Many people don’t spend much time on proper eye makeup removal. In fact, some people even go to bed still wearing their mascara and eyeliner! If you’re guilty of doing this, it’s time for a change. Removing eye makeup isn’t nearly as fun as putting it on, but you don’t have to dread it anymore. By following this guide, you’ll be able to come up with an eye makeup removal routine you look forward to every night.
Choosing the Right Makeup Remover is Key
Finding an eye makeup remover that works for your skin type can be challenging. Using the wrong makeup remover can lead to eye irritation, dry skin, and buildup. Therefore, it’s very important to go through all the options and find a product that works for you.
There are plenty of great makeup removers on the market for all budgets. If you’re looking for something reasonably priced, you can find plenty of options at your local drugstore. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover gently removes all eye makeup, even waterproof mascara. Best of all, you can buy a bottle that will last months for around $5.
If you’re looking for something a little fancier, try Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes and Lips. This fragrance-free eye makeup remover is allergy tested and paraben free. As an added bonus, it removes lipstick as well!
If you’d prefer to stick to natural options, you’ll be surprised to find that you can use some common ingredients from your kitchen to remove your makeup. Olive, coconut, and grape seed oils are excellent natural makeup removers. Many people say they work just as well as “real” makeup removers. In fact, some people claim that natural oils remove makeup even more effectively.
Finding your ideal makeup remover takes some trial and error, so you might have to try out some less-than-ideal products until you find your perfect match. When you find the makeup remover of your dreams, you’ll know it!
Don’t Underestimate the Importance of Good Cotton Pads
Many people make the mistake of relying on cheap, flimsy cotton pads that fall apart in their hands. They don’t realize that the process of removing makeup is much easier with decent ones. By using poor quality cotton pads, you won’t be able to remove your makeup effectively. You’ll also be much more likely to end up scrubbing at your skin, which can cause irritation.
If you don’t want to spend a bundle of money on cotton pads, you can still find plenty of decent options at your local drugstore. Swisspers Premium Rounds are a solid choice. If you don’t mind spending a little extra for a premium product, Ko Gen Do Pure Cotton pads will be the softest makeup removal pads to ever grace your face. Gently patting them against your face is like being kissed by a cloud.
Step 1: Gently Pat the Eye Area, Being Careful Not to Scrub
Once you’ve gathered all your materials, it’s time to get down to business. Dampen a cotton pad with the makeup remover of your choice. Gently press the cotton against your closed eye, allowing the makeup remover to work its magic. You should hold it against your eye for at least 30 seconds to ensure all traces of makeup are removed. Never scrub the area around your eye, as this can lead to irritation and other issues. Over time, scrubbing your eyes to remove makeup can even lead to premature signs of aging! It’s very important to simply hold the cotton pad in place and let the makeup remover do its job.
For maximum effectiveness, you should plan on using a separate cotton pad for each eye. If you try to use the same pad for both eyes, you’ll probably run into trouble with the second eye.
Step 2: Use a Q-tip to Clean Any Hard-to-Reach Places
If you wear long-lasting products like waterproof mascara, your eyes might need a bit of extra attention to remove all the product. You can remove any traces of makeup that survived the cotton pad by cleaning your eye area with a Q-tip. Saturate the Q-tip in makeup remover until it’s damp but not soaked. Gently run the Q-tip over your eyelashes and remove all the buildup. If you use eyeliner on your waterline, clean this area up as well.
Step 3: Clean Your Eye Area With a Soft, Warm Washcloth
By this point, you’re probably longing for the sweet relief of a warm washcloth to clean all that makeup remover away. Gently dab at your eyes until all the makeup remover is washed down the drain. Remember not to scrub!
Now is a good time to cleanse the rest of your face as well. If you have a favorite cleanser or facial soap, use it now before gently drying your face and eye area with a towel. For best results, you can follow up with your favorite moisturizing eye cream.
But What if I Have Sensitive Eyes?
If your eyes are especially sensitive, you may need to fine-tune your routine and be extra gentle. Eye irritation is no laughing matter. Luckily, there are plenty of products on the market designed especially for people with sensitive eyes.
If you’re looking for more heavy-duty options, the Sens’Eyes cleanser by Make Up For Ever is an excellent choice for people with sensitive eyes. It removes waterproof makeup in one swipe, and it’s formulated without parabens.
Alternatively, you can try using natural products such as grape seed or olive oil instead. Natural oils don’t contain all the harsh chemicals that many other makeup removers do, so they may be a better choice for people with sensitive eyes.
Do Your Skin a Favor and Don’t Slack on Removing Eye Makeup!
When you remove your eye makeup at the end of the day, remember that you’re doing your skin a favor. Besides cleaning away dirt and product buildup, you’re improving the long-term heath of your skin. By following this guide, you’ll be able to develop a makeup routine that will keep your skin healthy for years to come. In the meantime, have fun experimenting with different makeup removers along the way!
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