Micellar water, oils, bi-phase solutions, balms, creams… By hand or with a makeup remover wipe? Before bed or upon waking? To make sure you get it just right, here are a few tips to ensure you never miss the mark with your makeup removal routine.

In the beauty world, there is one rule everyone must follow: removing your makeup properly. Why? We more or less already know, but it’s always good to be reminded. 

Why is it important to remove your makeup?

• Firstly, there is nothing pleasant about going to bed with a breeding ground for bacteria on your skin. Makeup removal, an essential step in your beauty routine, allows your skin to shed the layer of dirt accumulated throughout the day and trapped in your makeup. It is important to remember that our skin renews itself while we sleep. Pores open as wide as possible to allow the skin to breathe. They thus absorb absolutely everything on the surface (which is precisely why it is recommended to apply your skincare products at night).
• Secondly, makeup removal can also act as a skincare step, depending on the makeup remover you choose and how well it suits your skin type.
• Thirdly, there is nothing more satisfying after a long, hard day! Makeup removal is also a moment just for you. You can turn it into a real relaxation ritual with music, a few small candles, or incense. You can also take the opportunity to perform your facial massage, using a makeup removal oil or balm applied with circular motions using your fingers.

How to choose the right makeup remover?

There are plenty of makeup removers. From micellar water (slightly harsh for sensitive skin) to makeup removal balms, not to mention plant oils. It is best to choose what suits your skin type best. Combination, oily, or dry? Determine your skin type so you can choose the most effective makeup remover. Each skin type has its own.

Makeup removal oils are excellent for removing makeup in an eco-friendly way without risking damage to your skin, whatever its nature. They are still plagued by nasty misconceptions claiming they are not suitable for combination or oily skin—far from it! A plant oil (cold-pressed), provided it is thoroughly cleansed with a neutral soap (such as Aleppo soap), leaves no greasy residue, moisturises, and even helps tackle impurities (jojoba oil works wonders). However, be sure to choose the right makeup removal oil. Avocado oil, for example, is a little too rich and should be avoided for oily, problem-prone skin, but is perfect for dry skin.

Makeup removal balms are the solution for those who want to easily carry their makeup remover with them. Ideally fitting into a handbag, they can be applied with your fingers(previously cleansed) to damp skin and are extremely effective at removing even the most stubborn makeup residue. No more excuses for skipping makeup removal, even when you’re on the go! Makeup removal balm is even suitable for oily skin. 

The makeup removal mitt, is the “magic” highlight of this selection. We dreamed of it, and the beauty industry delivered: a mitt that requires no makeup removal product and can be reused as often as you like. How does it work? Made from a microfibre fabric that catches even the smallest particles of makeup and dirt, you simply need to dampen it to use it. Be gentle to avoid irritating your skin! It is the zero-waste, eco-friendly, and practical choice.

Emulsions allow for the instant purification of the skin! In addition to being fun (they are generally an oil that turns into a foam upon contact with water), makeup removal emulsions work gently to leave a silky feel and provide a deep cleanse. Apply it with a makeup removal wipe (reusable), with your fingers, or with your cleansing brush.

The right techniques to use when removing your makeup

Perfect makeup removal is a real ritual that requires following a few steps to be carried out ideally!

Start with your eyes 

This is the most delicate part of the face. Removing eye makeup requires special attention. Especially since they are often laden with makeup between the different layers of eyeshadow, eyeliner, or waterproof mascara, you might be tempted to use a pressure washer… But definitely not! Proceed gently and with a suitable solution. Oils are perfect because they are gentle and natural, not to mention that they can be easily applied with your fingers to avoid irritating the eye area.

Don’t forget your lips

The lips are probably the part of the face we think least about removing makeup from… And yet! Stressed all day, they deserve to be pampered. Depending on the type of lipstick applied, choose a gentle makeup remover such as a balm or milk to remove the last traces of lipstick from your lips. If it is a stubborn lip stain (the tattoo effect is great at mealtime, but quickly becomes annoying in the evening), opt for oil—a radical solution!

Be gentle 

Even though it is less delicate than the eye area, facial skin is generally sensitive. Easily prone to irritation if you rub too hard, it can also develop premature wrinkles from repeated friction… When using a makeup removal wipe, soaked cotton pad, or makeup removal mitt, be extra careful to perform each movement gently. It is a real surgeon’s job!

Finish with a good cleanse

No, makeup removal is not cleansing in itself. After this step, it is important to cleanse your face either with a neutral soap or with a dermatologically suitable gel or lotion to remove stubborn dirt residue and, above all, to remove the makeup remover from your skin. Regardless of the type of makeup remover used (even with a mitt), you must not skip the cleansing step!

Tone your skin

Now that your skin is fresh and ready for bed, perfect your makeup removal routine by spritzing your skin with floral water or a toning lotion. Packed with benefits for the skin, floral water (or hydrosol) brightens the complexion, helps regenerate cells, soothes, and hydrates the skin. It is the ideal conclusion for well-preserved skin 

Finish by applying your facial skincare routine. For pampered, radiant skin upon waking, do not neglect applying your facial serum, eye contour serum, and night cream!