Last updated on 21st December 2025 by Sarah Sarsby

Removing your makeup properly is very simple, and it all comes down to double cleansing. This skincare method begins with a cleansing oil or balm to break down and remove stubborn makeup, SPF, dirt, and grease from the skin, followed by a lighter cleansing gel or foam to remove any remaining residue. The result? Makeup is thoroughly removed from the skin, leaving it fresh, clean, soft, and non-irritated.

It’s time to ditch the makeup wipes – which are terrible for both your skin and the environment – and learn how to remove your makeup properly. This post breaks down how to remove face, lip, and eye makeup like a pro, ensuring your skin is in great condition afterwards.

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Step 1: Get hair out of your face

Begin by getting your hair out of your face by either tying it up or using a skincare headband. The last thing you want is for skincare products to get in your hair while you’re removing makeup. This is also the time to remove any jewellery to ensure it doesn’t get ruined.

Step 2: Use a cleansing balm or oil

The first step of a double cleanse is to use a cleansing balm or cleansing oil to break down any makeup, SPF, dirt, or grease from your skin. These formulas are designed to easily emulsify, lift, and remove any product or oil from your skin, without any irritation. If you’re wearing eye makeup, it’s important to look for formulas that are designed for use around the eyes to avoid any irritation.

To use a cleansing oil, dispense 3-4 pumps of the product into your palms and then massage the oil onto dry skin. Use circular motions with your hands to gently massage the formula into your skin. As you do this, you’ll notice your makeup removing and lifting. Then, use water to emulsify the oil so that it (along with any makeup) easily rinses off your skin. If you’re wearing stubborn makeup, you can repeat this process to lift any lingering makeup.

To use a cleansing balm, take a grape-sized amount of product and massage it onto dry skin. Use circular motions with your hands to gently massage the formula into your skin. As you do this, you’ll notice your makeup removing and lifting. Then, use water to emulsify the balm so that it (along with any makeup) easily rinses off your skin. If there’s still some makeup left on your skin afterwards, you can repeat this process to remove any remaining makeup.

With both cleansing balms or oils, you can also use a damp muslin cloth to remove your makeup. I find this option less messy than using my hands to remove the emulsified makeup.

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Step 3: Use a dedicated eye makeup remover (optional)

If you find that a cleansing balm or oil didn’t remove all of your eye makeup, you can use a dedicated eye makeup remover. Mascara – especially waterproof formulas – can be particularly stubborn, so this optional step can make it easier to remove.

I personally never find a need to use an eye makeup remover, as cleansing balms or oils do an excellent job, but they can make the process more seamless.

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Step 4: Use a cleansing gel or foam

To remove any residue leftover from your cleansing balm or oil, go in with a sensitive skin-friendly cleansing gel or foam. This is the second step in your double cleansing routine and will ensure your skin is left feeling clean, fresh, soft, and hydrated.

To use a cleansing gel or foam, dispense 2-3 pumps into your palms and apply to damp skin. Use circular motions with your hands to gently work the formula into your skin. Then gently splash water onto your skin to rinse off the formula. If your skin feels tight or dry after using a cleansing gel or goam, that means the formula is too harsh or drying for your skin. Opt for formulas that are hydrating, work for sensitive skin, and don’t “bubble up” too much (as they tend to be quite drying).

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Step 5: Follow up with your usual skincare routine

After double cleansing, it’s time to follow up with your regular skincare routine, whether that’s applying a toner, serum, moisturiser, facial oil, or SPF (in the daytime). Your makeup should now be thoroughly removed, with your skin left fresh, clean, hydrated, calm, and soft.

Sarah Sarsby is the owner of A Woman's Confidence. With over 7 years' experience of writing in the fields of beauty and lifestyle, Sarah is passionate about all things content, makeup, skincare, wellness, and lifestyle. She has combination skin, is obsessed with lip gloss, and loves cookie dough.