It’s the end of a long day, and all you want to do is take your makeup off and relax. But even after you’ve used makeup remover, there’s still a pesky bit of mascara clinging to your lashes or that one spot of foundation that just won’t budge. Sound familiar? If you’re struggling to get every last bit of your makeup off, don’t worry! We’ve got 7 easy steps to help you get a clean slate.
1. Start With a Makeup Remover Wipe
The first step is to remove the bulk of your makeup with a gentle wipe. We recommend using one that’s oil-based so it can break down all types of makeup, even waterproof formulas. Hold the wipe on each area for a few seconds before wiping it away.
2. Next, Take Off Your Eye Makeup
Once the wipe has done most of the work for you, it’s time to move on to your eye makeup. For this step, we recommend using a separate cotton pad soaked in makeup remover or a creamy eye makeup remover.
Gently wipe the pad across your eyes and lashes, careful not to tug or rub at the delicate skin around them. You can also use an oil-based cleansing balm or micellar water here to help break down even the toughest waterproof formulas. Micellar water is great because it doesn’t require any rinsing, so you can move on to the next step right away.
Don’t forget to clean your lashes. Using a disposable mascara wand, remove any leftover product or gently wipe away any lingering particles. You can use water or a gentle lash extension shampoo.
Wondering how to wash your face with eyelash extensions and still keep them intact? It’s pretty simple. Start by wetting your face with warm water, and then use your fingers to massage in some oil-free makeup remover onto the lashes gently. Hold a cotton pad against the lashes for a few seconds, and then lightly wipe it away.
3. Use a Gentle Cleanser/ Water
Now that most of the heavy lifting has been done, it’s time to cleanse your face with your regular products. If you normally use just water, that’s fine! But if you prefer a foaming or cream cleanser, go ahead and use that now. For best results, use a gentle cleanser that’s specially formulated for removing makeup without stripping your skin of its moisture. Massage the cleanser into your skin in circular motions, rinse your face thoroughly with lukewarm water, and pat dry.
4. Remove Any Remaining Traces With Toner on a Cotton Pad
For those pesky areas that just won’t budge, saturate a cotton pad with toner and press it onto the skin until the cotton comes away clean. This usually does the trick, but if there’s still some makeup left, repeat steps 1-3 until your skin is completely clean.
5. Don’t Forget About Your Neck!
The skin on your neck is just as delicate as your face, so don’t forget about it when you’re cleansing at night! Gently massage your cleanser into your neck using upward motions and rinse thoroughly.
6. Apply The Toner, then Your Eye Cream
Once your face and neck are clean, apply toner with a cotton pad or by spritzing it onto the skin. Let your skin absorb the toner for a minute or so, then apply eye cream to the under-eye area and any spots on your face that need extra attention.
7. Moisturize!
The final step in your nighttime skincare and cleansing routine is to moisturize. Apply a small amount of moisturizer to your face and neck, gently massaging it into the skin using upward strokes. Give yourself plenty of time for the moisturizer to absorb before heading off to bed so that you can wake up with soft, hydrated skin.
Cleaning your face at the end of the day is important for maintaining clear, youthful-looking skin—but it’s not always easy to get every last bit of makeup off. If you’re struggling with stubborn residue, follow these seven easy steps to get a clean slate. And don’t forget about exfoliating once per week.
Exfoliating removes dead skin cells and residue from your pores, leaving you with a clean and clear complexion. There are many different ways that you can exfoliate, such as using face scrubs or chemical peels. However, if you’re new to exfoliation or just want a quick fix, try using facial wipes with glycolic acid. These wipes are designed specifically to remove makeup residue and remnants that cause blemishes without the need for rinsing or additional products. Simply use these wipes before bed, then enjoy a refreshed and clean face in the morning.