good night regimen. If you use only wipes and then apply moisturizer, you might push dirt into your pores and wake up with pimples or blackheads.”

Use cleansers made specifically for makeup removal

“Women tend to use face wash that isn’t made to remove makeup,” says esthetician Joanna Czech. This one seems pretty obvious, but many of us are just using the wrong cleanser. Choosing the right one, that is made specifically for makeup removal, truly makes all the difference.

Don’t forget the edge of your eyelids

This is one of the most neglected areas of the face, which is not great because mascara and eyeliner can easily build up. Makeup artist Nick Barose suggests using cotton swabs with olive oil. “They break everything down so you don’t have to scrub, which results in lashes breaking off and falling out,” he said.

Give your hairline some attention

Another area we tend to forget about is the hairline. If you are giving yourself a full face of makeup, you are likely leaving some residual product around the hairline. “People often accumulate makeup residue around their hairline, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts,” confirms celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas.

Choose flat cotton pads over cotton balls

“Cotton balls can leave behind residue or break down during usage and leave fibers on your lashes or skin,” says dermatologist Rebecca Kazin. This can cause your skin excessive irritation. “I only use Japanese cotton squares because the cotton is woven in such a way that it doesn’t shed at all. They’re like magical little pillows that remove everything,” says makeup artist Fiona Stiles.

Moisturize after your removal routine

This is a key step for everyone, even if you don’t suffer from dry skin. “Removing makeup can dry out the eye area, which is the most sensitive skin on your face,” Kazin says. “You need to keep it soft and hydrated.” This can mean being sure to moisturize different areas with specific products, like using lip balm, eye cream, or a face moisturizer.