Why Proper Makeup Removal Matters

Sleeping in makeup clogs pores, causes breakouts, accelerates skin ageing and can lead to eye infections from mascara left on overnight. Proper removal takes 2–5 minutes and is one of the most impactful things you can do for your skin.

The Right Order

  1. 1

    Start with eye makeup (most stubborn)

    Soak a cotton pad with micellar water, oil-based eye makeup remover, or olive/coconut oil. Press gently against your closed eye for 10–15 seconds — this dissolves the product rather than rubbing it in. Swipe gently downward, then use a clean cotton bud for any remaining mascara along the lash line. Never scrub — the skin around the eye is delicate.

  2. 2

    Remove lip product

    Use a cotton pad soaked in micellar water or lip makeup remover. Press and hold for a few seconds, then gently wipe away. Long-wearing lip products may need an oil-based remover.

  3. 3

    Cleanse the rest of the face

    Use your regular face wash or cleanser for the rest of the face. If you wear heavy foundation or SPF, the double cleanse method works well: first cleanse with an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm (dissolves oil-based products like foundation and sunscreen), then follow with a water-based gel or foam cleanser to clean any remaining residue.

  4. 4

    Tone and moisturise

    Apply toner with a cotton pad to remove any remaining traces. Follow with your regular moisturiser or night cream. Your skin should feel clean, comfortable and not tight — if it feels tight or squeaky, your cleanser may be too harsh.

Product Options by Type

  • Micellar water: Gentle, no-rinse option. Ideal for light to medium makeup and sensitive skin. Garnier Micellar Water is a popular affordable option.
  • Cleansing balm or oil: Best for heavy, waterproof or long-wearing makeup. Melts even stubborn mascara and full-coverage foundation. Emma Hardie, Clinique Take The Day Off Balm, or simple coconut oil all work.
  • Makeup wipes: A backup option only — wipes smear rather than remove makeup, often contain alcohol that irritates skin, and are not thorough enough as a sole removal method. Follow with a proper cleanse if you use them.
Avoid these common mistakesRubbing the eye area vigorously — this causes premature wrinkles and can break eyelashes. Using wipes as your only removal step — they do not clean pores. Going to sleep without removing any makeup — even light makeup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — coconut oil effectively dissolves oil-based makeup including waterproof mascara and long-wearing foundation. Apply to a cotton pad, press against makeup, wipe away. Follow with a water-based cleanser to remove the oil residue. However, coconut oil is comedogenic (can clog pores) and may cause breakouts for acne-prone skin — those with oily or acne-prone skin should use a non-comedogenic oil like jojoba instead.
Press and hold a cotton pad soaked in oil-based remover against the lashes for a full 15–20 seconds. This dissolves the waterproof formula so it slides off with minimal friction rather than rubbing. Swipe downward only — never upward or back and forth. A clean cotton bud soaked in remover handles any remaining residue at the lash line precisely.