Makeup removal may not be the most exciting thing to look forward to after a long day of work and social commitments. While it can be tempting to hastily skim through this step, not removing makeup properly is one of the worst things you can do to your skin.
When makeup, pollutants, excess oil, etc. settle in your pores overnight, it leads to a host of skin issues from acne, dehydration and oiliness to dullness and premature ageing. This layer of residue also prevents other skincare products from absorbing into the skin.
Keep reading to find out the six most common makeup removal mistakes, what you should be doing instead, and the right product to remove makeup effectively!
#1 Using only your regular cleanser
Now that we have to have masks on all the time and hence wear less makeup than usual, you might assume, incorrectly, that a facial cleanser can get the job done. Most regular cleansers are formulated to remove only dirt and sebum but not the more stubborn makeup or sunblock. It's very likely that there will still be residue left on your skin after using just a cleanser.
Even if you're wearing light makeup or no makeup at all and just sunscreen, a makeup remover is a must! If you prefer something quick, convenient and effective, you can't go wrong with a micellar water makeup remover like the Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water ($17.90). This renewal version celebrates Bifesta’s 10th Anniversary and it comes with upgrades like an improved formula and 33% increase in volume from 300ml to 400ml.
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Now, this micellar water looks and feels like water on the skin. But contrary to this, it's actually a powerful surfactant containing tiny micelles that pull out all kinds of residue and dead skin cells from the skin. At the same time, it's gentle enough for the most sensitive skin types and is free of nasties including fragrance, oil, alcohol, parabens and colourants.
Removing makeup with this micellar water is a breeze. It comes in a convenient pump bottle and has a non-rinse formula with no double cleansing required. All it takes is soaking a cotton pad with it and swiping gently on the skin. Words can't explain how satisfying it is to remove makeup while watching dramas in my bed without having to get up to rinse my face!
While many thorough cleansers can create that drying, squeaky-clean feeling, this micellar water does the opposite. Packed with moisturising ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Pullulan, the micellar cleansing water leaves my skin feeling nourished and supple as if I've applied a lightweight lotion.
#2 Using cotton balls instead of pads
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Cotton balls are usually made of loose fibres which may leave a residue on the skin. And due to their shape, you'll tend to apply more pressure on the skin and cause friction. Cotton pads, on the other hand, don't leave any residue and have a wide, flat surface area which is gentler on the skin.
#3 Scrubbing the skin
Scrubbing the skin in a back and forth motion does not constitute thorough makeup removal. Not only will this still leave residue on the skin, it may cause micro-tears in the skin, creating irritation and inflammation.
A good makeup remover like the Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water will be able to effectively cleanse all residue effortlessly. It has an improved low-friction formula that can remove makeup, dust, pollen and other residue in seconds while remaining incredibly gentle on skin.
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We tested it on makeup products from liquid foundations to powder eyeshadows and cream blushes. Each time, holding the pad against the skin for a few seconds and making a single, gentle swipe right after in one direction was all that was needed to remove the makeup completely - no scrubbing required.
#4 Not letting the cotton pads rest before swiping over the skin
A tip to get stubborn makeup off more easily is to let the cotton pads rest. Soak a cotton pad with 3 to 5 pumps of the Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water and hold it against the eye or mouth for a few seconds before wiping off.
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This effective formula lifts and removes makeup so easily that there's no need to tug or pull at the delicate eye area.
#5 Forgetting your neck, jawline & hairline
We all know better than to leave foundation unblended around our hairline and jawline, or to skip sunblock on our neck and décolletage. But somehow, it's common for many of us to forget about removing makeup and sunblock from these very same spots. Forgetting to cleanse in these areas can lead to clogged pores and acne.
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Make sure to pull your hair back before removing makeup and get right into every corner of your skin, around your hairline and every area that you've applied sunblock.
#6 Not taking into account your skin type
Just like how you choose a moisturiser and other skincare products for your skin type, a makeup remover can give your skin additional benefits if it's formulated for your skin concerns.
The new and improved range of Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water has five variations for five different skin types: oily- combination, dry-combination, acne-prone, dull and sensitive, although all five are suitable for sensitive skin.
Each variant has additional skin-loving ingredients on top of the low-friction formula and moisturising ingredients that the entire range of micellar waters have.
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I've been using the Moist and Sensitive ones for my skin type. Formulated with soothing ingredients like Aloe Extract, the Sensitive Micellar Cleansing Water helped relieve redness and other signs of irritation in my skin even before using any additional skincare products. The Moist Micellar Cleansing Water contains Adsorbent Amino Acid which made it feel extra hydrating - great for those with very dry to combination skin types.
If you have oily to combination skin, go for the Sebum Micellar Cleansing Water, which has Green Tea Extract to tone the skin, tighten pores and remove excess sebum. The Brightup Micellar Cleansing Water will work well for those with dull skin with clogged pores as it contains Vitamin C Derivative, an antioxidant that brightens skin, and Lactic Acid, a gentle exfoliant that removes dead skin cells to reveal new and glowing skin. For those with acne-prone skin, try the Acne Care Micellar Cleansing Water that has Anti-Inflammatory and Antibacterial Ingredients to clear existing acne and reduce new breakouts.
Once you've fixed these makeup removal mistakes and switched to an effective but gentle makeup removal, you're on your way to healthier skin! The Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water ticks all the boxes and for its high quality, it's reasonably priced at just $17.90 for a large 400ml bottle.
This post is brought to you by Bifesta.
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Text by: GirlStyle SG
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