The Right Way to Remove Eye Makeup

When it comes to eye makeup, how much thought do you really give to taking it all off at the end of the day? Don’t even think about skipping out on this crucial step in your daily routine—sleeping in your eye makeup is a big skin care no-no. Even if you wash with a facial cleanser regularly, if you’re left with streaks of mascara and eyeliner under your eyes, your eye makeup removal process needs a revamp. The skin around your eyes is super-delicate, so it’s important to be gentle when removing your mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow and to use cleansers and makeup removers that are actually meant for removing eye makeup. Ready to change the way you go about things? Keep reading to find out why it’s so important to wipe your eye makeup off before bed and how to do so gently yet effectively.

WHY YOU SHOULD REMOVE YOUR EYE MAKEUP BEFORE BED

Of course, it’s always tempting to get under the covers after a long day and skip washing your face. But even if you don’t have the energy for any other part of your nighttime skin care routine, you should take off your makeup to avoid clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts. The good news is that removing your eye makeup properly is easy and shouldn’t cut into how much time you have for sleeping.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR EYE MAKEUP WITH MICELLAR WATER

Like we said, when it comes to taking off your eye makeup, being gentle is key. Enter micellar water, a French favorite cleanser that is now gaining popularity worldwide—and for good reason. Micellar water is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—suspended in water. These molecules act like a magnet to help lift dirt, oil, and makeup residue up and away from the skin. Basically, micellar water is a lazy girl’s dream: There’s no rinsing—or harsh rubbing—required!

If you typically wear waterproof eyeliner or mascara, try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types, which cleans dirt and impurities and removes even the most stubborn waterproof makeup. If your skin tends to be dry, use the L'Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser – Normal to Dry Skin. On the flip side, if your skin is often oily, use the L'Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser – Normal to Oily Skin, which is formulated to help keep your complexion looking mattified without stripping your skin.

Want to try micellar water but never used it before? Well, it turns out it’s really easy! Start by saturating a cotton pad with the cleansing liquid, then hold the pad over your closed eye for a few seconds before wiping to remove your eye makeup. Finally, to get completely clean, wipe the pad over the rest of your face.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR EYE MAKEUP WITH MAKEUP WIPES

In addition to micellar water, makeup removing towelettes are another great, easy option for removing stubborn eye makeup. Working out at night? Toss a pack in your bag so you can swipe everything off before you hit the gym! Too tired to make it to the bathroom before bed? Keep a pack on your nightstand for easy access! Try the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean Makeup Removing Towelettes, which gently cleanse and remove all makeup—yes, even waterproof mascara and long-wear formulas. These ultra-soft towelettes gently dissolve all traces of makeup as well as dirt and oil without drying out your skin. Plus, they’re gentle enough to use around the eye area. Simply open the pack and gently wipe a towelette around your eye area and the rest of your face. Like micellar water, there’s no rinsing required—so even if you’ve had a late night, no excuses! Just remember to reseal the pack to prevent the remaining towelettes from drying out. It’s that easy.

WHAT TO DO AFTER YOU REMOVE YOUR EYE MAKEUP

We get it: Some nights, you’re just going to be too tired to do anything after taking off your makeup. But it is important to establish a daily nighttime beauty routine if you want to keep your complexion happy. If you want to get in on the double cleansing skin trend, try using a rinse-off cleanser after you take off your eye makeup. Reach for a cleanser that won’t over-dry your skin, like the L'Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser. Next, follow up with an eye cream for hydration. Try the L'Oréal Paris Age Perfect Hydra Nutrition Manuka Honey Eye Gel, a light, non-sticky gel that is formulated with hydrating manuka honey and nourishing oils. The rollerball wand also makes it super easy, and quick, to apply. All the better for making it into bed sooner!

Next, learn about 6 Common Face-Washing Mistakes You Could Be Making.