7 tips to remove makeup

We all know that beautiful skin starts with a thorough cleansing, but sometimes it feels that no matter how hard you scrub and lather, you can't get all of your makeup off. We've been in your shoes. Despite our best attempts, we're stumped as to how to thoroughly remove makeup. We spoke with dermatologists and makeup professionals to receive their best advice on how to remove every last trace of makeup from our faces. Continue reading for seven expert pieces of advice on how to get a flawlessly naked, makeup-free face.

Take your time.

The slower you go when it comes to removing eye makeup in particular, the better. "Let technology do the heavy lifting," dermatologist Ranella Hirsch advises. "Apply makeup remover and leave it to sit for a while. Give it a few minutes while you brush and floss, for example." This will soften mascara, liner, and shadow so that when you wipe it off, it comes off easily and completely. "You won't have smudges under your eyes in the morning if you do this," Hirsch explains.

Allowing the makeup remover to perform its magic also eliminates the need to rub/scrub with your makeup remover pad, which is usually a mistake because friction damages the sensitive skin around your eyes, creating irritation and adding to wrinkles.

Soap and water work better than makeup wipes.

You already suspected that makeup wipes seemed too wonderful to be true, right? Wipes are a great first step in removing makeup, and they're best used before cleaning. However, ideally, a proper sink session should follow.

"Many of us make the mistake of merely wiping our faces and going to bed, but the makeup isn't completely removed—you still have to wash your face, ladies," says makeup artist Azra Red. "The best way to eliminate residue and prepare your skin for a nice night regimen is to use water and face wash. If you only use wipes before applying moisturizer, you risk pushing dirt further into your pores and waking up with pimples or blackheads."

Use a cleanser made to remove makeup.

"Women often use a facial cleanser that isn't designed to remove makeup," explains Joanna Czech, an esthetician. If you suspect yours is one of these (evidence: slight BB cream smudges on your face towel after cleansing), try a makeup remover first, such as micellar water, or switch to a cleansing oil or balm. Even the most persistent makeup, such as stay-put foundations, liquid lipsticks, and brow pigments, may be removed with these (two great options to try: Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil and Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm).

We get what some of you are thinking: There's no way an oil-based solution will clean your face. The new oil cleansers, on the other hand, can truly perform wonders. "A lot of people don't realize that oil removes oil," Czech explains, recommending Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil and La Mer The Cleansing Oil as favorites. For increased cleansing power, she removes them with a washcloth. If you can't take the feel of an oil cleanser, she recommends milky or gel textures as excellent substitutes. Here are a few more that we enjoy.

Make sure to cleanse the edges of your eyelid.

The elusive edge of your eyelid, where liner and mascara can build up over time—and cause eye irritation—is one zone that is commonly overlooked during makeup removal. You might need to get in there with a more targeted technique and make sure every last speck is gone, especially if you tight-lined your eyes with waterproof liquid. "I love the DHC cotton swabs with olive oil for detail work," says makeup artist Nick Barose.

"They break everything down so you don't have to scrape, which causes lashes to come out and shatter." When it comes to lashes falling out, never pull stubborn mascara clumps off with your fingers. Allow enough time for your remover to penetrate (remember tip #1), and then gently push down with a flat cotton pad, working slowly in the direction your lashes grow, to coax clumps out without causing harm.

Push your hair back and cleanse your hairline.

Even a simple action like putting your hair in a pony can feel like too much effort when it's past midnight and your pillow is calling. However, if you don't do so, you'll most likely stop washing your face a few inches short of your hairline. According to celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas, "people commonly develop makeup residue under their hairline, which contributes to clogged pores and outbreaks." Noted. Take two seconds to tie it back, or use a terry headband to ensure you've removed all traces of makeup.

Flat cotton pads are better than cotton balls.

"Cotton balls can leave residue or break down while being used, leaving threads on your lashes or skin," dermatologist Rebecca Kazin warns. When you're trying to detox and soothe, this can cause irritation. Instead of balls, use flat cotton pads, preferably with a quilted feel. According to makeup artist Fiona Stiles, "basic drugstore pads work very well," but "specialized ones can be worth it for dedicated makeup wearers." She says she only uses Japanese cotton squares because the cotton is woven in such a way that it doesn't shed. "They're like little magical pillows that take away everything.

Always follow up makeup removal with moisture.

Even if you don't have dry skin, you should always follow up your makeup removal with some targeted moisture: If you've just removed your lipstick, moisturize your lips and apply eye cream. "Removing makeup can cause the most delicate skin on your face, the eye area, to dry up," Kazin warns. "You need to keep it moisturized and soft."