Most irritation from taking off makeup comes from rubbing, not from the makeup itself. If your skin is red or tight after you've washed your face, the method is usually the problem.
Start with dry skin
Don't splash water on first. Long-wear foundation, waterproof mascara and sunscreen are made to resist water, so a regular face wash slides over them. Put a remover (cream, balm, micellar water or oil) on dry skin, massage gently for 30 seconds or so, and let it break the makeup down.
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Eyes: press, don't wipe
Soak a cotton pad in remover, hold it on your closed eye for 10 to 15 seconds, then wipe gently downward. Waterproof mascara needs a little longer. Waiting does more than pressure. Use a fresh pad for each eye.
Then wash your face
The remover lifts the makeup. A gentle cleanser takes away the remover and whatever's left. Use lukewarm water, not hot. Hot water is one of the most common reasons skin feels tight afterward. Pay attention to the hairline and jaw, where foundation tends to collect.
This two-step routine is what people mean by "double cleansing." If you only wear sunscreen and a bit of mascara, it still helps.
Pat dry and moisturize
Pat your face with a clean towel instead of rubbing. Put moisturizer on while your skin is still slightly damp.
Mistakes we see a lot
- Scrubbing the eye area with a wipe
- Using a makeup wipe as the only step and going to bed
- Hand soap on the face
- Very hot water
- Reusing the same cotton pad for both eyes
What we use
Our makeup remover cream ($11.17, 50g) is a gentle cream for the first step. Massage it on dry skin, then wipe it off or rinse. After that, a soft silicone face brush with your usual cleanser takes care of what's left, without scrubbing.