How to Remove Makeup Properly: A Gentle Step by Step Guide

The best way to remove makeup is to loosen it with a suitable remover, wipe or rinse it away gently, then cleanse your skin to remove any remaining product. Waterproof eye makeup and long-wearing lipstick may need an oil-based or specially formulated remover.

Avoid scrubbing until your skin feels sore. Effective makeup removal depends on choosing the right product and giving it time to dissolve the makeup, not using more pressure.

Why should you remove makeup before bed?

Removing makeup before bed clears away foundation, sunscreen, eye makeup, excess oil, and the dirt that can collect on your skin during the day.

Sleeping in makeup may contribute to clogged pores, irritation, and breakouts. A good evening cleanse does not need to leave your skin feeling tight. Your face should feel clean and comfortable rather than dry or stripped.

What can you use to remove makeup?

Common options include:

Micellar water
Cleansing balm
Cleansing oil
Cream cleanser
Milk cleanser
Eye makeup remover
Bi-phase remover
Gentle facial cleanser
Reusable cleansing cloth
Disposable makeup wipe

Micellar water

Micellar water is a lightweight liquid cleanser that can remove light makeup, oil, and surface dirt. Apply it to a soft cotton pad or reusable pad, then press it gently against the skin before wiping.

Heavy or waterproof makeup may require a separate remover. You may still prefer to follow micellar water with a gentle cleanser, particularly if residue remains or your skin feels uncomfortable.

Cleansing balm and cleansing oil

A cleansing balm melts as you massage it over dry skin. Cleansing oil works in a similar way. Both can help dissolve long-wearing foundation, sunscreen, waterproof mascara, eyeliner, liquid lipstick, and cream makeup.

Apply to dry skin with clean hands, massage gently, add lukewarm water to emulsify, then rinse according to the product instructions.

Choose a cosmetic product intended for cleansing rather than using cooking oil on your face.

Cream or milk cleanser

Cream and milk cleansers have a soft texture and may suit dry or sensitive skin. They can remove light to moderate makeup without creating a very foamy finish.

Eye makeup remover

Eye makeup remover is formulated for the delicate area around the eyes. Bi-phase removers contain two layers, usually oil-based and water-based, so shake the bottle before use.

Choose a product labelled for eye use. Products made for other parts of the face may not be suitable near the eyes.

Makeup wipes

Makeup wipes are convenient for travel, late nights, or situations where water is not available. However, one wipe may not remove all makeup, sunscreen, and residue.

Use gentle pressure and follow with a proper cleanse when possible. Put used wipes in the bin rather than flushing them.

What is double cleansing?

Double cleansing means using two cleansing steps.

The first cleanser dissolves makeup, sunscreen, and oil-based products. The second cleanser washes away remaining residue and cleans the skin.

It may be useful if you wear full-coverage foundation, waterproof makeup, long-wearing sunscreen, heavy occasion makeup, or several layers of cream and powder products.

You may not need two cleansers after wearing very light makeup. Choose the simplest routine that removes your products without irritating your skin.

How to remove makeup step by step

Step 1: Wash your hands

Clean your hands before touching your face or eyes.

Step 2: Remove false lashes

If you are wearing strip lashes, soften the adhesive first with a remover intended for the eye area. Begin at the outer corner and peel the lash away slowly.

Do not pull quickly or tug at your natural lashes.

Step 3: Remove eye makeup

Apply eye makeup remover to a soft pad. Close your eye and hold the pad against the lid and lashes for several seconds. This gives the remover time to loosen mascara, liner, and eyeshadow.

Wipe gently downwards and outwards. Avoid rubbing from side to side.

Step 4: Remove lip makeup

Apply balm, oil cleanser, or lip makeup remover to your lips. Allow it to sit briefly, then wipe gently with a soft pad or cloth.

Long-wearing liquid lipstick may need a second application. Avoid repeatedly scrubbing dry lips.

Step 5: Dissolve face makeup

Apply your chosen cleansing balm, oil, or remover to the forehead, cheeks, nose, chin, jaw, hairline, eyebrows, and sides of the nose.

Do not forget makeup around the ears or down the neck.

Step 6: Rinse or wipe away the remover

Follow the product instructions. Use lukewarm rather than very hot water. If using a cloth, choose a clean, soft one and avoid scrubbing.

Step 7: Cleanse your skin

Apply a gentle facial cleanser with your fingertips, then rinse thoroughly. The American Academy of Dermatology advises using lukewarm water, a gentle non-abrasive cleanser, and your fingertips rather than scrubbing tools.

Step 8: Pat your face dry

Use a clean towel and pat rather than rub.

Step 9: Apply your usual skincare

Finish with products suitable for your skin, such as moisturiser, prescribed skincare, or a simple hydrating serum.

How to remove waterproof mascara and eyeliner

Waterproof mascara is designed to resist water, so a basic foaming cleanser may not remove it easily.

Use an oil-based or bi-phase eye makeup remover labelled for waterproof products:

Shake the remover if required.
Soak a soft pad without making it drip.
Close your eye.
Hold the pad over your lashes for several seconds.
Wipe gently towards the lash tips.
Repeat with a clean section of the pad.

Do not pull at the lashes or scrape mascara away with your fingernails. Keep cotton buds outside the eye and do not use sharp tools near the lash line.

How to remove foundation, lipstick, and body makeup

Light foundation may come away with micellar water or a gentle cleanser. Full-coverage and long-wearing foundations often respond better to balm or cleansing oil followed by a facial cleanser.

For long-wearing lipstick, apply lip balm, cleansing balm, or an oil-based cosmetic remover. Leave it on briefly, then wipe with a soft pad.

Body makeup may require warm water, body cleanser, and a soft washcloth. Waterproof formulas may need an oil-based cleanser first. Repeat the cleansing step if pigment remains rather than scrubbing aggressively.

Makeup removal for different skin types

Oily or acne-prone skin

Oily skin still needs gentle cleansing. Follow your remover with a gentle cleanser and avoid washing repeatedly until your skin feels tight.

Products labelled non-comedogenic can be useful starting points if you are prone to blocked pores, although no label guarantees that a product will suit everyone.

Dry skin

Dry skin may feel more comfortable with cleansing balm, cleansing oil, cream cleanser, milk cleanser, or fragrance-free formulas.

Use lukewarm water, avoid rough cloths, and apply moisturiser after cleansing.

Sensitive skin

Keep the routine simple and introduce new products one at a time. Stop using a remover if it causes persistent burning, itching, swelling, or a rash.

Can you remove makeup with only water, soap, or household oils?

Water alone may remove some loose powder or light product, but it is unlikely to remove foundation, sunscreen, mascara, and long-wearing makeup thoroughly.

Ordinary hand or body soap may feel too drying or irritating on facial skin. A facial cleanser is usually a gentler choice.

Coconut oil, baby oil, and petroleum jelly may dissolve some makeup, but they are not always intended for facial or eye use and can leave residue. A cosmetic cleanser or eye makeup remover is usually a more predictable option.

Common makeup removal mistakes

Avoid:

Scrubbing the eyes
Using very hot water
Relying on one dry wipe
Forgetting the hairline and neck
Pulling off false lashes
Over-cleansing
Using products near the eyes that are not intended for them

The goal is clean, comfortable skin, not aggressive cleansing.

When to get professional help

Stop using a makeup remover and speak to a pharmacist, GP, or dermatologist if you develop persistent burning, itching, blistering, swelling, or a rash.

Contact an optometrist, pharmacist, GP, or NHS 111 if you have ongoing eye redness, discharge, pain, or swelling after removing makeup.

Seek urgent medical help for sudden vision changes, a serious eye injury, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat.

If makeup or remover enters your eye, rinse gently with clean water. Seek professional advice if discomfort or blurred vision does not settle.