2 Ways to Remove Heavy Makeup

Whether you’ve layered your foundation with highlighter and bronzer, defined your eyes with a daring liquid eyeliner cat eye, or went with a bold red lipstick for a dramatic look, when the night is over, all you want is a clean face. Going to bed with clean skin is important so that your pores are less likely to become congested; but it can also just feel nice to take off all of that heavy makeup after an evening out. That being said, it can be difficult to effectively remove every last trace of your everyday makeup, so it can become even more challenging to remove a makeup look that has been dressed up a bit with a few extra swipes of mascara and a dark lip stain. 

You may create a pile of stained makeup wipes or a collection of used cotton pads in the process and still have black drips running down your cheeks. At this point you may want to give up and call it a night. Spending too much time using products with alcohol, an ingredient which is common in many makeup remover options, can also be drying. So, what should you do? Opt for different cleaning methods, of course! Below, we share two of our favorite ways to remove heavy makeup.

Makeup Removal Option #1: Waterproof Micellar Water

Micellar water is a gentle cleansing option that can also be used to remove makeup—yes, even the waterproof kind. Powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act like a magnet to help lift dirt, oil, and makeup off the skin, micellar water proves to be an ultimate solution to the cleansing step of a skin care routine. The L'Oréal Paris Micellar Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types removes makeup, including waterproof, cleans dirt and impurities, and intensely purifies—no rinsing or harsh rubbing required! It can be used on your face, lips, and eyes and is suitable for all skin types—even sensitive skin.

Once you have your micellar water in hand, it’s time to learn how to use it—luckily, it’s super-simple! Saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and wipe the pad over your face until your skin is completely clean. You can also use it to remove waterproof eye makeup. Hold the pad over closed eyes for a few seconds and then gently wipe to remove. The best part? You don’t have to follow up with any rinsing, meaning it’s a great makeup removal solution for those of you that want to get to bed after a long night out ASAP. Just make sure to apply a moisturizer post-makeup removal!

Heavy Makeup Removal Option #2: Double Cleansing

Looking to spend a bit more time with your makeup removal? Then try double cleansing. Start by wiping your face with makeup removing towelettes, like the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ All Skin Types Makeup Removing Towelettes.

Then, remove any remaining makeup and impurities that are still lingering on the surface of your skin with a rinse-off facial cleanser. The L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Purify & Mattify Cleanser, L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser, and L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser are all formulated to seamlessly transform from clay to mousse and remove everyday impurities from skin’s surface without drying out skin. To use, squeeze some of the facial cleanser into your hands and add water to transform it from clay to mousse. Massage the facial cleanser into your skin in small circular motions, then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Pat dry and immediately follow up with moisturizer to help lock in hydration.

Still feeling a little too lazy to remove your makeup before bed? Perhaps our article, The Top 3 Reasons Why Makeup Removal Makes for Your Most Beautiful Skin, will convince you.