It’s extremely important that we remove our make-up at the end of a long day – even if it is the last thing we feel like doing! Our skin needs the opportunity to breathe and regenerate overnight ready for a new day. Try not to let it get to that point in the evening where you are just too sleepy to bother – it really is essential to maintain a healthy happy complexion.
To integrate a make-up removing regime into your evening routine, here are a few items that will be useful to you –
Eye make-up remover
Facial cleanser
Clean towel
Cotton wool pads
Moisturiser
Step 1
Firstly start with yours eyes. We would recommend using an eye make-up remover specifically – not just your facial cleanser as this can really sting your eyes – and we find liquid removers more user friendly that the more cream based products. Pour a small amount of eye make-up remover onto a cotton wool pad, close your eye and hold the cotton pad over your eye lid for a minimum of 5 seconds before starting to wipe. This gives the make-up remover time to activate and get to work on tackling that stubborn mascara. Be careful not to stretch your skin to much as you are wiping, the skin around your eyes is extremely thin and can be irritated easily. Use a fresh pad for each eye. If you are caught out without your eye make-up remover to hand, a good ‘temporary’ replacement is baby oil or wet wipes.
Step 2
For your skin, use a regular face cleanser. Try to avoid using body soap as this can really dry out your skin. If using a water based cleanser, lightly dampen your skin and then begin to apply your cleanser gently with your fingertips all over your skin, including your neck. Rinse with lukewarm water and then repeat for a second time to make sure that no make-up remains on your skin. If you are using a cream cleanser then apply gently with your fingertips all over your face and neck and then remove by wiping away with a fresh cotton wool pad. As with the ‘wash-off’ cleanser, repeat for a second time to ensure all traces of make-up has been removed.
Step 3
Give your skin a final splash of lukewarm water and pat dry with a soft clean towel – do not rub as this can irritate or hurt your skin.
Step 4
You now need to use a toner to restore the pH balance of your skin. Using cleansers can disturb this balance and if you don’t follow up with a toner, it can result in your skin producing excess oil. Toner also reduces your pores and adds a protective layer against the outside world. Pour a small amount of toner on to a cotton wool pad and gently wipe over your face and neck. Try avoiding alcohol based toners as these can be very drying for the skin.
Step 5
Wearing make-up all day doesn’t do our skin any favours so help replenish it with lost nutrients with a water based moisturizer before bed.
Although this looks like a very long process, it really will take no longer than 5-10 minutes and the long term results will be well worth the effort!