Makeup sure makes you look and feel fabulous for the whole day until it is time to go to bed. All women will admit to dreading that moment when they have to wipe away all the makeup from their face before they go to bed. Unfortunately, there is no simple way that involves ordering away the makeup or snapping your fingers to instantly eliminate them. Moreover, technology is yet to design an automatic makeup remover so everyone who applies makeup must resort to physically wiping and cleaning it away. How to find the perfect fix for makeup removal is often an ongoing battle. Nonetheless, it should not be a daunting process as there are various ways to go about removing daily makeup. If you know the tricks, you can remove the toughest water-resistant mascara without scrubbing away your skin. In your search for the best way to remove makeup, you will come across the following;
• Cosmetic makeup removers
Includes cream, lotion, patches, gel and sprays
• Homemade makeup removers
Inexpensive home-based makeup removal techniques
• Makeup removal supplies
Towelettes, pads and wipes
• Cleansers
Anti-irritants, face wash, fragrance and post-makeup removal products
• Oily makeup removers
Olive, almond, coconut oil among other oily products
Essentially, the best makeup remover should allow you to quickly clean away all the makeup from your face and eyes without any irritations. It should also ensure the process is smooth and takes only as short while. Sleeping with makeup on is a big causing factor in acne and skin irritations. Here is a detailed look at some of the simple yet effective ways of removing face and eye makeup including a few top quality products you can purchase to help you with the process:
Best Makeup Remover
Evidently, there are several ways to clean away the makeup including the use of makeup wipes, washing and rinsing your face with water and cleansers. However, the best techniques involve using the following;
1) Baby Wipes and Oil
Unlike makeup wipes which have a tendency to dry out your skin, baby wipes can be quite hydrating. They are often gentle enough to wipe babies when they perspire and are thus not too harsh for your skin. Use baby wipes to clean away the makeup before any other procedure. You can also apply some baby oil to break down the dry makeup that remains after using wipes. Makeup remover wipes also work the same way but some users have raised concerns about skin dryness and a feeling or post-wipe irritation. Nevertheless, this may be a result of using sub-standard quality wipes readily available in the market. It is advisable to choose specific wipes designed for the purposes of removing makeup and not just wiping sweat and dust off your face. Some people will also tell you that baby wipes are strictly provided to wipe a bobbi baby’s skin and is therefore not suitable for removing makeup but testimonials from real users claim otherwise.
2) Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has a host of skin benefits and can be found in many cosmetic products. It is already a perfect moisturizer for the skin and it will break down any waterproof makeup saving you lots of scrubbing and face-pulling. Simply massage some coconut oil into your palm and rub it on your face and leave it for a few seconds to be absorbed. The next step is to rinse away all that goop using sensitive unscented soap and lots of water. Coconut oil leaves your face moisturized and soft. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to ensure a calming effect as you prepare to sleep.
3) Steam
This is quite easy to understand if you have ever been to a spa with steamy sauna. Steam cleans off dirt from the skin better than a warm bath as it unclogs all your pores and makes it very easy for makeup removal. What’s more, it is absolutely free and all you need to do is fill up your sink with some steaming water and then lean over of a couple of minutes to build up the moisture around your face. Always remember to avoid boiling water as that steam will most likely burn and peel off your skin. Alternatively, you can dip a washcloth in hot water and let it cool for a few minutes before using it to wipe your face.
4) Almond Oil and Milk
If you want to make inexpensive naturally cleansing makeup removers at the comfort of your home, then you have an ideal option with a mix of almond oil and milk. This combination breaks down all sorts of difficult makeup including those that seem to be permanent. Remember that when next you are purchasing your daily milk. To make your makeup removal combo, simply add some milk to almond oil and use a cotton ball to apply the combination all over your face. Rub in slowly as you apply before rinsing with clean water. Make note to read the milk’s expiry date to avoid exposing your skin to harmful chemicals.
5) Cucumber Paste
There is a reason why cucumbers are used in the spas and massage parlors but these are not the only areas where their skin benefits are acknowledged. You can also bring these advantages to your makeup removal chambers. Rather than slicing them up, blend the cucumbers with your favorite oil to form a paste and apply it on your face for a few minutes before rinsing and drying. In addition to removing all the makeup, cucumbers have extra antioxidants to protect your skin from irritation. It is also an organic home remedy that easily clears away tough makeup and is highly recommendable for those who have extra-sensitive skin or frequently experience allergic reaction when using other products.
6) Honey & Baking Soda
This combination is already supported by beauty bloggers and dermatologists for various obvious reasons. Honey has always been associated with the work of moisturizing while baking soda is a certified skin exfoliation agent. There is no need to scrub as baking soda exfoliates your skin the minute you start rubbing this mixture on your skin. Simply apply lightly and let it stay on your face for about 20 seconds before wiping and rinsing away the leftovers with clean water. It is advisable to use only a small amount of baking powder to avoid skin irritation. It will also help you get rid of some of that acne and dark spots. Baking soda has also been associated with reducing aging lines and wrinkles.
There are many other combinations and makeup removal methods and products you can try out if you have problems cleaning away your makeup. Some products are specifically designed to loss remove eye and eyelash makeup while others also work towards reducing acne and solving a host of skin issues. It is important to conduct careful reviews of any makeup removal product you buy. When looking for the best makeup remover and such products, it is advisable to treat the search as serious as any other product. Aspects of product safety, effectiveness, quality, re-use and reputation are all important. You may look through the reviews, comments, complaints and testimonials of previous clients to gain insights about a specific product or brand. Even reputable companies like Neutrogena require careful scrutiny as they offer a diverse range of products with different pros and cons.
Homemade Makeup Remover
Although there are many makeup removal products in the market, including in drugstores, it is still possible to make highly effective cleansers at home. As a matter of fact, you can make homemade makeup remover wipes and pads as well as oils and cleansers. Some of the choices you have here include the following;
Homemade Pads and Wipes
It is very easy to your own makeup removal pad at home. All you need is some coconut oil, castle soap and [easyazon_link identifier=”B00UXPIDH4″ locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]cotton pads[/easyazon_link]. Combine the coconut oil and castle soap in a jar and place the cotton pads squeezing them to absorb the liquid. Add some distilled water to make the pads moist and use one pad per night.
Aloe Vera and Jojoba Oil
[easyazon_link identifier=”B00WRN3TBU” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Aloe Vera[/easyazon_link] will remove all eye makeup, mascara and eye liners in an instant. It is recommendable for the whole face to remove eye makeup, foundation and even lip color although this home remedy works best on the more sensitive eye region. Take aloe vera gel and add some melted coconut oil and [easyazon_link identifier=”B0019LTGOU” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]jojoba oil[/easyazon_link]. You can make a full jar once so you have a month’s supply as one scoop is enough to remove all the makeup.
Frankincense Oil Removing Pads
This is another unique formula that will help you remove tough makeup stains from your eyes and face area. You will need coconut oil,[easyazon_link identifier=”B00O13KZ70″ locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]frankincense oil[/easyazon_link], purified water and some baby. Combine all the ingredients and melt them in a microwave before pouring the liquid in a jar containing cotton pads. Press the cotton pads until all the mixture has been absorbed and keep the jar in cool place.
There are probably a dozen other natural homemade remedies you can come up with if you simply include coconut oil in the mixture. Almond oil is another good alternative.
[easyazon_link identifier=”B0010XUU9M” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Neutrogena Makeup Remover Wipes[/easyazon_link]
Neutrogena is a renowned brand of makeup removal products ranging from oils to cleansing water and wipes. However, they are mostly known for their high quality towelettes and wipes. The Neutrogena makeup remover wipes come in a pack of 25 pre-moistened and pre-conditioned soft cloths designed using modern cleansing technology to make them comfortable and effective.
They are known to wipe even the toughest water-resistant mascara due to their pre-moistened state and their plush packaging makes carrying wipes around more convenient. These wipes are also very gentle on sensitive areas and can be used by anyone including those wearing contact glasses. With Neutrogena wipes, there is no additional need for rinsing as one wiping step leaves your skin clean and dry with no heavy residue evident. In addition to all these characteristics, Neutrogena towelettes are dermatologist tested, ophthalmologist tested, allergy tested and alcohol free. They are a perfect substitute to any baby wipes and leave a calming effect on your face.
The Complete Makeup Removal Procedure
Makeup removal involves three main processes which include removing eye makeup, removing foundation makeup and blush and removing lip makeup and coloring. If you are going to remove all the makeup from your body, then you must target all these three areas;
1. Eye Makeup Remover
If you do not effectively remove makeup from your eye and eyelashes, then you will definitely wake up to stains on your sleeping shirt and bed covers. However, you can effortlessly prevent this by using eye makeup removers that protect you from irritations. To remove eye makeup, simply combine oil-based makeup removers with cleansing water. Dub a cotton pad in this mixture and hold it on your closed eye for half a minute while applying gentle pressure without rubbing. Use a downward motion to wipe away the eye makeup and turn the cotton pad to use the other side. You can also wipe sideways and upward strokes to remove makeup from your lower eyelids.
2. Removing Foundation Makeup and Blush
Removing foundation and blush is very much like removing eye makeup. The only difference is in the motions you make when cleaning; eye makeup requires slow steps from top downwards or sideways while foundation makeup comes out better with circular motions. Spread the cleanser with your fingers before washing your face especially if you use long-lasting foundation. You can use makeup wipes if your skin is not prone to friction sensitivity or breakouts. Wipe away all the makeup (or at least most of it) using a washcloth, cotton ball or facial sponge. You should be able to see the makeup on the washcloth once you are done. If you have problems with breakouts or have a tendency to use heavy makeup, apply some cold cream to remedy the condition.
3. Removing Lip Makeup and Color
Lip makeover is one of the toughest to remove and it usually takes quite an effort to effectively clear away all residual color. Start by applying petroleum jelly to moisten your lips and then wipe away all the lipstick in one move. There is usually no need for expensive moisturizers and most drugstore brands will work just as good as any highly promoted lipstick remover. Remember to let the petroleum jelly stay for a few minutes before dubbing it off using a cotton pad. Once you have removed the lipstick, exfoliate your lips to remove all color tints. For lip exfoliation, you can use wet toothbrush, special lip exfoliation tools of a homemade mixture of honey and brown sugar. Make sure not to rub too aggressively and chip away your lips. After exfoliation, apply a moisturizer.
Only after you have successfully cleaned these three areas does your effort equate to complete makeup removal. If you do not, then you will soon be looking like a clown as sights of yesterday’s makeup can be very unpleasant and why walk around with such weight on your shoulders knowing everyone that crosses your path is probably wondering why you decided to be a total freak-show.
Best Makeup Remover Products
You can use DIY makeup removal techniques, homemade products or commercial cosmetic options. All around, there are various top quality options you can pick. Whether you are in Somerville, Kirkland, UK Borghese or US, there are always numerous alternatives. However, the market has many names for you and it is popular to find hypoallergenic and comedogenic makeup removal products. Brand names range from personal names like Norman, Bobby, Mary, Rimmel, Laura, Nyx, Andrea, Kate and Sonia to popular companies like Nivea, Avon, Revlon, Merle and SW.
You can land coupons and discounts for buying in bulk or purchasing the whole makeup application and removal kit that includes brushes, pen, balm, wipes and cleansers. Some options are reusable while others are said to contain certain minerals that physicians recommend for healthy skin. There are options for those with tattoos, vegan, French, hair extensions protectors and distilled H2O for cleansing and even offers to help you remove all your Halloween makeup. Plus every other channel seems to have at least one advert of the most reliable makeup remover available. However, not all the offers you come across are often as good as they are promoted to be. You can always distinguish genuine makeup removal products from the rest; if they have 10 different names to describe the same simple wipes, it is probably part of their sales strategy and none of these adjectives carry any real benefit. Nonetheless, the market offers some real-deal options that will help you quickly get rid of all the makeup you applied for the day. Some of the popularly recommended offers include the following;
Products
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B0000531GV” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Maybelline[/easyazon_link]
Apart from coming in a very nice package at an affordable price of $4.5, this makeup remover works very efficiently clearing all eye mascara and liners with a few dubs and wipes. The bottle is small and easy to conceal; you can carry it around when traveling. - [easyazon_link identifier=”B017PCGABI” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Garnier[/easyazon_link]
This bi-faci cleansing water is perfect for any individual who wants skin-active solutions to prepare them for fresh makeup application the next day. It does not only moisturize the skin, but also offers several benefits from Micellar technology. - [easyazon_link identifier=”B000NWAOHE” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Neutrogena[/easyazon_link]
We have already discussed [easyazon_link identifier=”B00IY538V6″ locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Neutrogena wipes[/easyazon_link] but the brand is known for other makeup removal products including cleansers, oils and skin conditioners. It is one of the inexpensive brands that do not compromise on quality. - [easyazon_link identifier=”B000ALFTW8″ locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Clinique[/easyazon_link]
Spending $20 dollars on this eye, face and lip makeup removal product will dissolve all the waterproof makeup and mascara. It is one solution to remove all your day’s makeup and has an incredible dissolving power. You can usually find a coupon. - [easyazon_link identifier=”B004CTB842″ locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Sephora[/easyazon_link]
If you are looking for a product to remove all insoluble makeup, then Sephora is your esteemed choice. It is inexpensive and no one has ever complained of irritation which is why it is the best eye makeup remover in the market.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B001ECQ5IE” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Ponds[/easyazon_link]
This is one of the top products for cleansing towlettes for makeup removal. Its a non water way to still cleanse your face, perfect for on the go! They revitalize dull skin and give you the perfect glow. - [easyazon_link identifier=”B00E4MPMXU” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Olay[/easyazon_link]
Rated as one of the top makeup removal products on the market, it does wonder for the skin and effectively removes makeup without drying out the skin. People reviewed this product as a great brand for removing eyebrows makeup.
- [easyazon_link identifier=”B004GHGA8O” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]L’oreal[/easyazon_link]
This is my go to for not just removing makeup from my skin, but removing it from clothing, carpet, boots, clothes, cloth and anything in between. It isn’t oily so it’s great at removing makeup stain from anything. They’re products are also manufactured in an animal cruelty free facility. - [easyazon_link identifier=”B0017QT1YW” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]MAC[/easyazon_link]
This brand runs on the more expensive side but still gets the job done. It removes makeup with ease using a deep cleansing solution. They have specific products designed for lipstick removal which is nice because it doesn’t dry out your lips or burn them. But like I said- this brand is very expensive so I usually opt for the cheaper versions that do the same things. - [easyazon_link identifier=”B014NN4YEM” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Chanel[/easyazon_link]
Just like MAC, Chanel runs a little pricier than your average drug store makeup remover. You’d think for the price you’d be getting an expert or a laser to remove your makeup. Yes, it works like a charm, but I can’t justify paying over $100 for something I can get another brand of for cheap. - [easyazon_link identifier=”B002XZLAWM” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Bioderma[/easyazon_link]
Bioderma uses mostly naturals ingredients for its serum. It is highly recommended for sensitive skin. Its a mineral water based recipe that is kind to the skin. Comes in multiple sizes of bottles, 100ml, 250ml and 500ml. - [easyazon_link identifier=”B00CHHJPLO” locale=”US” tag=”beautifu0f2-20″]Simple[/easyazon_link]
I highly suggest this brand. It’s very easy on the skin without drying it out. Sometimes it can be hard to find in my local drug store. So I try to stock up online. The price is fairly reasonable. It is perfect for the basics of makeup removal for everyday use.
There are many other popular products offered to target different makeup. These include:
- Norwex
- Lancome
- Albolene
- Elf
- Aveeno
- Sensibio
- Biore
- CVS
- Clarins
- Facil
- Karshuk
- Estee Lauder
- Lumene
- Grapeseed
- Tattoo Sticks
- Almay
- Mary Kay
- Olay
- Crealine
- Mercier
- Kashuk
- Klorane
- Marcelle
It is advisable to talk to your dermatologist or physician before using any of these products. This is because while drugstore brands are effective in removing makeup, they are known to contain various chemicals that may pose a health risk to some people. You should therefore ensure your doctor approves the use of a given makeup remover based on your medical history and underlying medical conditions. More importantly, review each product including ingredients used, application instructions, side effects and possible benefits. 7
Finding High Quality Makeup Removers
Landing quality makeup removal products and techniques should never be a daunting task especially since there are many renowned companies and distributors. You can visit makeup blogs and forums to learn more from other people’s experiences and even note down a few suggestions. This is often better than looking for products from review sites that are probably out to promote a few brands. Forums and blogs allow you to get unbiased reviews and testimonials that can be used to avoid certain undesirable quality offers and make the right decision based on users who share the same skin characteristics with you.
You can also look for coupons and discount codes to try and cut down the cost. Only purchase from credible licensed stores that are allowed to offer the makeup removers rather than shopping from any online shop. More importantly, look for products that are backed by a quality guarantee including provisions for replacement and refund if the outcomes do not equal promises given.
Summary
Sleeping with your makeup on will not only expose you to a myriad of skin infections and irritation, but will also ensure you have added cleaning expenses for your white beddings and sleeping outfits. It will also mean extra effort the next day and you may not have the time to sufficiently remove all the makeup, which will have become even tougher by then. It is therefore necessary to remove all makeup before going to bed and unclog your pores to promote healthy skin and rejuvenation. Nevertheless, there is no need of using harmful products that will only multiply your risks, or using ineffective procedures that leave some residue behind. Your priority should be to achieve safety and efficiency as well as value for money.