Learning how to remove makeup properly will save you so many headaches in the long run. Sometimes, no matter how thoroughly you lather up, it seems like you just can’t get all your makeup off. We’ve been there. But trust us, the answer is not scrubbing harder. Below, dermatologists share their best tips to gently and effectively remove makeup, tailored to your skin type and concerns. Read on to learn how to get every last bit of makeup off your face without irritating your skin—plus, some common mistakes to avoid.
Why do you need to remove makeup every day?
We’re hoping that by this point, you’re well aware of why going to bed with your makeup on is a beauty no-no, but if you need a little tough love as motivation when you’re feeling lazy, we’ll let Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, remind you why it’s a nonnegotiable. “Ultimately, if you don’t remove your makeup at night, you’ll start to see signs of premature ageing,” she says. Not removing makeup leaves pollutants, dirt and oils on the skin, which can lead to increased damage from free radicals. “This, in turn, can trigger acne (by blocking pores and trapping oil), irritation and faster ageing of the skin [read ‘more wrinkles, sagging, laxity and larger pores over time’],” she says. There is no upside to sleeping in your makeup, but plenty of consequences.
What is double cleansing?
Now that you know why you have to remove your makeup every night, here’s exactly how to do it most effectively, starting with a method known as double cleansing. “Removing makeup should be a two-step process,” says Dr Nazarian. To double-cleanse, you must first start out with an oil-based cleanser or micellar water to break down and dissolve makeup, sunscreen and excess sebum. “Oil-based cleansers act as a magnet to cling to makeup, but this is not fully sufficient on its own,” she says. After removing the bulk of your makeup with an oil-based cleanser, Dr Nazarian says, go in with a gentle water-based cleanser to remove sweat and dirt. “Both steps are required to efficiently remove makeup and keep skin clean without leaving residue and excess oil on the skin,” she says.
How to remove makeup step-by-step, according to dermatologists
Ahead, we break down how to double cleanse step by step:
Step 1: Wash your hands
No matter how thorough your cleansing process is, it’s all in vain if you’re not starting with clean hands. Scrub up before you touch your face to “avoid introducing more bacteria and grime to your skin,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist.
Step 2: Use a cleansing oil or micellar cleanser
Yes, we know makeup wipes are extremely convenient, but they’re not doing a great job of actually removing your makeup. It might feel a bit extra to apply two cleansers, but it’s the most effective way to ensure every trace of makeup is dissolved. According to Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, FAAD, a cleansing oil or micellar water not only ensures skin is properly clean, these products can also protect it in ways that a makeup wipe can’t. “[Double cleansing] will help avoid unnecessary friction or dryness,” she says. These types of cleansers are also effective in removing residue from sunscreen, so they’re useful even if you don’t typically wear a lot of makeup.
Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Garnier Skin Naturals Micellar Cleansing Water
Step 3: Use a gentle technique—no rubbing or scrubbing
The most stubborn makeup tends to settle into the most delicate areas of your face, especially around the eyes, “where skin is thinner and more prone to fine lines,” Dr Murphy-Rose says. As a general makeup-removal rule: be kind to your skin. She recommends using your hands or a very soft washcloth and applying light pressure only. Scrubbing won’t make your cleanser more effective, but it can lead to some serious irritation or even damage.
Step 4: Follow up with a gentle cleanser
Next, cleanse a second time with a water-based gel, liquid or foam cleanser that washes away dirt without stripping the skin. “This is essential because it will keep skin clean without leaving residue and excess oil,” says Dr Nazarian. Standout cleansers have ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to ensure that the skin is left feeling plump, moisturised and fresh.
Innisfree Green Tea Amino Cleansing Foam
Farmacy Green Clean Gentle Creamy Cleanser
Step 5: Pat your skin dry and replenish hydration with a moisturiser
Dr Murphy-Rose recommends rinsing away your cleanser with lukewarm water, then gently patting your skin dry with a clean towel. Hydration is essential after makeup removal, so it’s key to follow with a lotion or cream to lock in moisture.
COSRX Hyaluronic Acid Intensive Cream
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Hyaluronic Cream
How to remove makeup for sensitive skin
If you have sensitive skin, there are a few additional considerations to add to the process above. As a general rule, “sensitive skin does best with gentle formulas, minimal friction and fewer steps,” Dr Murphy-Rose says.
For best results (and as little irritation as possible), she recommends choosing fragrance-free, non-stripping products and avoiding harsh wipes or exfoliating pads. “Use a soft washcloth rather than scrubbing with fingers and let the products do the work,” she says. “Patience matters more than pressure.” Restoring moisture is especially crucial after removing makeup from sensitive skin. After a heavy-duty cleanse, consider adding a rich overnight formula to your skin care routine.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Dr.Althea Pure Grinding Cleansing Balm
How to remove stubborn eye makeup
When it comes to removing eye makeup and waterproof mascara in particular, the slower you go, the better. “Let the technology do the work,” says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD. If you’re still noticing residue after a thorough cleanse, recruit an oil-based eye makeup remover to help break down the products before washing your face. “Apply makeup remover and let it sit, then sit some more,” Dr Hirsch says. “Give it a couple of minutes, say, while you brush and floss.” This will soften mascara, liner and shadow so it slips off easily and thoroughly once you finally wipe—and keep those morning-after makeup smudges away.
If there’s one zone that’s frequently neglected during makeup removal, it’s the elusive edge of your eyelid, where liner and mascara can build up over time and lead to eye irritation. Especially if you tight-line your eyes with waterproof liquid, you might need to get in there with a more targeted tool and make sure every last speck is gone. “For detail work, I love cotton swabs with olive oil,” says makeup artist Nick Barose. “They break everything down so you don’t have to scrub, which would result in lashes breaking off and falling out.”
Speaking of lashes falling out, you also should never tug stubborn mascara chunks off with your fingers. To coax clumps off without doing harm, make sure you give your remover enough time to penetrate and then press down gently with a flat cotton pad, moving slowly in the direction your lashes grow, to slide the mascara off.
Common mistakes to avoid when removing makeup
Neglecting the jaw and hairline
While it’s natural to focus on the eyes, lips and cheeks when removing makeup, it’s just as important to throughly cleanse the periphery of your face. Make sure to push your hair back when cleansing: “People often accumulate makeup residue around their hairline, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts,” says celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas. Similarly, pay special attention to cleansing your jawline—another common breakout zone if makeup is left behind.
Using cotton balls
“Cotton balls can leave behind residue or break down during usage and leave fibres on your lashes or skin,” says dermatologist Rebecca Kazin, MD. That can lead to irritation at a time when you’re trying to detox and soothe. Always opt for flat cotton pads instead of balls, ideally with a quilted texture.
Rushing the process
Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to safe, effective makeup removal. Fight the urge to scrub at your eyes or speed through your cleansing process. Instead, “allow the removers to gently dissolve makeup,” Dr Murphy-Rose says.
Relying solely on makeup wipes
Trust us, we get the draw. Makeup wipes feel effective and better yet, you can use them from the comfort of your bed. But if you’re relying on them to get the whole job done, you’re likely to deal with residual product buildup and tight, irritated skin.
“Makeup wipes can work in a pinch but may not be as effective as micellar water or oil-based cleansers in removing all the residual make up from the skin surface,” Dr Camp says. No matter what your first makeup removal step is, a proper sink session is always in order.
Aggressive washing
Most importantly, Dr Nazarian stresses being gentle when cleansing skin. “Do not rub and scrub the skin in an effort to remove makeup. This will leave skin unnecessarily inflamed and irritated,” she says. That will create a whole new set of problems for your complexion, like redness, dryness and breakouts. A gentle cleanse will get the job done and ensure your skin barrier isn’t destroyed in the process.
