How to Remove Eye Makeup Correctly

Step 1: Find the right type of makeup remover for your eye makeup.

Before you reach for any old makeup remover, you'll want to make sure it is formulated to work well with the type of eye makeup you're wearing. Some types of makeup remover are best for light-to-normal makeup while others are better for dissolving longwear, waterproof, and even your craziest glittery makeup. Here's a quick guide.

Cleansing oils and cleansing balms: These multitasking oil-based skincare products cleanse the skin while also dissolving makeup. Almost all cleansing oils and balms will remove light to normal-wear makeup, and some can even remove waterproof makeup (although this isn't the case 100% of the time, so be sure to check the label). These can be used to cleanse and remove makeup not just around the eye area, but on the entire face.

Our pick: FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

Micellar Water: Micellar water is a super buzzy type of makeup remover that also has a cleansing component. It uses a combination of purified water, moisturizing ingredients (like glycerin or aloe), and micelles (tiny balls of oil molecules) to remove makeup—even the waterproof kind—and unwanted grime from your skin. It can be used as a no-rinse cleanser, however, if you have acne-prone skin, the oils left behind may clog pores and cause breakouts. If you want to be safe, try incorporating micellar water as the first step in a two-step cleansing routine rather than using it on its own.

Our pick: DERMA E Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water

Dual-Phase Makeup Removers: These formulas are part oil and part water. They offer the best of both worlds in that they're strong enough to remove waterproof and long-wear makeup, but they're not quite as greasy as cleansing oils.

Courtesy of GLOSSIER

Our pick: Makeup artist Diana Campos says GLOSSIER Milky Oil is the dual-phase formula she uses time and time again to remove stubborn, waterproof eye makeup without irritation.

Makeup Removal Wipes: There's no denying the convenience of makeup wipes. However, it's important to note that most wipes are designed to be used to remove face makeup, so be careful when using them on the delicate skin around the eye area. They also may not be strong enough to remove waterproof makeup. If you do use wipes on the eyes, look for alcohol-free and fragrance-free formulas that are specifically designed for sensitive skin.

Courtesy of REFRESHMENTS

Our pick: REFRESHMENTS Cleansing Face Wipes

Gel Makeup Remover: Cooling gels are a great option if you want to remove waterproof makeup but you don’t want to use an oil-based formula. They’re often made with a base of aloe or glycerin. The lightweight formulas can be a great solution for sensitive eyes or acne-prone skin.

Our pick: HEY HONEY Come Undone Face & Eye Daily Makeup Remover

Step 2: Wash your hands.

As most of us know, touching the eyes with dirty hands can easily transfer bacteria and viral particles. Give your hands a thorough 20-second wash before you begin the makeup removal process.

Step 3: "Soak" stubborn eye makeup with makeup remover.

When removing long-wear eye makeup like waterproof formulas, make sure you do so gently so that you don't damage the lashes or irritate the eyes. The easiest way to do this is to "soak" the eye area with makeup remover rather than aggressively wiping it with a cotton pad. This will allow the pigment to dissolve with the least amount of friction. "I add a few drops [of makeup remover] to a makeup wipe and lightly press it onto the eye area for about 15 to 20 seconds to let it dissolve the makeup," says Campos. "That way you don’t have to rub the eyes too much. We have very thin, sensitive skin under and around the eye area. It's good to keep this in mind and be gentle when removing eye makeup."

Step 4: Dab away at normal-wear eye makeup.

If the makeup you're removing isn't long-wear and can easily be removed, sometimes a thorough soak isn't necessary. However, you'll still want to be sure you don't wipe as this can irritate the skin and damage the lashes. Instead, gently dab the area with a cotton pad soaked with the makeup remover of your choice to lift the makeup from the skin.

Step 5: Cleanse the skin.

Unless you're using a cleansing balm or cleansing oil, makeup remover should always be step one in a double cleansing routine. Many makeup removers can leave behind a residue that may clog pores if not rinsed off.

Campos' favorite two-step makeup removal routine is using the PURLISSE Watermelon Makeup Remover Wipes to remove all traces of makeup (these can even remove waterproof mascara) then following up with the PURLISSE Blue Lotus 4-1 Cleansing Milk. This cleanser also comes with a makeup removal component so you can rest easy knowing that every last trace of makeup has been removed.

Eye Makeup Removal Tips + Tricks

1. Make sure to keep it clean.

If you're using a makeup remover that is meant to be applied to a cotton round, it can be tempting to use one side one day and flip it around to use another side the next. However, bacteria and germs can easily get from one side of the cotton pad to the other. It's best to always start with a totally new, clean pad. If you're opting to use reusable makeup remover pads or a washcloth instead of disposable cotton pads, be sure to thoroughly wash each pad or cloth with soap and water before using it on the eye area again. A quick rinse isn't the sink isn't enough.

2. Always keep your skin type in consideration.

Depending on your skin type and what type of eye makeup you typically wear, you may want to consider using one type of makeup remover for your eyes and another type for your face. "I notice clients often choose to use the wrong makeup remover for their skin type," says Campos. "Some clients remove too much of the natural skin oils and end up with dry skin while others don’t clean deep enough, resulting in breakouts."

For example, oil-based makeup removers are great for dissolving stubborn eye makeup, but if you have oily skin, they may leave your skin overly greasy if used all over. As a solution, you could use an oil-based remover only around the eye area, and use an oil-free gel-based makeup remover to remove makeup on all other areas of the face. It's all about finding the right combination that works for your complexion and the type of eye makeup you like.

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