The ABCs of makeup removal

Follow these easy steps to help you remove makeup (Photo: Bhg.com)

Although applying makeup is enjoyable, all of it must be removed at the end of the day. No matter how exhausted you are, the importance of removing all of your makeup before bed cannot be overemphasised.

While you get your beauty sleep, your body recharges and regenerates. Clogging your pores with makeup will make it harder for your skin to regenerate. If you make a habit of sleeping without removing your makeup, you are more likely to experience dry skin, wrinkles, rashes, and even acne.

Even worse, leaving eye makeup on can result in styes, damaged lashes, eye infections, and eye irritation.

Here is a simple but effective guide on proper makeup removal:

• Invest in high-quality makeup remover

Makeup remover helps get rid of the buildup of foundation, concealer, mascara, blush, and other such products on your skin – allowing the skin to breathe.

You can choose an all-purpose makeup remover or go for removers for dedicated purposes. For example, if you go heavy on eye makeup, you might want to invest in a dedicated eye makeup remover. For long-wearing lipstick, go for an oil-based remover.

Makeup removers usually come in three forms: gel, liquid, or cleansing pads. Gels and liquids are meant to be applied to your face using a ball of cotton. Some require rinsing while others, such as micellar water, do not require rinsing.

Cleansing pads, which are convenient on the go, are saturated with remover. You simply wipe your face clean and throw them away.

To avoid causing skin irritation, go for alcohol and fragrance-free products when choosing a makeup remover.

Harsh makeup removers might irritate sensitive skin types and the delicate eye area. In addition, dermatologists recommend makeup removers that contain witch hazel or salicylic acid because of their soothing qualities.

Remember to be gentle on your skin as you take off makeup (Photo: iStock)

• Follow up with a cleanser

Cleansing is the second step in removing makeup. You can skip makeup removal and go straight to cleansing if you do not wear a lot of makeup. Foundation and blush can be effectively removed with your everyday cleanser.

Apply a non-foaming cleanser to your face using damp hands first, then leave it on for about 15 seconds. Remember to also apply the cleanser on often-forgotten spots such as around your ears, beneath your chin, and along your hairline.

Wipe off your makeup with a moist cotton washcloth. You should preferably use a white washcloth – that way, you will know if your face is truly clean and all the makeup has been removed.

• Be gentle with your skin

Long-lasting makeup can be quite stubborn to remove sometimes. However, take care to always be gentle with your skin. Do not rub, tug, or scrape at your skin to get rid of resistant makeup. Instead, apply cleaning oils to dissolve and soften the makeup.

With clean fingertips, massage the oil all over your face, paying special attention to the lips, brows, and eyelids. You won’t need to rub vigorously because this will soften your skin and remove any remaining makeup.

After that, apply some cleansing oil to a flat, square cotton pad. Repeat over the same areas while being careful not to scrub back and forth.

• Pay attention to the eyes

The delicate eye area should always be treated gently during makeup removal. When removing makeup, you must avoid pulling or rubbing near the eyes. If you rub and scratch the delicate skin around your eyes, it can get swollen, itchy, and start to age prematurely.

This is how to do it: Hold a cotton pad with eye makeup remover on your closed eyelids and lashes for around 10 seconds (not cotton balls, which can be abrasive). This will give your makeup time to liquefy and soften before being removed with a cloth.

Always use an oil-based makeup remover to remove waterproof eye makeup, including mascara and eyeliner. Without an oil-based remover, you will have to rub so vigorously that you risk injuring delicate skin or breaking your lashes.

Avoid using baby wipes on your face (Photo: iStock)

• Do not use baby wipes

Many women reach for baby wipes for removing makeup. In an emergency, baby wipes can work perfectly.

However, do not make a habit of using baby wipes on your face - they are not meant for the task and might end up smearing makeup all over your face and working it deeper into your pores. They might also have harsh ingredients that can dry out your skin and lead to acne among other issues.

Instead of baby wipes, consider investing in makeup removal wipes. In an emergency, they are better than sleeping with your makeup on or using baby wipes. However, make sure to always use a cleanser after wiping your face with makeup removal wipes.

• What to do after makeup removal

Apply a toner, moisturiser, or beauty serum after thoroughly removing your makeup and washing your skin. You might also want to apply a night cream and dab on some eye cream.