STYLE

Did you have a super busy and stressful day? Maybe you had a math test, dance practice or nasty friendship drama. We know it can be convenient to use those Neutrogena cleansing towelettes, especially after a long day. But, by taking an extra minute to remove your makeup another way, you can save your face and the environment. This is why we've rounded up four of the best makeup wipe alternatives...

Why you shouldn't use makeup wipes

Not only do they contain harsh chemicals—makeup wipes strip your skin of its natural oils and moisture, causing ultra-dry skin in these cold winter months. When you use these wipes, they only remove a surface layer of your makeup, forcing you to tug at your skin and cause irritation. 

And, because these wipes aren't biodegradable, they aren't kind to Mother Earth. This contributes to extra waste in our landfills. According to 1 Million Women, a female-fueled climate change movement, the average makeup wipe can take up to 100 years to decompose. Yikes!

Skincare expert Susan Yara, founder of Naturium, is vocal about her dislike towards makeup wipes on her YouTube Channel @MixedMakeup. In this TikTok, she urges her followers to make the switch to a cleaner and more sustainable alternative.  

@susanyara No more makeup wipes! #skincare #skincareroutine #beauty #mixedmakeup ##makeupremoval ♬ original sound - Susan Yara

MakeUp Eraser Cloths

Ulta, $20

These reusable cloths have the power to remove even the toughest of makeup (think: waterproof mascara, red lipstick and glitter shadows). Just use warm water and circular motions to lightly clean your face. This double-sided eraser works like magic, *and* they come in tons of super cute colors and patterns. Score!

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water

Ulta, $10

This vegan and cruelty-free micellar water is a social media fave for good reason. Use these reusable cotton pads and soak them with the Garnier cleansing water to gently remove makeup and refresh your skin. Unlike regular makeup wipes, this will leave your skin feeling extra hydrated.

CeraVe Cleansing Balm

Ulta, $14

You only need a pea-sized amount of this thick balm to remove a full face of makeup. Once you softly massage the cleansing balm into your dry skin, rinse and wash using your fave facewash. It's that easy! 

First Aid Beauty Cleansing Oil 

Ulta, $26

This First Aid Beauty cleansing oil is extra unique because the makeup-dissolving oil transforms into a soft, foamy cleanser. Plus, its 2-in-1 formula helps reduce the usual double cleansing process, saving you time in your night routine. Did we also mention that it contains clean ingredients that help soothe and smooth your skin? 

Wanting more beauty advice? Check out these articles:
💄 Get your glowiest skin ever
💄 4 perfect blushes for rosy cheeks
💄 How to perfect the "I'm cold" makeup look for winter

What do you use to remove your makeup? Tell us on Twitter!

Slider image: @makeuperaser
All GIFs via Giphy

by Maddy Phillips | 2/17/2023