10 Best Ways to Remove Makeup at Night (even if you are lazy like me!)

woman removing makeup

10 Best Ways to Remove Makeup at Night

As a makeup artist, I cannot stress enough the importance of removing your makeup before hitting the sack.

Sleeping with your makeup on can cause a host of problems, like clogged pores, breakouts, and premature aging.

While it might seem like a hassle to remove makeup after a long day, trust me when I say that it’s worth it.

Not only does it give your skin a chance to breathe, but it also sets the stage for a proper nighttime skincare routine that can help you achieve a radiant, glowing complexion.

In this article, I’ll be sharing with you the 10 best ways to remove makeup at night, so you can keep your skin healthy and happy.

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how to remove your makeup at night

Importance of Removing Makeup Before Going to Sleep

Removing makeup before going to sleep is crucial as it allows the skin to breathe and repair itself overnight. When you leave your makeup on, it clogs your pores, trapping oil and dirt inside, which can lead to acne and breakouts. Additionally, sleeping in makeup can cause inflammation, making the skin look dull and tired.

Benefits of a Proper Skincare Routine at Night

A proper skincare routine at night can do wonders for your skin. It allows the skin to repair and rejuvenate itself, helping you achieve a healthy and radiant complexion. A consistent skincare routine can help:

  • Remove dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin
  • Improve skin texture and tone
  • Prevent premature aging
  • Hydrate and moisturize the skin
  • Minimize the appearance of pores
  • Improve skin elasticity

Now, let’s discuss the 10 best ways to remove makeup at night.

1. Double Cleanse

The double cleansing method involves using an oil-based cleanser like this one to remove makeup, followed by a water-based cleanser like this one to remove any residue.

This method ensures that all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil are removed from the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.

2. Micellar Water

Micellar water is a gentle and effective way to remove makeup.

Micellar water is a gentle, water-based cleansing solution that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is made up of tiny micelles, which are clusters of oil molecules that are suspended in water.

These micelles act like tiny magnets, attracting dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin’s surface and effectively removing them without the need for harsh chemicals or scrubbing.

Here are some of the benefits of using micellar water:

  • Cleanses and removes makeup
  • Hydrates the skin
  • Suitable for all skin types
  • Convenient to use

My all time favorite micellar water is this one by Bioderma.

3. Cleansing Balm

A cleansing balm is a type of cleanser that is designed to remove makeup and impurities from the skin.

Unlike traditional cleansers, which often contain harsh chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural oils, cleansing balms use a unique formula that melts away makeup and dirt while leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

It’s an excellent option for those with dry skin as it helps to hydrate and nourish the skin.

A really good and affordable cleansing balm to remove makeup is this one here by elf.????

Here’s how it works:

The balm is typically solid at room temperature, but when it comes into contact with the skin, it starts to melt into an oil-like texture.

The balm’s oily texture helps to break down makeup and impurities on the skin’s surface, making them easier to remove.

As you massage the balm into your skin, the heat from your fingertips helps to further melt the balm, allowing it to penetrate deep into your pores and remove any trapped dirt or oil.

Once you’ve massaged the balm into your skin, you can use a warm, damp cloth to wipe away any residue, leaving your skin feeling clean, soft, and hydrated.

Cleansing balms typically contain nourishing ingredients like plant oils, antioxidants, and vitamins that help to soothe and protect the skin while removing makeup and impurities.

4. Cleansing Oil

A cleansing oil is an effective way to remove your makeup, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner.

It’s gentle on the skin, leaving it clean and moisturized.

I recommend this one here.

What’s the difference between cleansing oil vs cleansing balm?

leansing oil and cleansing balm are two types of oil-based cleansers used for removing makeup and impurities from the skin.

While both are effective, they differ in texture, ingredients, method of use, cleansing power, and suitability for different skin types.

Cleansing oil is liquid and usually made with a blend of different oils, while cleansing balm is solid and made with a blend of oils and waxes.

Both can be used for most skin types, but those with oily or acne-prone skin may prefer a lighter cleansing oil or cleansing balm.

5. Cleansing Wipes

Cleansing wipes are a convenient way to remove makeup on the go.

They’re ideal for travel or when you don’t have access to water. However, they can be harsh on the skin, so use them sparingly.

I don’t agree with using makeup remover wipes as a daily method to remove makeup at night. Instead, I suggest using them to clean specific areas when applying makeup, such as for correcting mistakes or cleaning up smudges.

The reason for this is that makeup remover wipes can be harsh on the skin and may not effectively remove all of the makeup, leaving some residue behind.

This can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, and irritation.

Additionally, many makeup remover wipes contain harsh chemicals that can strip the skin of its natural oils, further damaging the skin’s barrier.

Instead, using reusable wipes like this cute package here with a gentle cleanser or micellar water is a better option for both the skin and the environment.

They are gentle on the skin, more effective at removing makeup, and can be washed and reused, reducing waste and environmental impact.

6. Oil-Based Makeup Remover

An oil-based makeup remover is an effective way to remove makeup, especially waterproof mascara and eyeliner. I like this eye makeup remover by Mario badescu.

It’s gentle on the skin, leaving it clean and moisturized.

7. Face Wash

A face wash is an effective way to remove makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin. Look for a face wash that’s formulated for your skin type, whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin.

I recommend this one because it contains niacinamide. A really GREAT skincare ingredient basically good for all skin types.

8. Toner

A toner like this one by elf that also contains hyaluronic acid is an excellent way to remove any leftover residue from your makeup.

It helps to balance the skin’s pH levels, leaving it clean and refreshed.

Check out this article on toner vs cleanser to learn more.

9. Niacinamide Serum

Niacinamide serum is a powerful skincare ingredient that can help to reduce inflammation and redness caused by wearing makeup all day.

It also helps to brighten the skin, leaving it looking healthy and radiant. While I’m not saying you have to wash your face with a niacinamide serum (because it’s not the purpose fo this product)

I highly encourage you to incorporate this skincare ingredient into your routine. And this one here is a good affordable serum to start with.

You can either try a niacinamide serum after cleansing your face or use a moisturizer with this ingredient on it.

Check out this Niacinamide guide to learn how to incorporate this ingredient into your skincare routine.

10. Cleansing balm + Face wash

woman washing her face

Using a combination of a cleansing balm and a face wash is a great way to remove makeup thoroughly.

First, apply the cleansing balm to your dry face and massage it in gently, paying attention to areas with heavy makeup like your eyes, lips, and cheeks.

The balm will dissolve the makeup and leave your skin feeling hydrated and nourished. Then, rinse off the cleansing balm with water and follow up with your favorite face wash.

The face wash will remove any remaining makeup residue and dirt from your skin, leaving it feeling clean and refreshed.

Using a cleansing balm and face wash combo is especially great for those with dry or sensitive skin, as it helps to moisturize the skin while thoroughly removing makeup.

Related: 10 Best face washes for Dry skin

Why is it important to remove makeup before going to bed?

woman with a clean face going to bed

Removing your makeup before going to bed is essential for maintaining healthy and clear skin.

Throughout the day, makeup, dirt, and oil can accumulate on your skin, clogging your pores and causing breakouts. A

additionally, sleeping with makeup on can cause your skin to become dehydrated and dull, as it prevents your skin from absorbing the necessary nutrients and moisture it needs to stay healthy.

How to remove waterproof Makeup

Removing waterproof makeup can be a challenging task, especially if you don’t know the right technique.

Unlike regular makeup, waterproof makeup is designed to stay in place even when exposed to water, making it difficult to remove.

However, with the right products and techniques, you can effectively remove waterproof makeup without damaging your skin.

One effective way to remove waterproof makeup is to use an oil-based cleanser.

Oil-based cleansers are designed to dissolve the oils in the waterproof makeup, making it easier to remove.

Simply apply the oil-based cleanser to your face and massage it into your skin, focusing on the areas where you have applied the waterproof makeup.

After a few minutes, rinse the cleanser off with warm water and follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove any residue.

Another effective method is to use micellar water.

Micellar water contains micelles, which are tiny oil molecules that attract dirt and oil, making it an excellent option for removing waterproof makeup.

Simply soak a cotton pad in micellar water and gently wipe it over your face, focusing on the areas where you have applied the waterproof makeup.

Repeat until all the makeup is removed.

If you prefer a more natural approach, you can use coconut oil to remove waterproof makeup.

Coconut oil is a natural oil that is effective in removing waterproof makeup while also nourishing and moisturizing the skin.

Simply apply a small amount of coconut oil to a cotton pad and gently wipe it over your face, focusing on the areas where you have applied the waterproof makeup.

Rinse your face with warm water and follow up with a gentle cleanser to remove any residue.

The Benefits of a Proper Skincare Routine at Night

A proper skincare routine at night can help to nourish and repair your skin while you sleep.

During the day, your skin is exposed to environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution, which can cause damage to your skin cells.

By following a proper skincare routine at night, you can help to reverse some of this damage, as well as protect your skin from further damage.

Additionally, your skin goes through a natural repair process at night, where it produces new collagen and elastin.

By using skincare products that contain active ingredients like retinol, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid, you can help to boost this natural repair process and promote healthy, glowing skin.

Related: Hyaluronic Acid vs. Retinol: How to use each and when to apply

What happens if you never take off your makeup at night?

If you never take off your makeup at night, it can have serious consequences for your skin.

Sleeping with makeup on can clog your pores, leading to breakouts and acne.

It can also cause your skin to become dehydrated, as makeup can prevent your skin from absorbing the necessary moisture it needs to stay healthy.

Over time, sleeping with makeup on can also cause premature aging, as it can damage your skin cells and prevent the natural repair process from occurring.

Additionally, leaving makeup on overnight can lead to irritation and inflammation, which can cause redness and uneven skin tone.

Final thoughts on best ways to remove makeup at night

In conclusion, removing your makeup before going to bed is essential for maintaining healthy and clear skin.

Removing makeup at night is an essential part of any skincare routine, but it can be tempting to skip it when you’re feeling lazy or tired.

However, neglecting to remove your makeup can have serious consequences for your skin, including clogged pores, breakouts, and premature aging.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to remove makeup that are quick, easy, and effective.

From micellar water to oil cleansing, there are options for every skin type and preference.

So, no matter how tired you are, make sure to take the time to remove your makeup at night.

Your skin will thank you for it!

Bye bye!
Valeria H.

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