
You’ve heard it countless times before — never go to bed with your makeup on. We’ve all been guilty of this simple crime, thanks to many exhausting days and late nights. What is possibly the most important (yet often overlooked) step of your makeup routine comes at the very end when you finally take it all off. While it may be easier to get away with it in your youth (with minimal noticeable damage), not removing your makeup properly can spell dire consequences for your skin in the long run.
For starters, makeup sits on top of your skin and blocks your pores which can, in turn, lead to congestion, excess oiliness, a weakened skin barrier, and the appearance of blackheads or acne. This is why it’s crucial to remove every last speck of makeup and sunscreen before you proceed with your night-time skincare routine.

Below, find our top makeup removal tips to keep your skin healthy and radiant.
1. A clean slate
Remember, even if you wear minimal to no makeup, a makeup remover is still crucial to your makeup kit. This is because, just like makeup, sunscreen sits on the top of your skin and needs to be removed before bedtime. And, if you wear no sunscreen, start wearing some now!
Simply washing your face to remove makeup just isn’t enough. Your face may look clean enough after the rinse, but stubborn microparticles of makeup or sunscreen can still cling to your skin, wreaking havoc to its health. Applying skincare when your makeup hasn’t been completely removed can do more harm than good and will keep you from reaping the full benefits of your precious skincare products. You’ll be surprised to see how much more effective your skincare routine becomes once you master the art of makeup removal and stay consistent with it.
To remove makeup correctly and thoroughly, take a couple of cotton swabs and soak them in makeup remover liquid or micellar water (don’t be stingy here, especially if you tend to wear a full face or use waterproof makeup products). Next, gently massage them all over your face to break down stubborn makeup and wipe them away. Repeat this step until you feel most of your makeup has been removed. Then, wash your face with your everyday cleanser to take off the remaining specks of makeup and the excess oiliness. Follow this up with your skincare routine as per usual.
2. Eye spy
The area around your eyes and lash line can be particularly hard to clean. Plus, it’s also extremely delicate, meaning any harsh rubbing or tugging can lead to damage in the long run. For instance, rubbing around your eyes makes the tender skin even more susceptible to fine lines and wrinkles. Moreover, not removing eye makeup thoroughly can lead to eye infections. The only correct way to remove eye makeup is to use an eye makeup remover. Simply pour it on a cotton pad and place it on your eyes, applying gentle pressure till the makeup starts to melt away, then wipe. Remember always be gentle and never tug to avoid damage.
3. To wipe or not to wipe
Makeup remover wipes are great to begin your makeup-removal ritual with, but by no means should they be the only step in your makeup-removing routine. This is because, while they may be great for removing the top layer of your makeup, wipes hardly do an adequate job at removing waterproof or long-wearing makeup. Throw some in your handbag if you need quick touch-ups through the day or if you need to wipe off some smudged mascara (we all get caught in the rains from time to time!) but avoid using only makeup wipes while removing all your makeup at the end of the day.
4. Double or nothing
A lot has been written in recent months about the miraculous powers of double cleansing, and with good reason. Possibly the best way to remove your makeup, this Korean practice uses an oil-based cleansing balm first to break down and melt away the makeup. To do this, simply scoop some of the balm onto your fingertips, and massage it onto your face gently to break down the makeup. Once all your makeup has melted away, wipe your face clean with a damp cotton swab. The second step is to wash your face with a foaming or gel-based face wash, depending on your skin type. And voila! Your skin looks and feels fresh, clean, and ready for your nightly routine.