The basics: How to wash off makeup effectively

Cleansing your skin twice a day, as part of your skincare routine, will help you achieve a fresh, clean complexion that looks radiant.

Take time to focus on your eyes and lips if you use long-wear formulas like waterproof mascara and liquid lipstick. Follow up with the rest of your skincare regime to complete your routine.

If you’re looking for gentle techniques for how to clean off makeup effectively, our step by step makeup removal guide can help.

Step 1: Start with a makeup removing cleanser

When it comes to cleansing, your first question might be “how do I remove makeup?”. For the best way to remove makeup, choose a product that’s been formulated to thoroughly cleanse while leaving skin looking radiant and feeling replenished. Balms and oils are good options, as they’re ideal for gently dissolving makeup, including waterproof mascara, liquid lipsticks and long-wear foundation.

Liz Earle Superskin™ Advanced Nourishing Cleansing Balm is a gentle yet effective makeup remover. The luxurious formula, powered by acacia tree extract, a plant-based alternative to collagen, helps nourish and improve the look and feel of skin while it melts away makeup.

Simply massage a pea-sized amount of cleansing balm over your face and neck. Add a little water to your fingertips, to help emulsify the balm into a milk, then remove with the cleansing cloth after rinsing it in warm water.

Read our What Is Cleansing Balm article to find out more about cleansing balm and how to get the most out of using it.

Step 2: Don’t forget the eyes & lips

Looking for tips on how to remove makeup from around your eyes and lips? Because the skin in these areas is delicate, you might want to consider using gentle cleanser around your eyes and lips, or a makeup remover that’s specially formulated for these areas, as part of your cleansing routine.

Gently melt away light eye makeup with Eyebright™ Soothing Eye Lotion. The light, non-greasy formula leaves the delicate eye area feeling soothed and hydrated, while effectively removing light eye makeup. Pour a generous amount onto cotton wool pads and sweep gently over your eyelids to instantly cleanse, revitalise and refresh.

Step 3: Follow up with a gentle cleanser for double cleansing

Double cleansing is the efficacious way to remove makeup and help leave skin feeling fresh and clean. The double cleansing method involves following up your first cleanse with a second gentle cleanser to help remove any residue and give the skin an additional clean.

Liz Earle’s cleansers are formulated to thoroughly cleanse the skin without stripping it. Try the iconic Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser for deep cleansing and instant hydration. With a bio-fusion blend, including nourishing cocoa butter and soothing chamomile, it works to remove pollutants and makeup while the gently exfoliating cloth lifts away dead skin to leave skin looking radiant and feeling hydrated and resilient.

Cleanse & Glow™ Transforming Gel Cleanser melts from a luxurious gel into a lightweight oil to effortlessly remove makeup and impurities, before rinsing off as a skin-softening milk. Bursting with Bursting with vitamin C rich acerola cherry and black bee honey, skin is left looking instantly smooth, gorgeously glowing, and thoroughly cleansed.

Step 4: Use a soft, clean face cloth

For an effective way to remove makeup, use a soft cloth to gently wipe away your cleanser and wash away your makeup.

Using a face cloth for makeup removal is a technique that’s gentle on your skin and effective at removing makeup, whilst helping to exfoliate your complexion.

Read our article on hot cloth cleansing to find out more.

Tips for effective & gentle makeup removal

When it comes to cleansing and the effectively way to removing makeup , it’s important to go gently and avoid being heavy handed or rubbing your skin too harshly. Instead, apply your cleansing product in soft, circular motions and allow a few moments for it to melt away your makeup. Then gently buff away with a warm, damp cloth.

Another top tip is to choose gentle cleansing products containing ingredients that help nourish and care for your skin while they cleanse.

Complete your routine with toner & moisturiser

After cleansing, complete your routine with a hydrating skincare regime. Revitalise your skin with a toner and lock in hydration with moisturiser.

If you’re unsure which order to use your skincare products, take a look at our guide to our perfect skincare routine order.

Makeup removal FAQs

What is the best way to remove stubborn makeup?

To remove stubborn makeup, follow the steps above. Go slowly and gently, allowing time for the product to do its job, especially if you’re trying to cleanse away stubborn makeup like waterproof mascara.

How often should I double cleanse?

You could double cleanse in the evenings on the days you wear heavy make-up, or if you feel like your skin needs an additional clean.

Can I remove makeup with just water?

Water alone won’t wash off all makeup – to effectively remove your makeup and leave your skin fresh and thoroughly clean, you need to use a gentle cleanser that’s designed to remove makeup.