Let’s face it: We don’t love removing makeup as much as we love putting it on. And while we all deserve to have a lazy, not-so-responsible weekend every now and then, that really shouldn’t take a toll on your skin. On the other hand, scrubbing at your eyeballs with a 10-step removal routine after a night out or an eight-hour work day is just cruel.
Going to bed with makeup on will not just promote acne and clog pores, it will leave your skin dehydrated and dull the next morning. For days when you just can’t be bothered to sit in front of a mirror with your mists and cotton pads, you should have a plan B in place.
Here are some easy makeup removal hacks and products for when you simply can’t even.
[ Next: Watch Meghan Markle Do Her Makeup in the Back of an Uber ]
Makeup Removal Hacks
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Use a Micellar Wipe
Derma E Vitamin C Brightening Glow Micellar Wipes, $7.50 at Derma E
Since micellar water can basically single-handedly take care of all your skin issues, it's a superstar at removing your makeup and cleansing your face on those nights you really, really don't want to. Keep these micellar wipes next to your bed on nights you need a one-and-done makeup removing solution. Bonus: these are loaded with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and probiotics to promote collagen and improve the look of your skin while you sleep.
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Use a Cleansing Balm
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm, $29.50 at Sephora
A cleansing balm is basically the fairy godmother of skin care. It helps prep your skin for other potent products and can also work efficiently as a makeup-removing balm. It's light, nongreasy and dissolves all kinds of makeup.
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Use Your Shower Wisely
If you aren't doing it already, this is going to be your new favorite makeup-removing hack. Taking off your makeup in the shower isn't just convenient, it also saves you a lot of time. Just apply your makeup remover in the shower, rinse under running water and voilá — you've achieved a fresh face in seconds.
Image: Imaxtree
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Opt for a Gentle Moisturizer
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion for All Skin Types (Pack of 2), $15.99 at Amazon
A gentle lotion or moisturizer can help remove base makeup and also clean your pores. Choose an unscented lotion suited to your skin type and apply it over the makeup you want to remove. Wipe away the excess lotion with a cotton ball to reveal skin that is both makeup-free and moisturized.
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Replace Your Cotton Balls With Pads
Koh Gen Do Pure Cotton, $15 at Sephora
Cotton pads are more efficient and have better coverage than cotton balls when it comes to makeup removal. They can also be used to gently take off stubborn eye makeup and exfoliate your skin. These thrifty medical-grade, natural cotton pads will not just clean your face, they'll unclog pores and get rid of dead skin cells.
