How to: Makeup Removing 101

It's a vicious cycle- we take the time to do our makeup only to have to take it off at the end of our, sometimes long and tiring, day. But it has to be done, right? Unless you want to wake up with foundation and  mascara smeared across your pillowcase and maybe a new blemish or two, then by all means fall into bed without so much as a glance at the sink.

For those of us who don't want any of that, there are lots of options for makeup removing, some easier than others. And please, splashing your face repeatedly with water does not count as removing your makeup! Also, simply washing your face with your normal cleanser is not sufficient (even if it says it's a makeup remover, most 2-in-1 products aren't as effective as two separate products). To get the most benefits from your cleanser, you should start with a clean base so the ingredients can penetrate your pores effectively and efficiently. Think of it as a two step cleansing: of course you can just remove your makeup and not properly cleanse or properly cleanse thinking it's removing all of your makeup, but think of how clean and pure your skin would be if you did both? I promise, you will notice a difference by doing both!

Methods for removing your makeup (in order from I'm-too-drunk-to-really-think-about-this to I-have-time-and-I-want-to-enjoy-taking-off-the-layers)

1. Facial wipes: Pre-moistened wipes that wisk away makeup with little effort on your part. Remember those baby wipes your mom used to use on your bum when you were a kid? Think of these as special baby wipes especially made for your face. Depending on the amount of makeup you're wearing you might need two, but for normal, everyday makeup one will suffice. Keep a pack next to your bed so you have no excuse! Also, just because something is more expensive doesn't always mean it's better; stick to the pharmacy vs Sephora when it comes to these.
   Favorites: Formula 10.0.6 Keep Me Clean Purifying Facial Wipes (pictured above), $5.99. Yes To Tomatoes Blemish Clearing Facial Towelettes, $7.99. 
2. Micellar/Cleansing Water: Remember when I said using water doesn't count as cleaning your face? I kinda lied; while plain old water won't do you any good, these babies pack a punch that will knock makeup out! I know what you're thinking ("these are just fancy waters!"), but stay with me here; they're so much more. Use them as you would any toner, sweeping a damp/wet cotton pad over your entire face (yes, even your eyes!) and repeating the process until your cotton pad is clean. Another bonus of cleansing waters- if you're running late in the morning, use it as your primary cleanser! What's not to love?!
   Favorites: Bioderma Crealine H2o (pictured above, review coming soon!), $25 for 250ml (shop around Amazon for the best deal!). Caudalie Cleansing Water, $26 for 200ml.
   Technically not a cleansing water, but it deserves mention: Klorane Soothing Eye Make-Up Remover (pictured above), $16 for 200ml.
3. Oil: I know, you're cringing at the word! "Oil? On my face?! Eww, get it away!" Please, hear me out! Haven't you even wondered why some eye makeup removers have oil in them? It's because oil is amazing at removing heavy duty or waterproof makeup. AMAZING! Oil wisks makeup way gently, without scrubbing your face. Sounds nice right? Added bonus: you're getting a facial massage while taking off your makeup! Can it get any better?
   You can use almost any oil (except mineral oil!); the most common being jojoba, olive, and coconut oil. Crunchy Betty has a get list of oils commonly used, so take a look at that! Now some people complain that coconut oil is comedogenic; I, and many (many) other women, have never had issues with it, but decide for yourself if you think your skin will react to it. Into the Gloss recently posted a great article on coconut oil. Just make sure whatever type (of coconut oil) you get is virgin and cold-pressed! Actually, any oil you use on your face should be virgin/pure!
   To use: pour (or with coconut oil, scoop) a small amount into your hand and warm the oil between your hands before massaging your entire face. Do your eyes last so you can see! Take your time massaging all over; you'll see your makeup start to smear. To remove, simply use a wet washcloth (or muslin cloth) and wipe away the oil. Viola! Instead of makeup you have soft, glowing skin! (I feel like we'll be seeing oil have its own post sometime in the future...)
   Favorites: Dr. Bronner's Fair Trade Organic Whole Virgin Coconut Oil (pictured above), $10.99 for 414ml (14oz). Desert Essence Jojoba Oil, $13.99 for 118ml (4oz).

My favorite? Depends on the day, but I prefer to use coconut oil then my regular cleanser. However if I'm not going to be washing my face for bed any time soon, then I'll use coconut oil followed by Bioderma and I'll wash my face normally later in the evening. Why not try them all and see which works best for you and your skin?

Comment below and tell me about your favorite method!