It’s not as much fun to remove your eye makeup as it is to apply it, but it’s an important step in any skin care regimen. It is important to remove your makeup properly each night in order to maintain healthy skin. This is how to remove makeup safely.

You must remove your makeup every night, even if you’re too tired to do your entire routine. Makeup that is left on your skin can clog pores and cause breakouts, blemishes, and irritation. The longer makeup is left on the skin, the harder it will be for you to remove.

Start by removing makeup from your eyes. Remove your contact lenses before starting. It is important to use a formula that will dissolve makeup without rubbing the eyes excessively, as this can cause irritation and premature signs of aging. Select a formula specifically designed for the eye area, such as Klorane Eye Makeup Removal Lotion with Soothing Cornflower. Dip a cotton pad in the remover and hold it over the eyes for a couple of seconds to start dissolving the makeup. Gently wipe away the makeup.

Use a makeup remover to dissolve your makeup on days you are wearing a lot. Jane Iredale botanical makeup remover is a soothing blend of aloe extract and oat to help prevent irritation and dryness. This formula can be applied to a cotton swab and swept over the lips and face to remove makeup.

Use a gentle cleanser on days you don’t wear makeup to remove it from your face and eyes. LovelySkin Gentle Cream Cleanser removes makeup easily while soothing and hydrating the skin. Meadowfoam and olive oil extract moisturize the skin so that it won’t cause irritation or dryness.

You may not always have the luxury of a bathroom or sink to remove your makeup. You can clean your skin with cleansing cloths like Kohgen Do Cleansing Water Cloth on the Move. These wipes don’t contain any alcohol or oil, and they can be used without rinsing your skin. They are ideal for travel.