Facts
- Removing makeup is an important step in any skincare routine.
- There are different types of products you can use, apart from the classic makeup removers you may be thinking of.
- Double cleansing is a method that should be used to efficiently remove all makeup.
- Makeup removal should always be a gentle process that avoids harsh exfoliation of the face. For this, choosing the right products is crucial.
Going to sleep with makeup on can compromise the skin barrier and leave the skin and eyes vulnerable to damage. For this reason, it is important to know how to remove makeup efficiently. In this blog, you will find everything you need to know to choose - once and for all - the best method and products for your skincare routine so that you can properly remove even the most stubborn makeup.
The most popular (and useful) makeup remover products
Several products can help you remove makeup efficiently. Here we explain some of them and how they can be adapted to the needs of your skin.
1. Make-up remover
This is the first category when we talk about the classic makeup removers that we all know. They contain non-polar solvents ("oil-loving" molecules) that help dissolve the oil-like components of the makeup, even if it is long-lasting or waterproof.
They are usually two-phase formulations that contain an oil-like layer (which makes it easier to remove makeup) and a second layer of water (which makes the formula feel less greasy when applied).
Ideal for: Removing eye make-up and lipsticks, including waterproof products.
How to use it? Soak a cotton pad with the product and gently remove makeup from your face, eyes and/or lips. Avoid rubbing as this can damage the integrity of your skin [1]. In the case of the two-phase makeup remover, you must shake the product well before use.
How do you remove eye makeup properly?
The eyes are a delicate area, so be gentle and avoid scrubbing. Soak the cotton pad and gently press it onto your eyelids and lashes for ten seconds to allow the product to dissolve eye makeup before wiping it off. Repeat to remove any residue.
Make sure the product is suitable for use on the eyes.
2. Micellar water
Micellar water, as the name suggests, is a water-based product that contains microscopic spherical structures called micelles, which are formed by an arrangement of surfactant molecules that are responsible for removing makeup and dirt from the face and eyes.
Ideal for: all skin types, including sensitive skin.
How does it work? The surfactants that make up the micelles are characterized by having an oil-loving portion that can help capture and encapsulate any makeup and dirt molecules when they come into contact with them.
How to use it? Soak a cotton pad with the product and gently remove makeup without rubbing the face and eyes. The product does not need to be rinsed off.
A popular example of this category is the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 .
What about waterproof makeup? In this case, you should opt for micellar water for waterproof makeup. Garnier, for example, offers the Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover, which can dissolve even the most stubborn waterproof makeup thanks to a thin layer of non-polar solvents that perform this function, just like the two-phase makeup removers.
Eye makeup? Follow the same guidelines as for makeup removers described above.
3. Cleansing oil
Cleansing oils are an interesting category to include in your skincare routine to help you remove makeup effortlessly.
As you can probably imagine, they consist of a mixture of different oils that are responsible for efficiently dissolving and removing makeup, but also dirt and sunscreen.
Ideal for: all skin types. Even if you have oily skin, you can benefit from it as it also helps dissolve the excess oil produced on your face. If you have sensitive skin, you should avoid the products with perfume or essential oils.
How do they work? Cleansing oils aren't just oils, they also contain surfactants that help the oils and dissolved makeup to mix and be easily rinsed away with water. In this case, adding water to your face creates a milky emulsion that leaves your skin feeling smooth, soft and replenished once completely rinsed off.
How to use it? First, your hands and face must be completely dry. Pour the product into your hands and gently massage your entire face and eyes to remove makeup. Add warm water and continue massaging to create a milky emulsion. Rinse thoroughly. The product can be used alone or as part of a double cleansing routine (explained later).
An example from this category is the Caudalie Vinoclean make-up removing cleansing oil .
4. Cleansing balm
A cleansing balm consists of a very thick oil-based formulation that is able to dissolve any makeup and dirt, even waterproof products. They usually have a solid or buttery consistency that turns into an oil-like consistency when applied to the skin.
Ideal for: normal to dry and sensitive skin. The heavy consistency may feel uncomfortably greasy for some people with oily skin. Dry skin can benefit from these types of products as they can deeply nourish and moisturize the skin. Sensitive skin should avoid products with perfume or essential oils.
How does it work? The oils and emollients in the formula can effectively dissolve all types of makeup without the need for harsh exfoliation.
How to use it? The oils and emollients in the formula can effectively dissolve all types of makeup without the need for harsh exfoliation.
How to use it? Use dry hands. Apply a generous amount of product to dry skin and begin massaging it with your fingertips in circular motions to transform the product into an oil. Focus on the areas that need more attention, such as eye makeup. Let the makeup absorb and then rinse thoroughly with water. Some products can also form a milky emulsion when water is added. You can use it alone or as part of a double cleansing routine (explained later).
The most popular example is the Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm .
5. Water-based cleaning agents
In this category we find all the normal cleansers that we usually use to wash our face on a daily basis. Although some of them are formulated to help remove makeup, they have their limitations and some makeup may remain. Since they are water-based, it may be difficult to remove heavy, long-lasting or waterproof makeup.
Ideal for: On their own, they can help remove light makeup. They are ideal as the second step in a double cleansing routine (explained later).
They come in a variety of forms, from gels and foams to creams and lotions. The right product for you depends on your skin type. Below is a quick guide to help you choose the perfect product:
- Oily skin: gel or foam cleanser.
- Dry skin: cream cleansers or lotions.
- Sensitive skin: cream cleansers or lotions, without perfume or essential oils.
- Normal skin: gel, cream or lotion cleanser.
In general, you should always choose products that are labeled as “gentle” or “mild” because they protect the skin barrier and do not strip the skin of its natural oils, which could lead to irritation and dryness.
How do they work? Cleansers contain surfactants, which are characterized by having an oil-loving part that is able to bind makeup, oil and dirt, and a water-loving part that helps rinse away whatever has been bound with water.
Upgrade your skincare routine – Double Cleanse!
Double cleansing is a skin care method in which the face is cleansed in two consecutive steps:
- Step 1: Use an oil-based cleanser (such as a cleansing oil or cleansing balm) to loosen and remove makeup from your face, eyes, and lips, including waterproof makeup. Then rinse.
- Step 1: Wash your face regularly with a mild and gentle cleanser (choose one according to your skin type) to remove any traces of makeup or oily cleanser that may be left behind. Then rinse again.
Double cleansing can ensure that makeup and its possible traces are completely removed.
If you don't want to use an oil-based cleanser, you can also adapt this technique and use makeup remover or micellar water as the first step to remove makeup, followed by your regular cleanser to remove all traces of makeup and products. Then you're ready for the next steps in your nighttime skincare routine: applying your serums and moisturizers of choice.
What about makeup wipes?
While they're a useful on-the-go alternative for quickly removing makeup, they're not as efficient at removing all the makeup from your face as they leave behind some residue that you'll have to clean afterward. Plus, they may force you to rub, which can irritate and damage your skin over time.
Also, avoid using baby wipes as a substitute as they are not suitable for removing makeup.
credentials
[1] Hosokawa, K., Taima, H., Kikuchi, M., Tsuda, H., Numano, K., & Takagi, Y. (2021). Rubbing the skin when removing makeup cosmetics is a major factor that worsens skin conditions in atopic dermatitis patients. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology , 20 (6), 1915–1922. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13777
[2] Walters, RM, Mao, G., Gunn, ETGE, & Hornby, S. (2012). Cleansing Formulations That Respect Skin Barrier Integrity. Dermatology Research and Practice , 2012 , 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/495917
