It's easy to forgo your regular makeup removal routine when you've had a late night and all you want when you get home is a nice, warm bed. Oftentimes, our options are to either quickly and aggressively remove the makeup or skip the removal process altogether. Neither of these options are a good idea. While the clear lesson here is to not sleep with your eye makeup on, it's also important for us to stress the proper removal of eye makeup. The eye area is pretty sensitive and is easily irritated. Proper removal is key, so we've put together some musts - along with a few easy cheats - to help you get it all off.


Pick the Right Product

Use a makeup remover formulated specifically for the delicate eye area, like Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Make-up Remover. It's soothing, lightweight and won't sting or strip sensitive skin. Soak a cotton ball, press it softly against your lids and the top of your eyelashes for 15 to 20 seconds.

Rub and Repeat

When removing eye makeup, be sure to rub gently, toward the corners of your eyes. Repeat this motion, this time focusing on the underside of your lashes. You'll want to do this a couple of times to remove all traces of eye shadow and eyeliner.

Wash It Up

When you're finished, wash your entire face with a mild, foaming cleanser, like Lancôme Mousse Radiance Clarifying Self-Foaming Cleanser. Any remaining makeup should come off easily.

Alternative Options

In a pinch, you can use moisturizer to take off your eye makeup. Apply a dime-sized amount to your ring finger and gently rub it over your lids up to your brow bone. Wait about 30 seconds, then wipe it off with a cotton ball.

When in Doubt ...

There are bound to be some nights when you just can't muster up the energy for full-on eye makeup removal. Be prepared for those occasions by keeping a pack of Maybelline Clean Express! Facial Towelettes by your bed. When you really have to crash before washing your face, you can at least wipe your eye makeup off before your head hits the pillow.

Do you ever sleep with your eye makeup on? Spill it in the comments!

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