You spend time carefully applying your makeup each morning, so it makes sense that removing it should get the same level of attention. And yet, for many of us, makeup removal is the step we rush through at the end of a long day, or worse, skip altogether. But how you remove your makeup matters more than you might think, both for the health of your skin and the integrity of your skin barrier.

With guidance from board-certified dermatologists, Mohs surgeons and cosmetic surgeons, Dr. Joel Schlessinger and Dr. Daniel Schlessinger, we're breaking down the best way to remove makeup, the products that make it easier and common mistakes to avoid. In this blog, we'll discuss:

• Why proper makeup removal matters
• The best way to remove makeup (step by step)
• How to remove makeup gently
• How to remove eye makeup and mascara without irritation
• Common makeup removal mistakes to avoid
• The best makeup remover products

Why proper makeup removal matters

Leaving makeup on overnight is more than just a beauty faux pas—it can have real consequences for your skin. Makeup, sunscreen and the daily accumulation of oil, pollution and debris can clog pores, disrupt your skin's microbiome and interfere with its natural overnight repair process. Over time, this can contribute to breakouts, dullness, premature signs of aging and a compromised skin barrier.

The way you remove makeup matters just as much as the act itself. Aggressive scrubbing, using the wrong products or over-cleansing can strip the skin of its essential moisture and cause irritation.

Dr. Daniel Schlessinger explains, “Over-cleansing or using aggressive formulas can create irritation, redness or itching. People who are over-cleansing often think that inflammation and irritation is intrinsic to their skin when in reality, it’s caused by their cleansing routine.”

The goal is to remove makeup thoroughly and gently without disrupting the delicate balance your skin works hard to maintain.

The best way to remove makeup (step by step)

If you wear sunscreen, foundation, waterproof mascara or other long-wearing formulas, a single cleanse at the end of the day often isn't enough to remove everything. That's where double cleansing comes in—and it's one of the most effective techniques for getting a truly thorough clean without over-stripping your skin.

"For those who wear sunscreen or makeup daily, or who are prone to oiliness, I often recommend a gentle cleansing routine that starts with a makeup remover or cleansing oil, followed by a mild cleanser," says Dr. Joel Schlessinger.

Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Start with an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover. Oil-based formulas work on the principle that “like dissolves like”—the oils in the cleanser bind to oil-based makeup, sunscreen and sebum and lift them away from skin. Apply to dry skin using gentle, circular motions, then add a small amount of water to emulsify before rinsing thoroughly.

Step 2: Follow with a gentle water-based cleanser. Once the first cleanse has dissolved and removed the bulk of your makeup and impurities, a gentle cream or gel cleanser can sweep away any remaining residue, purify pores and leave skin feeling clean and balanced. Avoid hot water, which can strip the skin.

Step 3: Pat dry and proceed with your skin care routine. Always pat skin dry with a soft cloth rather than rubbing. Your skin is more vulnerable immediately after cleansing, so follow up with toner, serum and moisturizer to support and replenish your skin barrier.

How to remove makeup gently

Knowing how to remove makeup gently is as important as choosing the right product. Here are a few expert-backed habits to build into your routine.

Be patient, not forceful. When using a makeup remover, especially around the eyes, press a soaked cotton pad to the skin and allow it to sit for a few seconds. This gives the formula time to dissolve the makeup, so you don't need to tug or rub. Repeated friction in the delicate eye area can weaken skin over time and contribute to wrinkles.

Choose formulas suited to your skin type. Micellar waters and cream cleansers are especially good choices for sensitive or dry skin, while gel cleansers and cleansing oils work well for normal to oily complexions. A gentle makeup remover that respects your skin barrier is always preferable to one that leaves skin feeling tight or stripped.

Never go to bed without removing your makeup. Even on the nights when you're exhausted, make it a non-negotiable. Keeping a gentle micellar water and cotton pads on your nightstand can make it easier to follow through on the nights when a full cleansing routine feels like too much.

How to remove eye makeup and mascara without irritation

The eye area requires special care. The skin around the eyes is among the thinnest and most delicate on the body, making it particularly susceptible to irritation, redness and damage from rough handling. Finding the best way to remove eye makeup is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of this sensitive zone.

When it comes to how to remove mascara, especially waterproof formulas, the key is using the right product and giving it time to work. Soak a cotton pad with a gentle, oil-based makeup remover or micellar water and hold it against closed eyes for ten to twenty seconds before gently wiping downward. Resist the urge to rub back and forth—this can cause lash breakage and irritate the skin.

For particularly stubborn eye makeup, a dedicated cleansing oil applied to a cotton pad or your fingertips can help dissolve even waterproof formulas without requiring excessive scrubbing.

Common makeup removal mistakes to avoid

Even with the best intentions, it's easy to fall into habits that undermine your skin care routine. Here are a few of the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Using makeup wipes as your only cleansing step. Makeup wipes can be convenient for removing surface-level makeup in a pinch, but they often don't provide a thorough enough cleanse on their own and can leave residue behind. Use them as a first step if needed, but always follow up with a proper cleanser.

Choosing a formula that's too harsh. If your skin feels tight, dry or irritated after removing makeup, your formula may be too stripping. Look for products free from drying alcohol, synthetic fragrance and sulfates, particularly if your skin is on the sensitive or dry side.

Rubbing too aggressively. Whether you're using a cotton pad, a washcloth or your fingertips, the motion should always be gentle and deliberate. Your skin doesn't require force to be cleaned, it requires the right formula and a little patience.

The best makeup remover products

Finding the right formula for your skin type and makeup routine can make the entire process faster, easier and more enjoyable. Here are some of our top picks for the best makeup remover products.

LovelySkin LUXE Clarifying Gel Cleanser

This derm-developed gel cleanser is ideal for normal to oily skin, powered by a triple-action blend of glycolic acid, salicylic acid and afaLUXE™—a proprietary antioxidant complex featuring amino-based filaggrin antioxidants, vitamin C and Dead Sea minerals. It provides a thorough cleanse that helps prevent clogged pores and supports healthy skin cell turnover.

LovelySkin LUXE Gentle Cream Cleanser

Formulated for dry and sensitive skin types, this cream cleanser features afaLUXE™ alongside nourishing meadowfoam seed oil to dissolve impurities while maintaining skin's moisture balance. It's a top choice for anyone looking for a gentle makeup remover that cleanses thoroughly while leaving skin feeling soft, comfortable and hydrated.

Dermalogica PreCleanse

A longtime fan favorite and the foundation of the double cleanse routine, this cleansing oil is formulated with antioxidant-rich olive, apricot and kukui oils to melt away waterproof makeup, sunscreen and daily pollutants with ease. Simply add water and it transforms into a light milky emulsion that rinses cleanly, leaving skin balanced and perfectly prepped.

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil Facial Makeup Remover

A cult classic from Japan, this olive oil–based cleansing oil works on the "like dissolves like" principle to effortlessly break down stubborn, waterproof makeup, including mascara, without leaving any oily residue. Enriched with vitamin E and rosemary leaf oil, it hydrates and protects while it cleanses.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Micellar Water

This fragrance-free, no-rinse micellar water is an excellent gentle makeup remover for sensitive skin, formulated with dirt-encapsulating micelles, hydrating glycerin and soothing La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water. It removes 99% of long-wear foundation while respecting the skin barrier, making it a go-to for quick, thorough cleansing with no rinsing required.

Yon-Ka Paris Lait Nettoyant Cleansing Make-Up Remover Milk

This luxurious cleansing milk removes all traces of makeup, including eye and lip color, in a single step, thanks to a silky formula enriched with purifying borneol, nourishing glycerin and AHA lactic acid for a touch of gentle exfoliation. Suitable for all skin types, including dry and mature skin, it leaves skin feeling clean and supple after every use.

Looking for more expert guidance on cleansing and skin care? Learn all about what makes a cleanser gentle and why it matters for your skin on the LovelySkin blog.