How to Remove Makeup: 6 Makeup Removal Products

Consider the following products for effectively removing eye and face makeup:

1. 1. Cleansing oil: Cleansing oils contain surface-active agents that remove oil-based makeup and sunscreen while hydrating the skin. Apply cleansing oil to a cotton pad and use it to gently rub off hard-to-remove eye makeup.
2. 2. Cleansing balm: Cleansing balms are multipurpose skincare products that remove makeup and moisturize skin. Warm a small amount of balm with your fingers and apply it gently to your skin in a circular motion. Similar to cleansing oils, cleansing balms remove products and treat dry skin. After using a cleansing balm, follow up with your usual face wash routine.
3. 3. Cold cream: This cream cleanser is an emulsion of water and oil that dissolves makeup and moisturizes facial skin. Gently rub cold cream into your skin, then wipe it away off with a tissue or cotton pad. Cold cream is effective at removing foundation and concealer without water, making it a useful product when traveling.
4. 4. Makeup removal wipes: Makeup removal wipes are single-use, moistened cloths that easily remove oil-based and waterproof makeup products. Many makeup removal wipes solutions contain micellar water, aloe vera, and natural botanicals. Be sure to use alcohol-free wipes; many makeup wipes contain alcohol that can strip your skin of its natural oils and cause dryness.
5. 5. Micellar water: Micellar water 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 a gentle way to tone your skin and remove makeup; it washes away impurities and doesn’t sting like some toners.
6. 6. Toner: Facial toner is a liquid skincare product that plays multiple roles as part of a skincare routine. You can use toner after your primary facial cleanser to remove any makeup residue and restore moisture to your facial skin.

Makeup removal is a critical part of a healthy skin care routine. Properly removing makeup can help prevent dry skin, irritation, and breakouts. Follow these steps:

1. 1. Wash your hands. Before removing makeup, thoroughly wash your hands to prevent the transfer of bacteria from fingers to face. Use soap and warm water, then pat your hands dry.
2. 2. Remove eye makeup. Eye makeup products, like waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can be challenging beauty products to remove. Use micellar water or a cleansing balm on a tissue or cleansing cloth to remove eye makeup. Gently dab the product on the sensitive skin in your eye area to prevent irritation.
3. 3. Wash off face makeup. Next, apply cleansing oil, cleansing balm, or micellar water on a cotton pad and remove your face makeup with gentle, circular motions. Avoid cotton balls—reusable cotton rounds or single-use cotton pads are designed to remove makeup, dirt, and oil without leaving behind any remaining fibers or unwanted material on your skin. To remove lipstick, gently dab your lips with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to dissolve the lip color.
4. 4. Assess your face. Carefully examine your face in the mirror. Check around your eyes, your hairline, and your jawline for any bits of residue or stubborn makeup.
5. 5. Do a double cleanse. After using makeup removal products, wash your face. A double-cleanse is a great way to remove any bits of dirt, leftover makeup, oil, or particulate pollution.
6. 6. Moisturize your skin. Finally, apply moisturizer or hydrating toner and serums to help replenish your skin’s natural moisture. Hydrating your facial skin will help keep its resilience and softness.

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