Makeup Removal 101: Learn How To Remove Your Makeup

Applying makeup is fun, but removing it? Nah! After a long, tiring day, it’s tempting to crash without removing your makeup, but that ‘one night’ can clog pores and trigger breakouts. And towel-rubbing to remove makeup quickly isn’t the solution either. Proper makeup removal is essential for healthy, glowing skin. Wondering how to remove makeup the right way? Here’s a detailed guide on how to remove makeup for healthy, clean, and fresh skin.
How To Remove Makeup?
Keep essentials like cleansing water, balm, oil, and cotton pads ready.
- Step 1: Wash Your Hands : Clean hands prevent clogged pores and irritation.
- Step 2: How To Remove Face Makeup : Oil cleansers melt heavy makeup; micellar water lifts light makeup. Massage, emulsify, and wipe or rinse.
- Step 3: How To Remove Eye Makeup : Use micellar-soaked pads, press on eyes, then wipe gently; clean mascara by rubbing lashes between a soaked pad.
- Step 4: How To Remove Lip Makeup : Press a micellar or oil-soaked pad on lips, then wipe.
- Step 5: Double Cleanse : Wash with a gentle cleanser.
- Bonus Step: Finish With Skincare : Apply toner, serum, and moisturiser.
How To Remove Makeup?
Before you move on to remove makeup, keep cleansing essentials like cleansing water, balm, coconut oil (if necessary), cotton pad, regular facial cleansers, etc., handy with you. Now, let’s start with the steps.
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is a crucial step when learning how to remove makeup. Touching your face with dirty hands causes clogged pores and bacterial infection. Hence, wash your hands thoroughly before you remove makeup.
Step 2: How To Remove Face Makeup?
Removing Makeup With Oil-Based Cleanser/ Cleansing Balm
You can use an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm to remove heavy or long-wear makeup.
• Apply the cleanser to dry skin on your face, neck, and hairline.
• Massage for 20 - 30 seconds to melt foundation, concealer, contour, blush, and highlighter, and long-wear formulas.
• Add a little water to emulsify, then rinse or wipe with a soft cloth.
Removing Makeup With Micellar Water
This makeup removal technique is ideal for light, everyday makeup or sensitive skin.
• Saturate a cotton pad with micellar water.
• Swipe gently in upward motions across cheeks, forehead, nose, and neck.
• Replace pads as they become dirty and repeat until minimal residue remains.
Step 3: How To Remove Eye Makeup?
The eye makeup we usually use is waterproof and long-lasting. Hence, it is crucial to learn how to remove eye makeup properly and efficiently without hurting your eyes.
• Start by pouring some micellar water on two cotton pads. Place each cotton round on one eye and gently move it in circular motions.
• Now gently swipe the cotton pad gently in an upward motion. This will help you get rid of all the glitter, eyeshadow, and eyeliner.
• Pay special attention while removing your kajal and mascara. Fold a cotton pad soaked in micellar water and place your lashes in between. Gently swipe the cotton pad to get rid of your mascara. Those who use waterproof mascara and often wonder ‘how to remove eye makeup’ safely can use this method.
Step 4: How To Remove Lip Makeup?
Wait, the makeup removal steps are not over yet. What about your lip makeup? Lipstick removal is not that difficult, yet most people struggle with the process when their stubborn liquid lipstick refuses to come out completely. Read on if you’re wondering how to remove lipstick.
• Soak a cotton pad with micellar water or apply a small amount of cleansing oil.
• Press the pad onto your lips for a few seconds, then wipe gently.
• Repeat once if needed for stubborn matte or liquid lipsticks.
Step 5: Double Cleanse
Use a gentle gel or cream cleanser to wash away leftover oil, micellar water, or makeup traces. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry.
Bonus Step: Finish With Skincare
Once you are done removing face, eye, and lip makeup, follow with a suitable skincare regimen to reveal fresh and clean skin.
• Apply toner
• Follow with face serum
• Seal with moisturiser
Additional Tips To Remove Makeup
Here are some genius tips to remove makeup that you can follow to ensure every last trace of makeup is cleared away from your skin.
Indulge In A Face Steam Session
Taking a quick facial steam before you remove makeup can make the process far more effective. Simply pour boiled water into a heatproof bowl, lean over it for 8–10 minutes, and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam. This helps loosen makeup, dirt, and impurities so cleansers work deeper and faster. Do this 2-3 times a week, and add essential oils like peppermint, lavender, or tea tree for extra benefits. Follow this tip to remove makeup and thank us later.
Opt For Double Cleansing Method
For maximum cleansing results, go for the double cleansing method, which ensures that you get rid of every last bit of makeup left on your skin. Complete the makeup removal steps final steps by applying a toner and finish it off with a hydrating moisturiser and lip balm.
Avoid Makeup Wipes Or Baby Wipes
Many think baby wipes or makeup wipes can fully cleanse the face, but they don’t. Baby wipes aren’t meant for removing makeup, and makeup wipes only tackle light makeup and may contain harsh ingredients that irritate or dry the skin. It's better to use dedicated makeup removers or micellar water suited to your skin type.
Don’t Rub Your Face Vigorously
Rubbing your face roughly can cause redness and irritation. Instead, massage gently with a cleanser, cotton pad, or soft cloth, paying attention to the hairline, ears, and under the chin.
So, now that you know how to remove makeup the right way, don’t worry about applying waterproof, long-wear makeup products. Go ahead and create different makeup looks, such as simple makeup looks or glam makeup looks, and slay like a queen.
If you’re unsure about trying new looks, try out an advanced Virtual Try-On tool to check out all face makeup, eye makeup, and lip makeup shades virtually. Try the Foundation Shade Finder tool to to find the perfect shade of foundation online.