By now, you know that sleeping in your makeup is never an option. But are you sure you’re removing every trace? Stop accidentally sabotaging your skin with these five quick tips for removing makeup.

Tip 1: Use more than one makeup wipe.

When it comes to removing makeup properly, we always, always recommend going in with your favorite cleanser afterward. But if a good, thorough cleanse at the sink just isn’t possible, you’ll need more than a single makeup wipe. Try reserving one for your face and one or two more for your eye and lip makeup. Otherwise, you risk transferring makeup from the wipe back onto your skin, putting you at risk for eye infections and clogged pores.

Try: Koh Gen Do Cleansing Water Cloths

Tip 2: Invest in an eye makeup remover.

Long-lasting, waterproof mascaras and eyeliners are totally worth it, but they can be a pain to remove. You should never have to use harsh scrubbing motions to remove eye makeup since this can damage delicate skin and lead to premature fine lines. Instead, opt for a separate eye makeup remover. Moisten a cotton pad with the liquid or lotion, press it lightly to your eye for 30 seconds and then gently sweep away all makeup.

Try: Klorane Floral Lotion Eye Make-Up Remover with Soothing Cornflower

Tip 3: Match your makeup remover to your makeup.

After cleansing, you shouldn’t feel any residue or excess oil on your face. If your skin feels less than stellar post-cleansing or you’re still rubbing off makeup, it’s time to find a new formula. Sometimes, this is as simple as matching your makeup remover to not just your skin type, but your makeup. If you usually opt for a lightweight BB cream, you’re probably better off with a cleansing water before going in with your regular cleanser. If you wear full-coverage foundation and love to contour, an oil will be your best bet.

Try: ELEMIS Nourishing Omega-Rich Cleansing Oil

Tip 4: Avoid irritation with a gentle micellar water.

Your complexion should never be red or irritated after removing makeup. Finding out the culprit for reactive skin can take a little trial and error. Over-exfoliating, particularly with physical scrubs, can over-dry skin. Using water that is too hot, rubbing your face too hard with a towel, especially a dirty one or simply using a formula with ingredients that aren’t right for you can also throw skin off balance. Re-evaluate your routine at every step and try an ultra-gentle, sensitivity-free micellar water for cleansing and removing face makeup (you’ll still need separate eye makeup remover).

Try: La Roche-Posay Micellar Water

Tip 5: Try a tubing mascara.

If you’re doing everything right and still wake up to makeup stains on your pillowcase, it might be time to re-evaluate your makeup. Mascara in particular is notoriously difficult to remove. Instead of going with a regular mascara that paints the lash, try blinc Mascara, a tubing formula that encases each hair, making it possible to remove easily with just warm water.

Try: blinc Mascara

Will you try any of these makeup removal tips? Let us know in the comments below, or tell us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using #LovelySkin!