Updated 09/25/22. The skin in the eye area is thin and fragile. In fact, it’s one of the thinnest areas of skin on the entire face, which explains why it’s so often the first to show signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles (or “crow’s feet” as some people call them). To make matters worse, it’s subjected to a lot of wear and tear from repeated friction and facial expressions. Just think about how often you smile, squint, and rub your eyes each day.
While using a well-formulated eye cream is a great way to prevent and address signs of aging in the eye area, you should also focus on how you’re removing your eye makeup—especially if you wear mascara and eyeshadow every day. Keep reading to see the best way to remove eye makeup. If you follow these steps, you’ll be able to thoroughly remove your eye makeup without causing any issues for your skin!
The Best Way to Remove Eye Makeup
Step 1: Saturate a Toning Cloth with Eye Makeup Remover
When it’s time to remove your eye makeup, the first step is to reach for a toning cloth and a proper eye makeup removal product.
While you can use traditional cotton rounds, I recommend using our best-selling Toning Cloths instead. Why? They don’t shed fibers or fuzz like cotton rounds do, which makes them a better option for use around your eye area specifically. Also, they’re thinner than cotton rounds, which means they soak up less product, allowing your skin to get the most saturation. (I promise—once you try them, you’ll never go back!).
As for eye makeup removers, I always suggest using an oil-free, fragrance-free, and no-sting eye formula, like the Soothing Eye Makeup Remover. It doesn’t contain any heavy oils that could seep into the eyes and cause unnecessary puffiness. Yet, it thoroughly removes even the most stubborn eye makeup! (Note: I don’t recommend wearing waterproof mascara on a daily basis. It makes removal difficult and leads to rubbing and tugging, which is exactly what you want to avoid!)
Step 2: Hold the Cloth Over Your Eye for 20 Seconds
The mistake most people make when they remove their eye makeup is to immediately start wiping and rubbing their eyes. This is where fine lines and wrinkles can come into play. Instead of doing this, I recommend holding the saturated toning cloth over your closed eye for 20 seconds. This will give your remover a chance to dissolve the makeup, eliminating the need for harsh rubbing and wiping.
Step 3: Gently Wipe Downward
After 20 seconds, gently wipe the toning cloth downward towards the cheek in short motions. This will lift off the dissolved makeup from your eyelids and eyelashes. The key word here is “gently.” Since you let the eye makeup remover sit for a while, it will have cut through the makeup. There’s no need for heavy pressure. Use a light hand.
Step 4: Flip the Cloth Over and Move It Upward
The final step is to flip the toning cloth over to the clean side and move it upward. This will lift away any eye makeup that’s clinging to the lower lash line. Again, use a light hand and short, gentle movements.
The Bottom Line
This method of eye makeup removal is sure to thoroughly and gently remove all traces of eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. The best part? It won’t cause fine lines and wrinkles to form in the eye area. Now that your makeup is properly removed, you can move on to the other steps in your skincare routine.
Speaking of your skincare routine, I highly suggest incorporating a high-performance eye cream into it. This will help support the thin skin in the eye area and help further prevent signs of aging. I like the Total Eye Repair Creme and the Vitamin C Eye Brightener. The former contains firming peptides. I apply it at night for the ultimate beauty sleep. The latter is high in antioxidants to brighten and protect the eye area. I apply it in the morning to defend against free radicals as I go about my day.
Finally, don’t forget to exfoliate around your eyes. Yes, really! Not very many people do this, but it’s a surefire way to keep your eye area looking firm, bright, and youthful. That’s why I use the Overnight Eye Serum regularly.
Next, find out why your eye cream might not be working.
Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”
