It’s 2022. It’s time to say goodbye to that makeup wipe and hello to a more eco-friendly alternative. Wondering how to remove makeup without wipes? Here’s a guide on different methods of makeup removal and what products are best to use.
How to Remove Makeup
Before we talk about the best makeup remover options, it’s important to understand that you may prefer different options depending on how much makeup you wear. For example, if you just use light makeup like concealer and powder, you might not need a separate makeup remover. However, if you wear more of a full face or wear waterproof makeup, you may need a more effective makeup remover.
When it comes to properly removing makeup, I typically recommend double cleansing. Double cleansing is true to its name – cleansing your face two times. The first cleanse is to properly remove makeup and the second cleanse will clean your skin. It’s important to follow with a second cleanser to remove any excess residue and properly cleanse your skin.
Why I Don’t Recommend Face Wipes
Here’s why I’m against using a makeup wipe to remove makeup: wipes can be extremely sensitizing on the skin (a lot are heavily fragranced) and they’re terrible for the environment. Using a single-use wipe every day to remove mascara or eye makeup can lead to a lot of waste over the years.
Besides the environmental impact, face wipes can be very irritating to the skin. The act of “wiping” the skin can be very abrasive, especially when removing eye makeup. Many people rub and tug at the eyes and face when removing makeup with a facial wipe. This can be extremely sensitizing for your skin and can cause premature wrinkles if done consistently. Instead, opt for a gentler, more sustainable option.
How to Remove Makeup Without Wipes
Now that you know why makeup wipes aren’t the best option, let’s talk about some other options you can use to remove makeup from your skin.
Water-based Makeup Removers
Water-based makeup removers are very easy to use (typically applied to cotton pads). These are great for people wanting to remove makeup quickly and get to their second cleanse. The two main types of makeup removers are bi-phase makeup removers and micellar waters.
Bi-Phase Makeup Remover
Makeup removers often have a bi-phase formula, meaning they have two phases: usually an oil or silicone-based formula and a water-based formula. The oil or silicone used in makeup removers helps to break down stubborn makeup while the water helps to remove excess makeup residue. These makeup removers should be shaken before use and then applied on cotton pads.
If you want to minimize waste, opt for reusable cotton pads, a Face Halo, or my personal favorite, Makeup Eraser minis! These 7-day sets are my favorite because they are easy to use and you can throw them in the wash after each use. A much more sustainable alternative to using a cotton pad every day.
There are some recipes for DIY makeup remover, typically made with an oil like almond oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil. While this might seem like an easy solution, I typically don’t recommend making DIY skincare or homemade makeup remover. The olive oil from your kitchen isn’t meant for cosmetic use and doesn’t have preservatives to avoid bacteria build up. Put down the olive oil bottle and opt for an affordable makeup remover instead!
Product Recommendations:
– Neutrogena Oil-Free Makeup Remover
– Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover
Micellar Water
Similar to makeup removers, micellar water is typically a thin, liquidy texture. Micellar waters are a French skincare staple (hello, Bioderma!) that are made of purified water and micelles (little spheres made of mild surfactants). Micelles attract makeup, dirt, and excess sebum to gently break down oil-based impurities.
Micellar water is one of my favorite low-fuss ways to remove makeup because it’s non-irritating and easy to use! Many micellar waters are formulated with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera to keep your skin from feeling stripped and dry after removing makeup. Many micellar waters are fragrance-free, making them a great option for sensitive skin.
Product Recommendations:
How to Use Makeup Removers
Apply the product to a cotton pad or cloth then gently swipe across the eyes, lips, and face to remove makeup. Remember to be very gentle and avoid pulling and tugging, especially around the eyes. Follow with your regular cleanser.
My tip? Hold the cotton pad on top of the eye for 5-10 seconds before removing makeup. This allows the makeup remover or micellar water to break down your makeup to make removing product easy and gentle. You can also use some micellar water on a cotton swab to gently remove false lashes or extra glue build up on your lashes.
Makeup-Removing Cleansers
Moving onto cleansers! When you think of makeup-removing cleansers, a lot of people think of an old-school cream cleanser or cold cream. These are hydrating, lotion-like cleansers that can help remove makeup. They’re very gentle on the skin and can work well for dry skin types! Cream cleansers were very popular in the past, but oil-based cleansers have grown in popularity over the years. Oil-based cleansers are often used to remove makeup because they can break down makeup and excess oil easily. There are two main types: Cleansing balms and cleansing oils.
Cleansing Balm
Cleansing balms tend to have a mix of waxes and oils to create a more solid balm texture. These are typically packaged in jars and are used by scooping out the product, melting it in your hands, and then applying to dry skin. Cleansing balms tend to be great for removing heavy makeup, including waterproof mascara and stubborn eye makeup. Of course, it all depends on the formula!
While most cleansing balms tend to be more “waxy” or solid, there are also cleansing balms that are softer in texture. Some are packaged in tubes for a low-fuss cleansing experience. More waxy or solid cleansing balms tend to melt down to a thinner consistency, whereas these softer balms tend to be a bit richer. Both options are great, it just depends on your personal preference and what works best for your skin type.
While coconut oil may have a similar consistency to some cleansing balms, I don’t recommend using pure coconut oil on your skin. As mentioned earlier, it’s not formulated for cosmetic use and coconut oil can be comedogenic (pore clogging) for some people. It also doesn’t have emuslifying agents to help remove the oil easily. Instead, opt for a well-formulated balm cleanser.
Product Recommendations:
– Farmacy Green Clean (Waxy/solid texture)
– Juno Skin Clean 10 Cleansing Balm (In-between texture)
– The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser (Softer, creamier texture)
Cleansing Oil
Cleansing oils are another great alternative! Oil cleansing is a gentle way to remove makeup and using a cleansing oil can be even more low-fuss than cleansing balms! Most cleansing oils are packaged in pump bottles, so they’re super easy and convenient to use.
Most cleansing balms and oils have an emulsifying agent to allow the product to rinse off easily with water. Without this, it would be very difficult to fully remove the product from your skin. Remember – oil does not like water. The emulsifying agent helps to convert the oil into a milky texture that rinses off easily. Some formulas that don’t have this emulsifying agent can leave an oily film on top of the skin.
Product Recommendations:
– iUNIK Calendula Cleansing Oil
How to Use Makeup Removing Cleansers
Pump 1-2 pumps of the cleanser (or a quarter-sized scoop of a balm cleanser) into dry hands, then apply to dry skin. Massage gently until all makeup is removed. If removing mascara, gently wiggle back and forth on your lashes to break down mascara and eye makeup. Then, add some water to your skin to emulsify the product, then rinse off. Follow with your regular cleanser.
No matter what method you choose to remove your makeup, remember to be gentle with your skin! It’s very easy to irritate, pull, and tug on the skin, so make sure you’re using a product that effectively removes your makeup without sensitizing your skin.
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