What are the Risks of Removing Makeup Incorrectly?
1- Dull Skin
Almost all makeup products contain chemical, which cannot be removed from the face using a facial cleanser alone. If you are not careful to remove makeup thoroughly, those chemicals can remain on the skin, leading to rough and dull skin. In addition, not removing makeup properly means that particles will remain around the eye region, which can cause you to look like you have dark circles. These chemicals staying on your skin can even cause small melanin spots to appear around the eye region.
2- Black Heads and Large Pores
Not removing your makeup thoroughly can cause cosmetics to linger on your skin and clog its pores. In turn, that causes pores to become larger, and to attract more dirt which can lead to the formation of those dreaded black heads.
3- Dry and Loose Skin
The outermost layer of the skin locks in moisture and helps to maintain skin that is smooth and not dry. If makeup is not completely removed from the face, it can cause skin to struggle in maintaining its moisture balance. Over time, it can cause your skin to get drier and drier. What’s more, the accumulation of cosmetic chemicals on your face can make that outer layer of skin thicker, looser, and increase the number of thin lines on your face.
4- Acne
Not only do cosmetic residues on the face cause larger pores, they can also cause serious acne problems. If the pores of the skin become clogged, your skin is no longer able to breathe freely and get rid of toxins. Add inflammation to the mix, and angry, red, acne pimples can form on the face.
5- Accelerated Skin Aging
Cosmetics which remain on the surface of the skin block pores, preventing the skin from breathing freely. As a result, facial skin ages faster and can become looser. Not removing makeup properly can cause accelerated aging which is way worse than that caused by lack of sleep. In that regard, we can’t stress enough the importance of removing your makeup correctly.
6- Eyelash Loss
If you do not remove your mascara properly, it can absorb into the lashes of your eyes. This sucks the natural oil barrier of the eyelashes, causing them to become fragile and breakable. In other words, not removing your mascara can cause your eyelashes to break.
Makeup removal is by far one of the most important aspects of skin care. Using the appropriate makeup removal products not only makes cleaning your makeup twice as effective for half the effort, it is also great for your skin. The market is oversaturated with all sorts of makeup removal products, each claiming to be particularly effective. So what is the difference between them? And what is the effect of their composition and texture on makeup removal abilities? Let’s explore this question more in depth.
How to Choose the Right Makeup Remover?
A-Cleansing Oil
Cleansing oil works by dissolving the makeup on your face using fatty acids. The oil that is present in an oil-based cleanser emulsifies with water to create a solution that is particularly effective in taking off makeup. Even thick foundation, strong concealer, oil-based facial powders, eye-shadows and blush can’t resist the power of cleansing oil as a makeup remover. Cleansing oil used to be largely based around mineral oils, but nowadays you can find a wealth of cleansing oil products which use plant oils for a more natural and safe makeup removal method. It should be noted that after removing makeup with a cleansing oil, you should wash your face again to ensure thorough cleansing.
What type of skin is suitable?
Cleansing oil is great for those who like to wear makeup everyday, or wear a lot of make up. It is not recommended for those with oily skin.
What are Its disadvantages?
Cleansing oil can be greasy, meaning it can cause acne in those who already have a sebum production problem.
How to use?
Pour cleansing oil in the palm of your hand and apply it evenly on the face. Work by massaging it into the pace, going from inside to outside and from the bottom to the top. Continue massaging the skin until all the makeup has come off.
B-Cleansing Oil and Soap-based Facial Cleanser
Some people think that because using a cleansing oil requires you to use another facial cleanser, you should then clean your face with a soap-based cleanser. However, a soap-based facial cleanser can easily be too harsh, and damage your skin. If you have sensitive or thin facial skin, choose a mild amino acid facial cleanser instead.
C-Micellar Water Cleansers
The word ‘micellar water’ shouldn’t trick you into thinking this cleanser only contains water molecules. In fact, it contains water-insoluble ingredients which trap the dirt left on your skin to be able to remove even the toughest makeup. It is beloved as a particularly fast and effective makeup removal method. Because a micellar water is also moisturizing, it will leave your skin feeling fresh, soft, and supple. While it is a very pleasant to use and fresh-feeling makeup removal product, its makeup removal abilities are not the highest. Used on a cotton makeup removal pad, it does a good job of removing everyday light makeup. The problem is that cotton pads can be harsher on your skin than simply using your fingers, and can cause sensitivity.
What type of skin is suitable?
It is great for people with sensitive skin, oily skin and combination skin.
What are its disadvantages?
Its makeup removing abilities are comparatively weak, and it contains cleansing surfactants.
How to use?
Apply the micellar water on a cotton makeup removing pad and apply it to the face. Wipe in circular motions from inside to outside. You may need to use 2 or 3 pads to achieve full results. Continue wiping the face until no color is left on the cotton pad.
D-Cleansing Cream
A cleansing cream contains less oil than a cleansing oil, making it a fresher-feeling alternative. However, the downsize is that its makeup removing abilities are lesser. Because a cleansing cream is thick and dense, it is easier to carry around and has less chance of leaking in your bag.
What type of skin is suitable?
It is recommended for those who wear makeup often.
What are its disadvantages?
It can take some time to fully dissolve makeup.
How to use?
Take the recommended amount of the cleansing cream in the palm of your hand, preheat it briefly in between your palms and apply it evenly to the face. Massage the skin with circular motions, working from the inside of the face to the outside. Focus on areas where there is the most makeup, such as the eyes. When the makeup has been dissolved, emulsify the cream with warm water and rinse it off. You could also wipe the cleansing cream off your face using a soft, hot face towel.
E-Makeup Removing Lotion
A makeup removing lotion is somewhere in between a cream and a micellar water. It is suitable for removing everyday light makeup and is pleasant to use, leaving a refreshing feeling on the face.
What type of skin is suitable?
A cleansing lotion is best for people with dry or normal skin.
What are its disadvantages?
A makeup lotion can take some time to dissolve makeup from the face, so you shouldn’t be in a hurry when using it.
How to use?
Preheat a small quantity of makeup removing lotion in between the palms of your hands. Use it to gently massage your face using the tips of your finger, being careful not to leave it on the skin for too long. It is important not to let the skin absorb the lotion, as this might cause the opposite of the makeup removal effect you are aiming for.
F-Cleansing Gel
A cleansing gel has a pleasant soft and refreshing texture. It is easy to control the quantity that you use, and it has a better moisturizing power than most makeup removing cleansers out there.
What type of skin is suitable?
A cleansing gel is ideal for people with dry to normal skin.
What are its disadvantages?
A cleansing gel is not as effective as some other products, such as cleansing oil or cream.
How to use?
Take the recommended amount of cleansing gel and massage it into the skin of your face. When the makeup has been dissolved, simply wipe the gel with a tissue or cloth, or wash your face with warm water. It is recommended not to leave the gel on your skin for too long, as it may dry it out.
The first step to take when choosing to remove your makeup correctly is to choose the right product. However, because we use so many different makeup products on different parts of our faces, there are a couple of things that we need to pay special attention to.
How to Remove Makeup Correctly?
Eyes
1) If you are not using a waterproof mascara, you can use a special eye and lip makeup remover on a cotton pad and simply apply it to the eye for 3 seconds until your eye makeup fully dissolves. Cleanse the right eye in a clockwise motion and the left eye in a counterclockwise motion for the best way to get all the makeup out gently.
2) If you are removing waterproof mascara, use the same eye and lip makeup remover on a cotton pad. This time, apply it to the root of the eyelash for 5 seconds before wiping the eyelashes clean from the root to the tips.
Additional tips:
1) If you wear contact lenses or have sensitive eyes, choose a mild, hypoallergenic makeup remover.
2) When using micellar water as makeup remover for your eyes and lips, make sure to give it a good shake before use.
Lips
1) Apply makeup remover to a cotton pad, gently apply it on both lips for a few seconds and wipe the lips horizontally.
2) Wipe the lips a second time to remove all traces of lipstick.
Additional tips:
After using makeup remover, avoid lip balm to protect and hydrate your lips, and prevent aging.
Eyebrows
Eyebrow makeup is relatively easy to clean, simply wipe them with a cotton pad on which you have applied your favorite makeup remover.
Face
1) Take the recommended amount of makeup remover and apply it evenly onto the face and neck with either a cotton pad or your own fingertips. Massage your face gently using circular motions.
2) Remove makeup from your nose using a circular motion going from the outside of the nose region to the tip of the nose. Make sure to clean your neck with a vertical motion from bottom to top.
3) After you have cleansed your face, wipe it again with a tissue or towel until no foundation color shows up on it.
Additional Tips:
1) Before removing makeup on your face, read the instructions carefully as each product has their own recommended method.
2) After removing facial makeup, wash your face with a mild facial cleanser. Then, use a toner to clean your skin and balance its PH level.
3) People with sensitive skin should be cautious about the ingredients present in their makeup removal products. They are advised to choose a mild makeup remover which does not contain alcohol, artificial colors, fragrance or harsh chemical ingredients. Moreover, they are advised to not leave the product on the face for too long.
Q&A
Q: If I’ve removed all my makeup thoroughly, can I skip washing my face with a facial cleanser?
A: Of course not! Makeup removal products are designed to remove only makeup from the face. Facial cleansers on the other hand can also remove sweat, dirt, dust and so on. Because they have different purposes, you will need to use both to remove your makeup AND have a clean face.
Q: What can I do if I struggle to remove eyeliner using makeup remover on a cotton pad?
A: This is an easy problem to solve. Simply use a cotton stick, which will allow you to reach the base of your eyelashes, where the eyeliner is applied. Once cleaned with a cotton stick, wipe your eye as usual to remove all eyeliner and eyeshadow.
Q: How do I choose the best makeup removal product for me?
A: There are a couple of factors which you have to take into account when choosing a makeup removal product. First, you need to check if the makeup you wear is oil-based or water-soluble. If you use a majority of oil-based products, you will need to use an oil-based makeup remover, which is able to dissolve oils. These include cleansing oils and cleansing creams. Secondly, you should choose a product based on your skin type. Generally speaking, oil cleansers are recommended for dry skin, while water-based makeup removers are best suited for those with oily skin. Because of its balance of oil and water, makeup removing lotion is suitable for any skin type.
