If you wear makeup, then you know it’s important to remove at the end of each day. Sure, all of us have gone to bed wearing makeup before, but don’t make it a habit.  

Sleeping with makeup on causes many problems – dry skin, clogged pores, breakouts, premature aging, eye irritation and infection, and even broken lashes. Makeup removal before heading to bed is crucial if you want healthy skin.  

Are you removing it correctly, making sure to remove all of it completely? We have some great tips to help you do so. Keep reading to find out how to be a pro at removing your makeup.   

Tip #1- Use a Dedicated Makeup Remover Cleansing Product  

To remove makeup properly you should use a product specifically for doing so. Oil-based cleansers are the ones you should look for makeup removal. Products that are specifically labeled as makeup remover are usually oil-based cleansing products.      

Not all products are created equal though, so check the ingredient label. Choose products that are gentle and nourishing to the skin, and avoid products with harsh or harmful chemicals. Also, use fragrance-free products.   

There is more than one way to remove makeup since there are many different makeup removal products available to choose from. You can use any of the following:  

Oil-Based Makeup Remover or Cleansing Oils  

Oil-based cleansers help remove beauty products, sunscreen, surface debris, and excess oil from the skin. Usually formulated with different kinds of lightweight oils that emulsify, or lather, when combined with water.

They work VERY well at breaking down and dissolving product and excess oil, softening the skin at the same time.  

The best part is any skin type can use an oil cleanser to remove makeup, even acne-prone skin.

Just make sure it has been formulated to be “rinseable”  and use it as your first step in a double cleansing method.  

You could also use a single oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. However, these are not always the best option for combination, oily, or blemish-prone skin.   

Cleansing Balms  

Cleansing balms are creamy, rich cleansers that come in a solid or butter form. These melt into oil once they are worked and warmed up on the face, lathering into a milky liquid when water is added.   

A cleansing balm will contain oils and emollients (moisturizing ingredients) that help break down face products, dirt, and any other impurities on the skin.

They are great to use around the eye area because they are gentle and won’t irritate sensitive skin.  

They are the best option for sensitive and dry skin types because they tend to be so nourishing.

They are great for oily skin types as oil attracts oils, helping to remove any excess oil from the skin.   

Micellar Water  

Micellar Water is made up of tiny cleansing oil molecules called micelles that are dispersed in soft water, as well as also containing moisturizing ingredients.

These micelles are attracted to dirt and oil. So, they can draw out any impurities that are on the skin, aka makeup, dissolving them without drying out the skin.   

Because micellar waters are so gentle on the skin, any skin type can use them, but they are especially great for sensitive skin as well as dry and acne-prone types.  

Simply soak a cotton pad with it and gently sweep wherever makeup is applied. To remove eye makeup, press a soaked cotton pad on the eye area for about 30 seconds and then gently wipe.  

Micellar water is best used as makeup remover on lighter applications. To remove stubborn makeup, you may need to repeat several times.   

Noemi Recommends: I have used these 3 types of makeup removers and love them all. My current favorite is Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O Micellar Cleansing Water for Sensitive Skin. It’s easy to use and works well in removing face and eye makeup. It’s designed for sensitive skin, it’s super gentle and any skin type can use it.  

Makeup wipes are also available, but they don’t always do the best job at completely removing all makeup and are not always gentle on the skin. But they can be a good option when you only need to remove minimal makeup.   

Tip #2- Be Gentle and Take Your Time  

When removing your makeup, be gentle to your skin. Do not rush and end up rubbing aggressively, scrubbing, or tugging on it. Take your time to avoid being harsh on it.  

Try applying your makeup remover of choice and let it sit for about a minute or so. Then, simply work it in by gently massaging it all over the face with your fingers. You can also use a cotton pad or soft cloth. This will help soften your skin and allow it to break down makeup, making the removal process a lot easier.   

Be extra gentle around the eye area and take your time when removing eye makeup. The skin around the eyes is very delicate and sensitive, so it is even more important that you do not rub/scrub or tug to avoid causing irritation.   

Tip #3- Use Cotton Pads to Remove Eye Makeup  

Cotton pads are your best friend for removing makeup around the eyes. Using a cotton ball is not recommended because it often leaves fibers behind which could cause eye irritation.  

Flat cotton pads, on the other hand, do not do this so they are the best option to help in removing makeup in general. Plus, they make eye makeup removal so easy!   

All you need to do is soak your pad with makeup/eye makeup remover, whichever formula you prefer.* Gently press it on the lids and lashes for about 30 seconds (or a little longer) to help soften mascara, eye shadow, and any other eye makeup, so that it comes off easily without needing to rub or tug. Then, wipe off gently.   

*If using a cleansing balm, you can either apply a layer onto the pad or apply some directly on the eyes and then press the pad against it.  

Tip #4- Do a Double Cleanse Method  

What is a Double-Cleanse method? It’s pretty much just as it sounds, cleansing your face twice- first with an oil-based cleanser (makeup remover) and then with a water-based cleanser (regular facial cleanser).   

Ok, so you may be thinking, “why do I need to double cleanse my face?” You don’t just want to remove makeup; you also want to make sure the face is cleansed. Plus, sometimes makeup remover can leave a greasy residue behind or there may even be some leftover makeup.  

The first cleanse, your makeup remover, is meant to remove any oil-based impurities, such as makeup and sunscreen, that are on the surface of the skin. The second cleanse, on the other hand, cleanses the surface of the skin while also working its way into the skin.   

The results of double cleansing? A more thorough cleanse, which then allows the rest of your skincare products to penetrate better into the skin for more effective results. A win-win and a must for makeup wearers.   

It may sound like extra work. But double cleansing only needs to be done once, at the end of the day, and only when you need to remove makeup or sunscreen or if your face feels dirtier than usual.   

How to Properly Remove Makeup in 3 Easy Steps  

Step 1- Start by Removing Eye Makeup  

Eye makeup removal usually takes a little longer so it’s a good idea to start there.   

Take a cotton pad and apply makeup removing product of your choice on it. Once soaked, gently press it onto the lid and lashes, holding it there for at least 30 seconds. Finally, gently wipe the makeup off.   

Make sure to get all the makeup off from the edges of the eyes. It’s easy to miss that area and leave behind makeup there. You can use a cotton swab with remover on it to gently wipe that area as well as the bottom lash line.   

Never rub or tug on the lashes to remove mascara. Letting the pad sit on the lashes should help soften mascara, making it easy to just wipe it off. Just make sure to slowly wipe down, in the direction that they grow.  

For more information on lash care, make sure to read our Lash Care Guide.  

Step 2- Break Down Face Makeup with Makeup Remover  

Next, you want to remove the rest of your face makeup.  

If using a cleansing oil, simply apply about a quarter size into your hands and then apply it onto your face. You do not need to wet your face first; it works best when applied to dry skin.  

Similar if using a cleansing balm. Scoop out a small amount and warm it between your fingers. When it begins to melt, apply it to dry skin.  

Gently massage either the oil or balm all over your face in circular motions. Do this for about a minute. Then, rinse off with lukewarm water.  

Now, if using micellar water, soak a cotton pad with it and wipe the face. You may need more than one pad to repeat a couple of times to remove all your makeup. No rinsing is required before moving on to the next step.  

Step 3- Follow with Regular Facial Cleanser   

After removing your makeup, you will now want to wash your face with a regular, water-based, face wash.   

Make sure to use a gentle cleanser that won’t strip the skin’s natural oils, paying close attention to the ingredient list. Also, use one that suits your skin type.  

Noemi Recommends: La Roche-Posay makes one of my favorite facial cleansers, their Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser. It’s super gentle and is great for normal to dry, and sensitive skin. They also make a foaming version, Toleriane Purifying Foaming Cleanser, for normal to oily as well as sensitive skin.  

There you have it, makeup completely removed and clean skin. Follow with the rest of your skincare routine, or with a face moisturizer.  

Frequently Asked Questions:   

How do dermatologists remove makeup?  

Dermatologists recommend doing a double cleansing method to remove makeup completely and thoroughly cleanse the face. First, remove product with an oil-based cleanser, and then use a regular cleanser that is water-based afterward.  

How can I remove makeup without damaging my skin?  

The key is to be gentle and take your time, using gentle cleansing products. Avoid rubbing, scrubbing, or tugging.   

Can you use water to remove eye makeup?  

While it is possible to do so, it is not a good idea. Using just water will require some rubbing which is not good for the delicate skin around the eye or the lashes. Instead, use a makeup remover to do so.  

What is the best way to remove mascara?  

The best way is with a cotton pad soaked with eye makeup remover (cleansing oil, cleansing balm, or micellar water). Gently press it on the lashes, holding it there for 30 seconds to a minute. Slowly wipe in the direction that lashes grow, downward, to wipe mascara off.