When it comes to putting makeup on we all have our routines, but what about taking it off?
Falling asleep wearing last night’s makeup may make you look flawless in your dreams, but did you know it can prevent your skin from renewing overnight? And also clog up those pores. Yuck! But what type of makeup remover is best for your skin? Let’s dive into the different types of makeup remover to help you make the right choice.
Micellar water is a water-based makeup remover, originating from France, that works to remove your makeup with a few simple swipes. It’s made up of micelles, which are basically tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules. These molecules help to draw out impurities and remove your makeup gently. Micellar water also contains a combination of purified water and hydrating ingredients, but this doesn’t mean that micellar water should be the only step to your skincare routine. It’s always important to use a separate cleanser or at least a toner to remove any leftover makeup.
We suggest: Use micellar water as a pre-cleansing step. This is because some can leave you with an incomplete cleanse and leave residue on your skin, leading to impurities.
How to use: Add to a cotton pad and wipe gently over your face. Be sure to wipe the cotton pad up rather than down, as wiping down can cause you to just rub the makeup around your face rather than off.
Makeup wipes are super quick and convenient but whether or not they fully remove your makeup is a whole other topic. If you need convenience over everything else, then makeup wipes are probably for you but make sure to look out for super gentle, alcohol and fragrant-free wipes as they shouldn’t be as harsh on your delicate skin.
We suggest: Try using them as a first step to remove your makeup, rather than the only step. But if they work for you, then keep doing what you’re doing.
How to use: Simply use it to wipe the makeup off your face but make sure to wash your face afterwards, as wipes aren’t a substitute for this. Once used, remember to dispose of them correctly – don’t flush them down the toilet, always pop them in the bin.
Facial cleansers are an important part of most skincare routines, especially if you view your skincare routine as a ritual over a chore. Facial cleansers remove excess oil, makeup, sweat, dirt and dead skin cells from your skin. But you don’t just have to use it for taking makeup off, after a makeup-free day it’s important to use a facial cleanser to remove any sweat and dirt from the day – as not doing this can also lead to impurities.
We suggest: Use a cleanser twice a day, once in the morning before applying makeup and once in the evening to remove makeup, or just for cleaning your face. You could also double cleanse at the end of the day, as the first cleanse will remove your makeup, and the second one will actually help to cleanse your skin.
How to use: Some cleansers come in a water-based formula, so apply to skin with a cotton pad to clean your face before using a toner.
Cleansing balms are another form of cleanser but in balm form. They work in a similar way to water based cleansers but they’re particularly great if you have dry skin and find that water based cleansers make your skin feel tighter. The balm usually contains nourishment to help soften and soothe your skin.
We suggest: As with other cleansers, follow with your usual routine of a toner then finish with either a serum or moisturiser.
How to use: Apply to your face and rub in with clean fingers, then splash your face with water and watch the balm transform into a milky cleanser, then remove gently with a damp muslin cloth.
It may seem like using oil on your skin isn’t a great idea, especially if you have oily skin to begin with, but it’s actually a great way to remove your makeup and excess dirt without stripping moisture. So you won’t be left with that tight, dry feeling. Consider using one and follow with your usual skincare routine, making it part of a double cleanse to add some real spa-worthy treatment to your much deserved skin.
We suggest: Great for all skin types, but if you have sensitive skin pick an unscented one.
How to use: If you’re wearing a lot of eye shadow and lipstick, apply oil to that area first and remove so you’re not smearing it everywhere. For the rest of your face, massage a few drops into your skin and remove with a damp muslin cloth.
Taking off your eye makeup shouldn’t be a battle, it should just be a few swipes and voila! As your eyes are delicate, you need to use a makeup remover that won’t irritate your peepers.
We suggest: Add the makeup remover to a cotton pad and hold on your closed eye for a few seconds to loosen your makeup.
How to use: Using gentle, downward strokes, remove the makeup using a cotton pad and repeat until gone.
Toners are used to hydrate and treat your skin after you’ve used a cleanser. They all have different purposes depending on what they contain, for example some toners can contain acids, glycerine, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, so base your toner on your particular skin needs. Face toners can also be the answer to clearer and more radiant skin. It’s the last part of removing your makeup before going on to use a moisturiser or serum – or both!
We suggest: Have a look around and make sure you find the right one for your skin needs – our top ten skincare ingredients list is here to help.
How to use: Apply to skin with a cotton pad after cleansing.
Now you’re an expert in the different types of makeup remover, you’re ready to choose the one (or two) that suit your skin.
