No Makeup Remover? 3 Ways to Remove Costume Makeup Without Harming Your Skin

Costume makeup is all fun and creative with the right face palette, prosthetics, and fake blood. As important as it is to rock your look, it’s just as essential to take it all off with a makeup remover at the end of the day. 

This will keep oils, dirt, and product residue from wreaking havoc on your pores overnight. Moreover, according to The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, heavy makeup can increase breakouts. While it doesn’t directly clog pores, it can trap other comedogenic substances and increase the chance of flare-ups, particularly those with acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Here are three different types of makeup remover that can remove your costume makeup without harming your skin.

Cleansing wipes can help take off heavy, greasy paint from costume makeup. They’re easy to use, even on the go. You can use this as a first step in your makeup removal routine. Wipe off foundation, lipstick, and gently dab your eyes as well. Don’t rub it too vigorously on your face to avoid irritation. 

Cleansing balms are one of the gentlest types of makeup remover. There’s no friction against the skin because you use the pads of your fingers to work the balm. It easily melts makeup and lifts product from your skin as it transforms into a silky oil. Simply scoop a small amount with the product scooper — don’t use your hands or you’ll contaminate the product with bacteria. Then massage the balm on your face in small, circular motions. Wipe it off with a soft tissue or face tower before moving on to your cleanser.

If you don't have a cleansing balm, you can try any other oil-based remover. As insurance, you can also double-cleanse with a water-based wash. POND'S Orange Nectar Jelly Cleanser hydrates and brightens as much as it cleans.

Looking for a gentle makeup remover? Micellar water is the way to go. Tiny lipid molecules called “micelles” attract all the sebum, dirt, and grime off your skin, making the skin feel cleaner and more refreshed. Pour micellar water onto a cotton pad, then wipe onto skin to remove costume makeup. The best part is, it’s so effective, you don’t even have to rinse or follow it up with a foaming cleanser.

Eskinol Naturals Micellar Water Glow with Natural Rose Extracts removes oil, dirt, and makeup while gently purifying and nourishing your skin. This mattifying formula also removes excess oil from your skin without overdrying it. Moreover, it contains rose extract, which gives it a mild, floral fragrance.

If you struggle to remove a certain type of makeup (yup, looking right at glitter) or any makeup on specific areas of the face (such as the inner corner of your eye), apply the micellar water on a cotton round or cotton swab, hold it over the area for a few seconds, then gently wipe off in one direction. No need to rub, which can irritate your skin.

Heavier makeup doesn’t mean you have to physically work harder removing it. You can always be gentle during the cleansing process with the makeup remover of your choice.