If you’re anything like the old me, then you’re using makeup wipes religiously. Let’s be honest, they’re convenient, quick and efficient in removing makeup right?
WRONG. In the skincare world, wipes fall at the bottom of the skincare totem pole because although they seem like a modern solution to makeup removal, they don’t fully cleanse your face, and can cause long-term damage to your skin. Which is why I stopped using them almost completely.
Now don’t get me wrong, I haven’t stopped using wipes all together- for a while, they were an integral part of my nighttime routine: first wipe, then cleanse and moisturize before bed. I wasn’t using them alone though, that’s a big NO, for so many reasons!
They don’t fully remove your makeup. You MUST cleanse after using a wipe, always! Wipes are formulated to break down makeup, not cleanse your skin.
They are drying/stripping to the skin. You notice that tight feeling in your face after using a wipe? Yea, that’s because they basically strip your skin of all the moisture it needs to operate on a functional level.
Some brands can be really harsh on the skin, causing a burning effect- or have fragrance. SO you’re literally irritating and burning the top layer of your skin when you use certain wipes. No bueno. Also, they cause micro-tears in your skin, which can advance the aging process.
And let’s be honest, they aren’t the best for the environment! They are single use, and often made of synthetic materials like polyester and plastic.
So sis, if you’re using wipes religiously, please STOP. And if you’re using them alone, I’m going to pray for your skin because that is a SIN in itself!
OK, enough of the dramatics— time for me to offer you some solutions!
Do you have to throw away all your wipes? No. Let’s not be wasteful. Makeup is an expensive enough process anyway. But I do recommend moderate use. I only use wipes to remove stubborn eye, brow or lip makeup. I wear contacts, so using oil around my eyes is a hot mess— wipes are my only solution.
When you do use them, rub gently and do not use them for the larger parts of the face or skin. Try an environmentally friendly brand, like the ones listed in this article: https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/biodegradable-makeup-wipes
So now, I bet you're wondering how I actually cleanse my face after makeup, and maintain my signature glow right? If not, I’m about to tell you anyway! LOL
I DOUBLE CLEANSE!!!
Now you’re probably like, ok, that sounds complicated and I don’t have time for all that (insert eye roll). Trust me, I get it— after a long day of work, zoom calls, kids and cooking—you want to get to bed in the quickest way possible.
BUT, this is the only way to go! And once you get used to it, time will fly by!
Double cleansing involves using an oil, oil-based or cream cleanser first to remove makeup.
Old school folks may use Vaseline or coconut oil for this step. I’m not mad at it, it works— but I personally prefer using a lightweight oil. Prior to this year, I used Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Cleansing Oil (wonderful, but expensive).
But NOW, (shameless plug), I just launched a Glow Oil as a part of my Glow-Getter collection in partnership with makeup brand Bee Cosmetics Pro. It’s a green tea, vitamin E and jojoba mix that calms, moisturizes and protects. These ingredients work together to regulate sebum production (a process that regulates oil in your skin), reverse sun damage, reverse and prevent rapid aging of the skin (we love this), and nourish and protect the skin from free radicals in the environment.
So not only is this oil a great addition to your makeup routine ( mixed with foundation or illumination), skincare routine (mixed with or after a moisturizer), but it’s also a great makeup remover.
And yes, if you’re oily prone, you can use my Glow Oil! It’s lightweight, and more of a “dry” oil so it doesn’t leave a greasy finish. The jojoba ingredient also tricks your skin into thinking it’s producing enough oil, which, if you’re oily, most likely your skin is overproducing to compensate for a lack there of.
Using an oil gently breaks down makeup, and leaves skin feeling supple and smooth. Follow with your favorite cleanser to penetrate deep and remove excess dirt and dead skin. If you’re oily, use a gel based cleanser. I prefer creams, as my skin is dry. The one I've been using lately comes from Fenty Skin (Rihanna’s line).
Follow with a nighttime moisturizer either mixed with a few drops of Glow Oil, or place the oil on top. Oily folks, gel-based moisturizers are your friend. Dry folks, try a balm, especially in the winter time! Fenty just launched one and I’ve heard great things! Typically I use Charlotte Tilbury’s moisture balm (another expensive option, but I deserve).
Double cleansing breaks down makeup and thoroughly cleanses- something a makeup wipe simply can’t do alone!
If you’re feeling fancy, make it a triple cleanse! This involves layering your remover (oil or cream), cleanser, and an exfoliator or exfoliating mask. This trend is huge in K-beauy (Korean beauty). Just leave the combination on for a few minutes, massage and remove for skin like a baby’s bottom!
So now you know my nighttime skincare routine, and I hope you feel inspired to try it!
Honestly, our skin goes through enough as it is: stress, sweat, pollutants, harsh weather etc. Remembeer, skincare is self-care, make this a mini spa treatment to wind down from your day.
For an added bonus, use my Glow-Getter mask (brightens, tightens, restores) and my jade roller (soothes, de-puffs) to massage your serums, oils and moisturizers into the skin.
Treat yourself to some Black-owned skincare, and support your favorite makeup artist!
After all, you deserve it!
Until my next enthusiastic beauty rant with love,
Shalisa