Back in the day, we only had a few ways to remove our makeup after a long day. Once we realized how terrible sleeping in our makeup was, we began opting for a regular cleanser. Others might shake up a bottle of oil-based makeup remover, splash some onto a cotton pad, and get to work removing our stubborn mascara.
However, recently, it seems that there are a lot more options out there. Should we be double cleansing our face after makeup remover? Are oil cleansers the ideal option, or are they contributing to breakouts? Makeup wipes—friend or foe? With so much conflicting information out there, we turned to the experts to get some answers.
Picking the best makeup remover has a lot to do with your skin type. If you rarely break out, you have far more options to choose from. “If you don’t have any acne or blemishes, a makeup removal step in your routine really comes down to personal choice. Balms, creams, gels, micellars all can be ideal as a first cleansing step,” says acne specialist and esthetician Sofie Pavitt.
Meanwhile, “if you’re acne prone, I highly recommend using micellar as a first step with no oils or balms in a cleansing routine, followed by a gel cleanser. This is ideal for prepping the skin to receive your activities correctly to help clear the skin,” she continues.
However, if your skin is prone to pimples, your method of removing makeup could be worsening the situation, either by not thoroughly cleansing the skin, or by clogging your pores. “Double cleansing is a gentle and easy way of getting rid of makeup and buildup which can prevent acne and breakouts,” says double board-certified dermatologist Dr. Karan Lal.
Properly removing your products is one of the healthiest choices you can make for your skin. “It’s important to remove SPF, makeup, pollution and sebum from the skin at the end of the day to let your skin repair itself. This will also prep your skin to receive any actives,” adds Pavitt.
In a bind, using your daily cleanser twice can be sufficient, depending on how thoroughly it removes your makeup. “If you don’t want to have two types of products, using the same cleanser twice will thoroughly cleanse the skin and make sure you’re taking it all off,” Pavitt continues. “Another tip is to check your face towel after cleansing. Do you see any traces of make up on it after drying your face? Make sure to really rub and cleanse to the edges of the face, and right up to the hairline also.” Drying your face with a clean towel, and washing your pillows often, can also help improve your nighttime routine.
For Dr. Lal, opting for an oil-based cleanser to dissolve any lingering makeup is his preferred method. “I recommend using two methods to remove makeup for the best results: A micellar water and then oil-based cleansers. Micellar water can be used prior to oil cleansers to remove thick, full-coverage makeup,” says Dr. Lal. “Then you can follow up with an oil-based cleanser. Makeup wipes are great when in a bind but I don’t personally like them for everyday use because they also aren’t often eco friendly.”
Whichever method you choose, it’s also important to remember to check the ingredients, not just the formulation of your cleansers. Whether it’s a comedogenic ingredient that can exacerbate breakouts, or a perfume that irritates your skin, there are a lot of factors to consider.
Here, shop some of our favorite makeup removers that keep your skin happy.
