Makeup Removers?>

Makeup removers are delicate cleansing products that effectively strip your face (or body) of cosmetics without drying or otherwise damaging your skin. Whether you occasionally wear light makeup or frequently wear heavy makeup, using a makeup-removing solution before you wash your face is the best way to thoroughly cleanse your face and maintain overall skin health.

How to Choose a Makeup Remover

Depending on your needs, you can choose between liquid or cream makeup removers. Because both of these forms of makeup removers require you to also use a disposable tissue or cotton ball to apply and/or remove the solution, some modern manufacturers have come out with makeup-removing wipes to streamline the process of cleaning your face.

The form of makeup remover that you will choose will depend on how much makeup your wear as well as on the frequency with which you wear it. For example, if you usually wear heavy foundations, cream makeup removers are likely your best choice.

Alternately, those who wear heavier eye makeup may want to opt for a liquid makeup remover, as the liquid form is gentler on the eyes. Wipes, the newest type of makeup-removal product, are usually best for those who wear light makeup on any area of the face.

Here are some tips for choosing the best makeup remover for you:

• Determine which form of makeup remover best suits your needs.
• Figure out your skin type and choose a suitable makeup remover. Like many other types of skin care products, makeup removers come tailored to particular skin types. For example, while a person with dry skin will likely want an oil-based makeup remover with hydrating properties, an acne-prone person might want an oil-free makeup remover that won't further irritate his skin.
• Stick to brands that you know and trust. Because you will be using the makeup remover on the most sensitive parts of your face, try to opt for a line from which you have already used facial skin care products.
• Try a few different types of makeup removers to make sure that you are using the right one for you. Similarly, if you are not completely satisfied with a makeup remover you are using, don't be afraid to try another product until you find one that works best for you.

How to Use Makeup Removers

Incorporating a makeup remover into your skin care regimen is a good way to prevent potential acne breakouts, infections and other skin care problems. Skin care experts typically recommend that you use your chosen makeup remover before you wash your face. This allows the cleanser to fully penetrate and thoroughly cleanse your pores.

Here are the steps you should follow when using a makeup remover.

For liquid makeup removers:

1. Apply a small amount to a cotton ball or tissue.
2. Gently rub this cotton ball over your cheeks, forehead and chin. This will strip your face of any powder, concealer and/or foundation you may be wearing.
3. Next, rub the cotton ball over your lips to remove any lipstick or lip gloss.
4. Depending on how dirty your cotton ball is at this point, you may want to discard the one you are using and start with a fresh cotton ball for you eyes.
5. Finally, rub the cotton ball over your eyes. Because your eyes are one of the most delicate parts of your face, be sure to be extra gentle when rubbing.
6. Keep rubbing until you have removed all eye makeup.
7. Once all makeup has been removed from your face, wash your face with a cleanser, apply toner and moisturize skin as normal.

For cream makeup removers:

1. Gently rub the cream on your cheeks, forehead, chin and nose, avoiding your eyes.
2. Slowly rub the cream off of each part of your face using a towel or tissue.
3. Proceed with your skin care regimen.

Keep in mind that cream makeup removers should never be applied to your eyes, as your eyes are far too sensitive. If you generally wear heavy eye makeup, consider using a different form of makeup remover, or use both a cream and a liquid solution when removing your makeup.

For makeup removal wipes:

1. Gently rub the wipe over the broad parts of your face (i.e., the cheeks, forehead and chin).
2. If you are wearing any lipstick, lip liner or lip gloss, rub the wipe over your lips.
3. Finally, if the wipes are sensitive enough for eyes (products should contain this information on the label), gently rub the wipe over your eyes until all makeup has been removed.

Resources

Wikihow (n.d.). How to Remove Makeup. Retrieved November 27, 2007 from the Wikihow Web site: http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Makeup-Before-Sleeping.