How to remove makeup

You looked stunning in your makeup for the entire day, but by the time you get home, you’re often too tired to thoroughly cleanse your face. But while stubborn eyeliners and foundation remnants are a real chore to remove, it’s nothing compared to breaking out the next day.

To wake up with clear, glowing skin, all leftover makeup has got to go. Here are 5 correct ways to remove your makeup completely to avoid unwanted acne surprises in the morning. 

1. Use a makeup remover before your cleanser

This step may seem redundant as both cleanser and makeup remover seem to, well, remove makeup – but most cleansers aren’t strong enough to wash off all makeup. It’s especially true for long-lasting or waterproof makeup!  

If you use the cleanser first, you’re likely to leave makeup residue all over your face – causing clogged pores and potential breakouts. On the other hand, a few quick swipes of makeup remover helps wipe off any makeup, dirt and impurities – while also leaves your skin feeling smooth and fresh after a long day. 

For the best results, always go for makeup removers that have high cleansing power to remove even water-resistant ones. 

2. Use flat, square cotton pads instead of cotton balls

When removing your makeup, we recommend using cotton pads over using cotton balls. They’re more hygienic and have a bigger surface area, making them better for swiping away makeup. In comparison, cotton balls also have a rougher texture so they’re more likely to irritate your skin, especially if your face is dry or sensitive. 

Luckily for us, cotton pads are usually sold in large bundles under $5. They won’t be a huge additional cost – but you can still use both sides to get the most out of them! 

3. Don’t scrub back-and-forth

Scrubbing hard might seem like the best and quickest way to get rid of everything on your face, but that’s not the way to go. In fact, when you scrub your skin roughly, you risk damaging the outermost layers of your skin – the part of your face that retains moisture for a fresh and dewy look. 

A big no no – scrubbing damages your skin

Once your skin is damaged, you might have breakouts, itchiness and even a tinge of stinging. To avoid all these, remove makeup by skimming smoothly in one direction. Remember that your skin is delicate, so use fluid motions and keep the pressure light. 

Although your strokes are gentle, you can rest assured that it’ll do the trick, especially if you use an effective makeup remover. As a bonus, moving in an upwards motion also helps you prevent sagging or wrinkles.

4. Hold pre-soaked pads over your eyes for 10 seconds to dissolve makeup

Eye makeup tends to be more pigmented compared to other types of makeup, and some eyeliners and mascaras even have waterproof properties. Funnily enough, these things you look for when buying eye makeup are what make it notorious for being difficult to remove. 

All it takes is some time – 10 seconds, to be exact. Soak a cotton pad with makeup remover and press it against your eyelid. Give it one solid swipe and most of it should come right off. 

5. Steam your skin for a minute for extra thorough cleansing

Take your skincare routine to the next level with facial steaming. It works wonders for your skin by opening up your pores, making it easier to wash off any trapped dirt, oil or impurities from your makeup. 

It sounds like a luxurious affair, but it’s a simple DIY process. Start by filling a bowl with steaming water and adding some essential oils if you like the scent. Then lean over the bowl and drape a towel over your head, trapping the steam close to your skin. 

Not only is it good for cleansing your skin, facial steaming is also a form of aromatherapy to help you relax. Everyday can be a mini spa day if you like, but doing this 3 times a week will more than suffice. 

Removing makeup with Bioderma Sensibio H2O

From using cotton pads to steaming your face, following these tips can make the difference between breaking out and having clear skin. On top of that, using the right makeup remover makes your cleansing routine much more effective and safe for your skin. 

Try Bioderma’s Sensibio H2O – it stands out from other micellar waters as it’s the first micellar water created and the only dermatological micellar water that’s compatible with your natural skin structure. This perfect compatibility means that Sensibio H2O naturally rebuilds and maintains your skin’s outer layer, sealing in moisture for that healthy glow. 

Perfect for: Cleansing and removing makeup from sensitive skin, including face, eyes and lips 

At the same time, it dissolves and removes makeup easily, even those that have waterproof or long-lasting properties. Suitable for sensitive skin, it can be used to cleanse and remove makeup and pollutant particles from your face, eyes and lips. 

Perfect for: Cleansing and removing makeup from sensitive skin, including face, eyes and lips 

The same goes for Bioderma’s Hydrabio H2O, which has the added effect of moisturising dehydrated skin. 

Bioderma Sebium H2O, perfect for: Cleansing and removing makeup from oily skin, excluding the eyes and lips. 

From 19th March – 15th April 2020, Bioderma is offering additional $2.50 off all its limited edition Sensibio H2O bottle designs. All you have to do is look out for its wallscapes at Jurong East MRT, Orchard MRT and Bugis MRT stations.

Image credit: Bioderma

Scan the QR code and present the e-voucher at participating stores to enjoy this discount while stocks last. Participating retailers include:

• Guardian Health and Beauty
• Robinsons 
• Unity
• Watsons
• Welcia-BHG 

To top it off, this discount can be redeemed on top of any in-store promotions, including 25% off storewide on all H2O micellar waters at any of the participating retailers. 

You’ll find that with the right makeup removal techniques and products, you can always wear makeup confidently without fearing a breakout or getting red and bumpy skin the next day. 

Find out more about Bioderma H2O promotions here

This post was brought to you by Bioderma.
Photography by Olivia Tan Jia Yi.