Why it is important to use the right makeup remover
Wearing makeup is a great way to be creative, enhance your features and leave you looking and feeling fabulous. However, it comes with a downside... going through the process of having to take it all off again. If you neglect this important stage in your skincare routine, cosmetics and impurities can clog your pores, leading to inflammation, pimples, and, in some cases, premature aging. Forgetting to take your makeup off before bed is the ultimate skincare sin and can really leave your skin looking and feeling irritated the following morning.
The good news is that a simple evening routine won't just remove makeup and grime but also leave your skin feeling nourished, hydrated and more youthful. Let's explore the benefits and importance of using the right makeup remover for you and the damage that the wrong ones could potentially cause.
Micellar Water
Micellar water is a water-based cleanser that is combined with small oil molecules that draw out impurities. It is a hydrating, gentle makeup remover that is designed to be used on a cotton ball. However, it should be accompanied by a stronger, denser cleanser when wearing heavier makeup as it isn't always enough to completely remove every last bit of residue if your makeup is especially stubborn.
Face wash
Face wash is an all-around cleanser that is designed to be used in the bath or shower on a daily basis to remove all forms of makeup residue or general grime. Different cleansers have different properties - some focus on exfoliation while others are designed for sensitive skin -and they should be foamed into a lather and applied to the face using the hands or a face cloth. Although they are a great all-around cleanser, they don't target specific areas (such as removing stubborn eye makeup) and should therefore be followed with a more focused cleansing routine.
Cream cleansers
Cream cleansers, otherwise known as cold creams, are thick, luxurious creamy products that are generally made up of water, oil and emulsifier. These products are great for removing makeup as the high oil concentration within the cream literally melts makeup away and removes it without any vigorous scrubbing or rubbing. Creamy cleansers are also good for hydrating and soothing dry, sensitive skin.
Vegan makeup removers
Vegan makeup removers, such as this All Skin Types Cleansing Oil, work very similarly to other types of cleansers on the market, but the difference is that they are made up of entirely plant-based, natural materials rather than anything that is chemically enhanced. Many people believe that this is better for the skin and will reduce the chances of any irritation. Vegan cosmetic products also have a tendency to be more ethical and environmentally friendly, which is another big selling point.
Cleansing oil
Cleaning oil might seem like a counterproductive makeup remover for those with oily skin, but the dense nature of the oil actually works wonders for removing stubborn eye makeup or bright lipsticks without stripping any moisture from the skin. Apply the oil with cotton balls and remove it with a damp muslin cloth for a smooth, silky finish. When your skin becomes dry, it actually over-produces oil to compensate for dryness, so if you do have oily skin, giving it some hydration might help curb the problem.
Cloths
Dedicated makeup removal cloths are an effective and reusable way to cleanse the skin. They can be used with cosmetic products or just with warm water to buff, cleanse and exfoliate the skin. After they've been used, they can simply be thrown in the washing machine and used again. Ranging from muslin to bamboo, these cloths come in a variety of materials all designed with back-to-basic skincare in mind.
Toners
The primary use of toners is to tighten the skin and minimize the appearance of pores, making the complexion seem more youthful and flawless. However, makeup removal also occurs as toning solutions tend to be similar in consistency to micellar water. Ideally, a toner should be applied after a deep cleanse as the latter part of your skincare routine, but if you are pressed for time or short on products, it could be used as a dual-purpose product.
Makeup wipes
Although makeup wipes are convenient, consumers have moved away from them in recent years. They tend to be packed with chemical ingredients that are forcefully rubbed into the skin, which can be too harsh. Their packages can also harbor the bacteria that could lead to skin infections.