How to Remove Lipstick in 4 Steps

The best way to take off lipstick is to use a gentle yet effective makeup remover. These options work well whether you have oily, dry, or sensitive skin:

1. 1. Micellar water: This skincare product consists of purified water, hydrating ingredients (like glycerin), and mild surfactants that form microscopic micelles—molecules that attract and remove dirt and oil from your skin. Micellar water is versatile; you can use it as an eye makeup remover to wash off mascara or other eye makeup and as a cleanser to remove stubborn lipstick.
2. 2. Oil cleansers: Made of lightweight oils (such as jojoba oil, coconut oil, or olive oil), oil cleansers wash away dirt and makeup when massaged into the skin. They remove lip products like liquid lipsticks at the end of the day while also nourishing skin.
3. 3. Petroleum jelly: You can use petroleum jelly as a DIY solution for removing lipstick residue. Like an oil-based cleanser, petroleum jelly works as a lip stain remover by melting away excess lipstick.

The key to removing lipstick is to wash the stained area gently; rough scrubbing and pulling with a makeup wipe or cloth can dry out and damage your lips. Follow these steps to remove your lipstick:

1. 1. Prep your cleansing tools. Choose micellar water, an oil-based cleanser, or petroleum jelly for your lip color remover. Gather a clean cloth to use as a warm washcloth as you wash off your lip color with an oil cleanser, or get a cotton ball or pad if you plan to use micellar water or petroleum jelly.
2. 2. Apply cleanser to remove the lipstick. To use micellar water for lipstick removal, dampen a cotton pad or facial cloth with the solution, and press the damp cloth to your lips for about one minute. Gently dab the pad across your lips, but do not scrub your lips with the cloth. To use an oil cleanser, apply a dime-size amount of the cleanser onto dry skin, and use your fingertips to massage the oil in circular motions across your lips. This allows the cleanser to lather, melting your lipstick and other makeup off your face. Rinse your face in cold water and gently wipe off any excess cleanser with a warm washcloth. To remove lipstick stains with petroleum jelly, apply the jelly to your lips and let it sit for two to three minutes. Wipe off the jelly and lipstick reside with a cotton pad or paper towel.
3. 3. Exfoliate your lips (optional). Gentle exfoliants, such as brown sugar lip scrubs, help soften and nourish the lips by removing dead skin cells. They also help remove stubborn lip color pigments lingering on your lips. To exfoliate your lips, dampen your mouth area with warm water and apply a pea-size amount of the exfoliant to your lips. Gently rub the lip scrub across your lips for about thirty seconds before rinsing the exfoliant off with warm water.
4. 4. Apply lip balm. Long-lasting lipsticks, such as liquid lip stains and matte lipsticks, can leave your lips dry and cracked. After removing your lip color, apply a neutral, untinted lip balm on your lips to rehydrate and moisturize. Opt for a lip balm with ingredients that naturally lock in moisture, such as coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter.

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