The Best Way to Use Makeup Wipes for Clean, Glowing Skin
Makeup wipes are widely known for their convenience, but over the last few years, adding skincare ingredients into the formulas for skin-soothing effects (in addition to just removing makeup!) have really leveled up these handy tools. We love that makeup wipes nowadays can cater to all of your skincare needs, whether you have sensitive skin, acne-prone skin, or are looking to add anti-aging properties to your routine.
Experts agree: If you wear makeup throughout the day, double cleansing is necessary, and makeup wipes make for a great pre-cleanse ritual. If you’re not wearing makeup, you can use makeup wipes as your sole cleanser—just make sure to check out the ingredients and make sure they’re really going to help eliminate dirt and excess oil from the skin’s surface. Look for ingredients like alpha hydroxy acids, jojoba oil, and aloe vera to help exfoliate dead skin and dirt and soothe skin at the same time. So, now that you have the basics down, read on to find out the best way to use makeup wipes as part of your daily routine.
Meet the Expert
Liz Folce is a licensed esthetician & founder of NAKERY BEAUTY.
How to Use Makeup Wipes According to an Esthetician
1. Determine Your Makeup Wear
If you’re wearing a lot of makeup, like mascara and foundation, a makeup wipe may not be enough to thoroughly cleanse skin, especially if you have larger pores. When we wear mascara, we like to loosen it up first with water before going in with a makeup wipe, but this is totally optional.
2. Check the Ingredients on Your Wipes
Esthetician Liz Folce says makeup wipes are safe to use daily if they are fragrance free (fragrances can cause irritation), alcohol-free (alcohol has drying properties), and are formulated with clean ingredients. We love REFRESHMENTS Cleansing Face Wipes for this, which are clean, vegan, and packed with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera. Folce also created serum-infused makeup wipes from NAKERY that cleanse, exfoliate, and moisturize all in one.
3. Start With the Eye Area
Folce recommends starting with the eye area first. “When rubbing on the eyes to remove makeup, I use inward strokes and circles around the eye gently because if you go outwards, it can cause skin aging effects, like sagging and premature wrinkles,” she says.
4. Flip the Cloth Over
After thoroughly removing your eye makeup, it’s likely that it will take up most of the surface area of your wipe. To ensure you're getting the most out of your makeup wipe, flip it over to the clean side. This fresh side is perfect for tackling the rest of your face, helping you remove any lingering foundation, blush, or powder.
5. Start At Your Forehead and Work Down
Folce recommends starting at the top of your face at the forehead, then working down to the neck. Be sure to focus on areas like the chin and jawline, where makeup can often accumulate, and don’t forget your neck. The skin on your neck can be just as prone to makeup buildup, so giving it some attention will keep your routine thorough.
6. Don’t Forget to Double Cleanse
Depending on how much makeup you wore, you might want to double cleanse before you apply your skincare. This is a personal choice, so pay attention to how your skin feels and consider everything you put your face through that day.
7. Lastly, Apply Your Skincare
Once your skin is thoroughly cleansed, it’s time to follow up with your regular skincare routine. If you opted for a double cleanse, your skin may feel extra refreshed and prepped for the next steps. Start with a toner to balance your skin's pH, followed by a serum to target specific skin concerns, like acne or fine lines. Finish off with a moisturizer to lock in hydration and keep your skin feeling soft and smooth. By applying skincare right after cleansing, you’re allowing your skin to fully absorb those nourishing ingredients, helping to restore and rejuvenate it after a long day.