Touches of Luv

Author: Jennifer Bailey

You may love the way that makeup makes you look, if you leave that makeup on too long, it may not be good for your skin. Most makeup is designed to stay on your face but not for an extended period of time. There are ingredients added into foundation, mascara, blush, lipstick and eye shadow that are meant to keep the color from brushing and rubbing off or wearing away.
That is a good thing when you want to make sure that you look as good at the end of the day as you did when the day began. Unfortunately, all those ingredients also have another effect on your skin. The pores of your skin are designed to let your skin breathe and rid itself of oil and other waste. When your face is covered with makeup, those pores are blocked or clogged. It keeps your skin from shedding the cells it needs to get rid of, and keeps all those oils inside. Here are some tips for removing all kinds of makeup gently and thoroughly. These tips can also help your skin to continue looking its best.
- Remove eye makeup first. The skin around your eyes is the most delicate skin on your entire body, and we tend to load it up with powdered and cream eye shadows, eye liner and mascara, which just happen to be the most difficult kinds of makeup to remove. Removing eye makeup often requires oil or other products that you would rather not use on the rest of your face, especially if your skin is prone to being oily.
- Get out the baby oil or mineral oil. Most makeup, including waterproof mascara, is oil-soluble. A cotton ball soaked with baby oil makes a great makeup remover pad that removes almost anything you put on your face. Follow up by washing your face with gentle soap and patting it dry. – Olive oil is another good option for removing stubborn makeup. Just place a few drops on your fingertips or on a cotton ball and rub it in gentle circles over your closed eyes to loosen mascara. This even works with stubborn, waterproof mascara and lash-lengthening mascara. Finish by washing your face with gentle soap and splash with lukewarm water.
- Makeup Remover Pads are the perfect choice for sensitive skin and eyes, especially when you are away from home. They come packed in a little tins that are just the right size to either fit in your pocket or inside your bag. This is especially useful if you are taking a long flight since you are able to remove your makeup if it begins to get late.
- Wash dry skin with milk. Yes, milk. If your skin is relatively problem free – that is, not prone to acne – milk is an excellent gentle, moisturizing cleanser for your face. Be sure to rinse well, though, since milk can leave residue behind on your face. Avoid using milk on acne and breakouts, though. It can make them worse.
- Use your fingertips or a cleansing wipe to apply cleanser. Wash your hands first, so that you do not transfer dirt to your face. Swipe the cleanser or oil over your face, and then gently massage it into your skin to loosen dirt and makeup. Use a clean tissue or cotton square to wipe away the oil and the dirt and follow up by washing with a gentle cleanser.
- Choose the right cleanser for your skin type. If you choose a commercial cleanser, be sure to choose the right kind for your skin. If you are not certain of your skin type, stop at the cosmetic counter at your favorite department store and ask. Most skin consultants should be happy to give you a quick consultation and offer advice.
- If you wear contact lenses, remove your contacts before you take off your makeup. That way you can avoid getting anything on the lenses that might damage them. Another important eye makeup rule for lens wearers is to replace your eye shadows and mascara every six months or more often.
Quick Read: Makeup Removal Do’s and Don’ts.
- Remove your makeup before bed every night.
- Use oil-based makeup removers to remove waterproof mascara. – Do not use harsh cleansers on dry skin.
- Massage oil into skin before wiping it away.
- Do not use anti-acne cleansers under or around your eyes.
- Gently apply moisturizer after washing your face.
- Do not sleep in your makeup.
Quick Makeup Removal Fixes.
For those nights when you are just too tired to do a full skin-care makeup removal routine, try this quick makeup removal tip:
- Keep a packet of makeup remover pads in your bedside table or nightstand. On those nights when even splashing warm water on your face seems like too much trouble, pull one out and wipe it over your face, then fall into bed.