So, let us just start off by clearly stating that there is nothing worse that you can possibly do to your skin than sleeping with your makeup on, or not properly removing it. It’s a task we all absolutely hate; it seems unnecessary and takes up more effort than we want to put in. But, in order to take good care of your skin, you need to take the time to remove your makeup fully every day.
Putting aside the fact that you should regularly cleanse, tone and moisturise your skin on a daily basis and not just when you’ve had makeup on during the day, you should never neglect these tips!
General skincare tips
- Using makeup remover wipes is not as good for your skin as you think. Only use them when you absolutely have no other option, but always try to stick to a remover and cotton pads. Wipes are packed with chemicals that are harmful to the skin when constantly used — so, avoid them when you can!
- Using water-based removers or toners is really good if you have sensitive or oily/combination skin.
- Oil-based eye makeup removers are the quickest to remove waterproof makeup.
- Rose water is an amazing toner.
- Twice a week use a facial scrub to exfoliate your skin.
- Never ever sleep with makeup on.
Here’s what you should be doing
For starters, always make sure that you aren’t using an eye makeup remover on your entire face; there are removers that are specific to the eyes and some that are specific to the skin. Use one that is good for both, or even better, an all-in-one toner that also removes makeup, if you want to filter down the amount of products you need to use.
- Always use cotton pads, NEVER tissues, to remove makeup –- they are softest on the skin.
- Apply your remover to the cotton pad and wipe your face first, gently, all over until your skin is completely clean.
- For your eyes, place the cotton pad on your eye and press it lightly into place without rubbing your eyes –- this begins to slowly dissolve the makeup you have on.
- When you remove the cotton pad, the makeup will have dissolved and made its way under your eyes; use another clean cotton pad with remover to gently wipe the makeup off (always wipe inwards; towards your nose).
- Repeat this step enough times until your eyes are completely clean.
- After this, use your facial wash (NOT soap) to cleanse your face and remove any residual makeup. Dry your face with a clean towel or with soft tissues.
- Moisturise to keep your skin from drying out or breaking out.
When you have false eyelashes on
Most people just pull out the lashes at the end of the day, but this might occasionally pull out some of your own lashes as well. Wait until you apply a cotton pad with remover to your eye, because while dissolving makeup, it will also dissolve the lash glue, so the eyelashes will basically just fall off.
When you have eyeliner on your waterline
Try applying a water-based toner/remover to a cotton bud; then, wipe your waterline with it and in-between the lashes on your lower lash line to fully remove the eyeliner. (The water-based product is an important factor here, so that you don’t use something that will irritate your eyes).
Tip for the lazy
For those of you who don’t want to go through the hassle of removing makeup first, and then, cleansing with facial wash, because let’s be honest, we all get too lazy to follow both steps, there are facial washes that also remove makeup. Get one of those, and before you sleep, thoroughly wash your face with it so that everything is perfectly clean.
Tip for the laziest
If you absolutely refuse to remove your makeup before you sleep, either because you’re beyond lazy or you fall asleep, here’s what you can do. When you wake up the next morning — most likely looking like a panda — use your makeup remover as previously explained; then, use a facial SCRUB to exfoliate. The scrub will properly remove any makeup that has clogged up your pores overnight and efficiently clean out your skin.
BONUS TIP!
If you want to test whether or not your face is fully clean and makeup-free, after using facial wash, dry your skin with tissues. If the tissue isn’t perfectly clean; then, you need to repeat the facial wash step. If it’s white and spotless; then, you’re good to go –- or sleep!
Remember to stay up to date with our #EnigmaMakeupTips.
By: Nada Motawe