How To Remove Makeup Before Bed | 10 Pro Tips

In the quest for a healthy-looking visage, you’ve probably learned the ins and out of the skin care world. You’ve locked down a morning and night routine, but there’s one more crucial step we want to make sure you’re familiar with: how to remove makeup. You may have tried to remove product with a simple wash session, only to see remnants of your foundation, eye shadow, and even mascara left behind. The truth is, there is an art to makeup removal. After all, not just any cleanser can do the job. If you’re ready to learn the right way to remove makeup, we can help. Follow along as we share 10 tips on how to remove makeup like a pro.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TIP #1: KEEP MAKEUP REMOVER WIPES BY YOUR BED

A few simple swipes of a makeup remover wipe can clean skin of foundation, concealer, and eye shadow. Plus, you get the satisfaction of seeing what has come off of your face on the wipe. Look for alcohol-free options, like the L’Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ All Skin Types Makeup Removing Towelettes, so that your face doesn’t feel dry post-use. Start by wiping your visage free of makeup and follow up by cleansing your complexion and patting dry. Makeup wipes are ideal if you sometimes struggle to complete your skin care routine at night. Keep a pack on your nightstand; that way, you can quickly get clean even if you refuse to get out of bed.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TIP #2: SPEED CLEAN WITH MICELLAR WATER

Micellar water lives up to all its hype. This makeup removing method not only cleanses the skin but can hydrate it, too. You can follow up with a regular facial cleanser—but you don’t necessarily have to as micellar water tends to lift makeup and debris like a magnet. Plus, it’s a fabulous option for taking off makeup without wipes in case you don’t have any on hand. All you have to do is saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and wipe the pad across your face until clean. No rinsing or rubbing required. Try the L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof – All Skin Types and prepare to be blown away.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TIP #3: CONSIDER A CLEANSING OIL

Cleansing oils are a fabulous pick if you wear heavy eye makeup or have dry skin. They can help remove stubborn eyeliner and mascara without any rubbing or tugging. Apply a few drops to a cotton pad and dab it across your skin. Cleansing oil can be nourishing and less-harsh on dry skin—especially the delicate skin around your eyes. It’s also a popular pick for double cleansing, and that’s exactly what you’ll want to do if you choose to use one. After cleansing with your oil, be sure to follow up with a rinse-off facial cleanser to avoid being left with an extra oily-looking complexion.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TIP #4: USE TONER AFTER CLEANSING

Toner can be used as an extra cleansing step after using your rinse-off facial cleanser. It only takes a minute, and it may help sweep away the remains of stubborn makeup. Saturate a cotton pad with a few drops and gently wipe it across your skin. Try options that are non-drying, like the L’Oréal Paris HydraFresh Toner, which is formulated with Pro-Vitamin B5 to help protect against moisture loss.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TIP #5: WASH AWAY POLLUTION AND MAKEUP

By the end of the day, your skin can be coated with more than just dirt and oil. Pollution also comes into contact with your skin—especially if you live in a big city. And of course, you don’t want to catch shut-eye with the skin still covered in pollutants. Thankfully, you can tackle that little issue while handling your makeup removal. Pick up a facial cleanser that removes everyday impurities and makeup, like the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Detox & Brighten Cleanser.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TIP #6: DON’T MISS YOUR HAIRLINE

If you did a solid job applying your foundation, it should go all the way to your hairline. So, don’t forget to remove your makeup from that area, too! You may get your roots a little wet, but it’s well worth it to be completely clean.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TIP #7: PAY YOUR EYE AREA EXTRA ATTENTION

Eye makeup can be notoriously difficult to remove, which is why there are so many makeup removers meant specifically for removing those pesky liquid eyeliners and long-lasting mascaras. If your regular old removal doesn’t cut it, try one that’s all about the eyes, like the L’Oréal Paris Eye Makeup Remover. Gently sweep a cotton pad soaked with the remover over your closed lids and ta-da, instant removal.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TIP #8: REMEMBER TO REMOVE LIP COLOR

Your lip color may have mostly worn off by bedtime, but that doesn’t mean you should skip using makeup remover on your lips. Of course, not every offering is safe to use on your pout. Reach for micellar water to wipe off any lingering lipstick. While you’re at it, use the L’Oréal Paris Pure-Sugar Smooth & Glow Grapeseed Scrub to exfoliate your pout.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TIP #9: CLEAN UP WITH A COTTON SWAB

Sometimes, no matter how diligent you are, there seems to be a little bit of makeup left in hard-to-reach areas. A tiny bit of foundation around your nose or a smudge of eyeliner against your lash line. The trick to getting rid of even those most challenging makeup remnants is to use a cotton swab to get specific with your removal. Dip a swab in makeup remover and remove exactly what you want to see disappear.

MAKEUP REMOVAL TIP #10: FOLLOW UP WITH MOISTURIZER

No matter which makeup and cleansing options you fancy, it’s important to apply moisturizer afterward. Don’t bother to dry off before completing this step since applying moisturizer directly to damp skin can help lock in more hydration. Pump up the moisture and give your face the TLC it deserves with a water-based moisturizer. Try the L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Dry Skin, L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Normal/Oily Skin, or L’Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care - Extra Dry Skin, all of which are formulated with aloe vera water and hyaluronic acid.

Next up: Now that you’re a makeup removal expert, consider expanding your knowledge on overnight beauty. Check out our article, How To Make The Most of Your Beauty Sleep.