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Removing makeup every evening is a necessity that can become a pleasant relaxation procedure if you find a good remedy for it. Basic selection criteria and expert advice.
“Personally, I like this gesture,” says 35-year-old Elizabeth. – After all, it means that the day is over for me, you can relax! Taking off makeup and city dust, I seem to wipe fatigue and worries from my face. This ritual is useful for the skin: secretions of sweat and sebaceous glands accumulate on it during the day, as well as particles of gasoline and resins that literally stick to makeup. And yet, very many of us, tired, finally getting home, know this feeling: we need it, but we don’t want to …
“It is better to cleanse the skin twice – in the morning and in the evening,” insists Nellya Mustakimova, Sisley brand cosmetologist. “But if in the morning it’s enough just to remove what has accumulated overnight (excessive skin secretion), and then tone the skin, then in the evening you will need special makeup removers: not every foam or mousse will cope with decorative cosmetics, especially if it is waterproof.” In addition, many cleansers have caring properties. “Some tighten pores, others nourish or moisturize, and this can be a selection criterion,” adds Eric Indikov, international makeup artist for Estée Lauder. But which is better to use – a cotton pad, sponge – or just gently wash your face? And which texture do you prefer?
But what if you don’t take it off?
To everyone who forgets to sleep without having time to remove their makeup, cosmetologists unanimously predict the most serious consequences for the health and beauty of the skin. “But still, they should not be exaggerated,” reassures Edouard Mauvais-Jarvis, director of scientific communication at Dior. – Modern foundations do not oxidize. All pigments are covered with a protective shell, and therefore do not come into direct contact with the skin. The most troublesome thing is mascara, which crumbles and smears during sleep and can cause irritation in the morning.” Those who are very, very tired by the evening should remember at least this …
With the help of mousse
It is suitable for removing make-up and for cleansing the skin in the morning. This tool will appeal to those who cannot imagine cleansing without water, because the mousse must be washed off. It has an airy texture and typically contains soap (except for mousses for sensitive skin) and moisture-retaining polymers. This cleanser is suitable for normal to oily skin.
Faithful gesture: Squeeze a drop of mousse the size of a nut into the palm of your hand and lather it into a small ball. Apply with fingers on the skin of the face, spread over the entire surface and then rinse with water. Use a toner after cleansing. “It is important to remember that the tonic is not intended for cleansing, it has its own function,” emphasizes Nellya Mustakimova.
Mousse for sensitive skin based on thermal water La Roche-Posay (1). Tonic for all skin types with neroli essential oil Aroma Cleanse, Decléor (2).
With oil
Like dissolves like: oil perfectly removes oily cosmetics and excess sebum without overdrying the skin. Thus, it is suitable for oily skin, especially if it has sensitive areas. The oil removes even persistent make-up, leaves a feeling of freshness and is easily washed off with water.
Faithful gesture: The oil is easier to apply with your fingers than with a cotton pad. If there is a lot of cosmetics on the face, you can do a light massage. It is recommended to apply it on dry skin, and wash it off with a cotton pad moistened with tonic or water.
Bobbi Brown Lumbang Seed Oil & Jasmine Soothing Makeup Remover Oil (3).
With a gel
“Foaming gels cleanse pores well, and therefore are suitable for young, problematic skin,” explains Maria Deigina, medical director of Vichy Laboratories. They usually include water, gelling agents and surfactants. For additional cleansing of the pores, some gels are equipped with special brushes or contain a large amount of glycerin with a warming effect.
Faithful gesture: apply the gel on the skin of the face and lightly massage it with your fingertips, and then rinse with warm water (cold does not wash away the fatty substances that make up decorative cosmetics). Then apply a pore-tightening toner to cleansed skin.
Washing gels Demaquillant Pureté, Lierac (4) и Gel Purity, Chanel (5).
And what about the eyes?
“Make-up removers for thin, sensitive skin around the eyes undergo ophthalmological control to eliminate irritation,” explains Maria Deigina. – Additionally, their formula may contain, for example, cornflower extract to relieve swelling or taurine, which stimulates the growth of eyelashes. The most effective are two-phase products – from water and oil. Shake the bottle well: this creates a homogeneous emulsion that combines the lightness of water and the richness of the cream. The oil component removes persistent cosmetics, and the water component cleanses and refreshes the skin. This tool is also good for lips – to erase persistent lipstick.
With the help of milk
“This method is ideal for more mature skin,” continues Maria Deigina. “After the age of 40, as a rule, it becomes drier and more sensitive, and the milk contains nutrients and emollients.” It is easily distributed, washes off makeup without tightening the skin and maintaining its elasticity. The main thing is to choose milk with a minimum alcohol content, which can cause irritation.
Faithful gesture: “Pouring a little milk into the palm, scoop it up with the fingers of the other hand and, as if washing yourself, distribute the product in a circular motion, bypassing the area around the eyes,” advises Eric Indikov. – Then wipe off the remaining milk and makeup with a cotton pad and wipe the face with tonic. It, in turn, removes the remains of the cleanser and prepares the skin for further care.
Two-phase makeup remover for eyes and lips Secret de Pureté, Guerlain (3).Cleansing milk for dry skin Galatée Confort, Lancôme (4).
With micellar water
This remedy is a solution for those who find oil or milk too greasy, as well as for those who value their time: the light, transparent texture of micellar water contains invisible microdroplets of oil that allow you to remove makeup from the entire face, including the sensitive area around the eyes.
Faithful gesture: Moisten a cotton pad liberally with micellar water and wipe all over your face with it. When removing eye make-up, blot lightly a few times, but do not rub your eyelids.
Micellar water with lily extract Instant Cleansing Water, Dior (1).Eau Efficace Micellar Water, Sisley (2).
With a balm
It does not contain water – only oil and wax, and therefore is suitable for very dry skin and is recommended in the cold season. And the texture of the balm is more like a cream or fatty milk and is liked by those who do not like flowing oil.
Faithful gesture: Apply the balm to the skin in the same way as a regular cream, with strokes, and then spread with your fingertips all over the face with light massaging movements. Wet your hands with water and massage your face again – the balm will turn into an oily milk. Wash it off with water or remove it with a sponge.
Aromatic face wash with rosewood essential oil Darphin (5). Cleansing balm Take the Day off, Clinique (6).
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