How to Remove Your Makeup Like a Pro

We'll be honest, at the end of a long day, often the last thing we want to do is stand in front of the mirror and take our makeup off. But as tedious as the skincare step often seems, it's absolutely clutch if you want to keep your skin healthy and clear.

Like all things skincare, the makeup removal process is highly customizable depending on your skin type and the type of makeup you typically wear. However, before you tackle this nightly must, there are a few key tips that everyone should know. With this skincare skill on lock, you can finally wake up with a fresh face and without a makeup-stained pillow.

How to Remove Makeup

1. Find the right makeup remover for your skin type.

Many folks assume that makeup remover is a one-size-fits-all type of skincare situation, but that's not the case. Makeup artist Diana Campos says, "I notice clients often choose to use the wrong makeup remover for their skin type. Some clients remove too much of the natural skin oils and end up with dry skin and others don’t clean deep enough, thus resulting in breakouts."

If you have dry skin, you might try using an oil-based makeup remover. For oily and acne-prone skin types, you might consider an oil-free makeup remover. And for sensitive skin types, be sure to find a formula made without harsh alcohols or perfumes.

2. For an easy, efficient option consider micellar water.

If you're a beauty minimalist and you want a makeup remover that will work for any skin type and on pretty much all types of makeup, micellar water might be the move.

"Micellar water is a multipurpose skincare product, typically used to remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the face prior to cleansing," explains dermatologist Jason Emer. Made with purified water, moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or aloe, and micelles (tiny balls of oil molecules that attract, lift, and dissolve unwanted grime from your skin), micellar water will get the job done quickly without causing irritation.

3. Decide if makeup remover is necessary.

In today's world of highly advanced facial cleansers, here's a time-saving secret: Many face washes can effectively remove dirt and impurities while also removing makeup. In most cases, using lukewarm water and a face cleanser is enough to remove all traces of makeup. However, if you're wearing waterproof or longwear makeup, you may need the help of makeup remover.

That being said, certain types of cleansers tend to work better for makeup removal than others. Oil-based cleansers, milky cleansers, jelly cleansers, and cleansing balms all tend to work best for both removing makeup and cleansing the skin. They're also all excellent options for a double-cleansing routine.

4. Get specific with your eye makeup remover.

If you're planning to use longwear eye makeup products, it's often a good idea to find a specialized eye makeup remover. These formulas are designed to dissolve stubborn makeup like waterproof mascara and eyeliner without irritating the delicate skin around the eyes.

For super stubborn eye makeup, Campos says she tends to turn to the GLOSSIER Milky Oil. This ophthalmologist-tested formula is an innovative combo of micellar water and weightless oil that's both highly effective and safe for sensitive eyes.

5. Dab, don't scrub.

It's tempting to drench a cotton pad with makeup remover and start scrubbing to remove makeup as fast as possible. But whenever it comes to handling your skin, a gentle touch is key.

When removing face makeup, instead try lightly dabbing a wipe or cotton round all over the face until all the makeup has been removed. For eye makeup, Campos says, "I simply add a few drops [of makeup remover] to a makeup wipe and lightly press it onto the eye area for about 15 to 20 seconds to let it dissolve the makeup. That way you don’t have to rub the eyes too much and cause irritation." She adds, "We have very thin, sensitive skin under and around the eye area, so it’s good to be super gentle."

6. Ditch the cotton balls.

Just as important as makeup remover is the vessel you use to apply it. Since cotton balls can leave behind residue on the skin and cotton fibers on your lashes, it's a better idea to use quilted cotton pads. Or, for something a bit more eco-conscious, you might even consider trying reusable cotton rounds like the COCOKIND Reusable Facial Rounds. You'll just need to be diligent about only using each pad once before washing it.

7. Always follow makeup remover with cleanser.

Unless you're in a serious time crunch, it's pretty much always a good idea to wash your face with cleanser after using makeup remover. That way you can remove any last traces of makeup you may have missed, oil residue from the makeup remover, and all traces of dirt and grime.

While micellar water can technically remove dirt as well as makeup, Dr. Emer says, "I wouldn't use it as a daily cleanser or moisturizer." He notes that the oil it leaves behind may block other active ingredients from properly absorbing into the skin, meaning the products you use after this step in your skincare routine may not be as effective.

Pro tip: When washing your face, don't forget to cleanse around the hairline. Many often stop short of the hairline when cleansing and doing so can lead to a buildup of makeup residue and ultimately clogged pores and breakouts.

The 5 Best Makeup Removers

Now that you know how to remove makeup like a pro, it's time to make sure your beauty shelf is stocked with the best makeup removers. Here are four formulas that make this daily task a total breeze.

1. The Best Micellar Water: DRUNK ELEPHANT E-Rase™ Milki Micellar Water

This micellar water formula is made with ultra-mild micelles (those tiny balls of oil molecules that attract, lift, and dissolve unwanted grime from your skin), soothing vitamin E, hydrating fatty acids, and nourishing plant oils. Saturate a cotton pad with this stuff and gently dab it around your face to remove all traces of normal wear makeup or waterproof makeup.

2. Best Makeup Remover for Longwear Makeup: INNISFREE Refreshing Lip & Eye Makeup Remover

When you need something tough enough to tackle waterproof mascara, longwear foundation, and smudge-proof lipstick, reach for this makeup remover from Korean beauty brand INNISFREE. This is a dual-phase makeup remover, meaning it's part water and part oil. While the oil phase removes all makeup, the water phase contains emollients that remove oily residue and condition skin.

3. The Best Makeup-Removing Cleansing Oil: SHISEIDO Perfect Cleansing Oil

This cleansing oil lives up to its name. Made with SHISEIDO's original "Gentle Quick-Removing Technology," it rapidly penetrates deep into the pores to thoroughly remove all traces of dirt and makeup (yes, even waterproof eye makeup!). Once it's rinsed off, you're left with non-greasy, dewy skin that is perfectly primed for toner, serums, moisturizers, or whatever you're planning to apply next.

4. Best Makeup Remover for Acne-Prone and Oily Skin Types: PURLISSE Blue Lotus 4-1 Cleansing Milk

Looking for an oil-free option? This soap- and sulfate-free formula is a major multitasker in your beauty routine as it cleanses, removes tough waterproof eye makeup, and tones skin. It's no wonder Campos lists this as her favorite makeup remover. 

The secret behind this powerful yet gentle cleanser is soy milk, soy proteins, whole oats, and white tea, which soothe and moisturize while you wash away makeup and any dirt that has accumulated on the surface of your skin.

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