Just like how I feel society tricked me into using scented everything when I was a teenager, I feel duped that for years I thought disposable makeup remover wipes were the end-all-be-all option for removing my makeup at the end of the day.
Why didn't anybody tell me sooner?!
You might be wondering: Why are single use makeup remover wipes not the best option? Well, most of them aren't biodegradable, meaning they don't break down and contribute to the waste that's filling up landfills at an alarming rate. They're also way too harsh for the skin, leading to potential irritation, pre-mature aging and more. Also, they're not actually cleansing your skin. Sure, they're lifting and removing some of your makeup, but that's about it. Plenty of dirt and unwanted oil gets left behind!
Today, I'm beyond pleased to know a variety of alternatives exist. Let's take a quick look at a few of them.
CLEANSING BALM
While it may feel counterintuitive to put something balmy and oily on your face to help remove makeup and prepare it for the remainder of your skincare routine, it's far from it. Cleansing balms are great for breaking down dirt and removing makeup while also helping maintain your skin's moisture. And the best part? There's no makeup wipes required.
REUSEABLE ROUNDS
Rather than using something that is single-use and not great for the environment, implement reusable wipes into your routine! They're soft, pretty cute and save you money in the long run. Once used, just throw them in the washer and they'll be like new. These ones from Etsy are just one example of the adorable patterns you can find.
MICELLAR WATER
What is micellar water, you ask? It's a gentle cleanser made up of suspended surfactant molecules that are proficient in attracting and removing all the gunk we're eager to get off our faces at the end of the day (dirt, oil, etc.). Slap some of this on your new reusable rounds for a more gentle makeup removing experience. This one from local option Fox Naturals is a great choice.
A QUALITY CLEANSER (AND A DOUBLE CLEANSE)
Of course, it's not enough to simply remove your makeup. Following up that step in your skincare routine with a kickass cleanser is still essential. Consider options like the Josh Rosebrook Complete Moisture Cleanse, which can be found locally at LORDE Beauty and Cosmetics. Also, look into double cleansing and how it can seriously up your skincare game.
Now that you have the knowledge, it's time to ditch those wipes!
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
