How to remove makeup: 4 tips from cosmetic experts

Arguably, the worst part of wearing makeup is removing it. You spend so much time perfecting your look before heading out for the day or night to come, only to have to wash it off at the end.

We should note, though, that the one cardinal rule of makeup is to remove it before bed. "Oil, dirt, pollutants and makeup when left on the skin can lead to breakouts, irritation, styes and even accelerated aging of the skin," explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Charlotte Birnbaum. "The longer this debris sits on the skin, the more likely these undesirable effects can occur, which is why leaving your makeup on overnight is even more problematic. Overnight, this is compounded potentially by additional occlusion by a pillow." Even worse is waking up to makeup stains all over your pillowcase.

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Luckily, there are plenty of makeup removers in the market nowadays that are far more efficient than your everyday facial cleanser and water. According to Dr. Jessica Wu, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist and author of "Feed Your Face," you should "choose a makeup remover depending on the type and amount of makeup you wear. It should easily remove makeup without rubbing or leaving skin red and irritated." This means you may only need a swipe of micellar water if you’re into the simple dolphin skin look, or a serious double cleanse if you have a whole face of Halloween makeup to take off.

Whether you want a gentle makeup remover or something that can take off stubborn waterproof mascara, we spoke to various beauty experts about the best ways to remove makeup out there. Keep reading to discover their tips and picks.

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