Makeup wipes. I am sure almost EVERYONE has used them at least once in their life. I used to use them all the time to remove my makeup (and even use them to replace my cleanser *cringe*). Look, I get it. They are super easy and convenient to use. BUT, could they be doing more harm than good? Lets dig deeper.
If you asked me a couple years ago if makeup wipes were gucci to use, I would have said “yes, but make sure you’re following with a proper cleanse after and a solid finishing routine”. Today, I am going to say to skip them all together, because I really believe that the cons outweigh the good. Don’t get me wrong, they are soooo handy if you’re travelling and don’t have anywhere to actually use water and properly wash your face, or if you have a full face of makeup on and just a basic cleanse isn’t doing the trick. BUT heres just SOME of the reasons I now say NO to makeup wipes:
- AWFUL for the environment. Did you know, the average SINGLE USE makeup wipe takes about 100 years to decompose?? Thats a scary number. They are contaminating and filling our landfills, oceans, and make up a large percentage of unnecessary waste.
- Most makeup wipes contain artificial fragrance, chemical preservation, harmful alcohols, and surfactants that aren’t being washed away if you’re just using the wipe the remove makeup and cleanse. This can lead to dryness, and with the content rubbing motion can cause irritation.
- Many makeup wipes can actually exfoliate the skin… so just imagine if you’re using one DAILY… thats major damage to our acid mantle (our acid mantle is a thin layer on our skin that works as a barrier to protection from bacteria and pollution).
- THEY ARE NOT AN ALTERNATIVE TO ACTUALLY WASHING YOUR FACE. I feel like its important to emphasize on that, lol. They are not formulated to cleanse your skin. Sometimes it will say “cleansing wipes” but that doesn’t mean it is a cleanser. Once the wipes remove the makeup, the wipe is essentially just moving bacteria and dirt around your skin, not removing it.
So, what are some ALTERNATIVES to using makeup wipes to REMOVE MAKEUP?
- DOUBLE CLEANSE!! Oil cleansers are a great first cleanse if you have heavy makeup on, but if you have minimal makeup, you can easily get away with iS Clinical cleansers. Start with cleansing complex, and then cream cleanser after and it should remove all the makeup (and eye makeup) while gently but effectively cleansing your skin and balancing the pH of the skin.
- Reusable wipes. Reusable, washable wipes made of bamboo and ORGANIC natural cotton are great alternatives to the single use makeup wipes. They are gentle on the skin, no chemicals are used, they won’t dry out like the single use ones will. Try out EcoTao wipes, they are made in Canada too! https://ecotao.ca/pages/avantage
In conclusion, take the extra 2-3 minutes to DOUBLE CLEANSE to remove your makeup, or the extra 1.5 minutes to cleanse at the sink. Your skin, and the environment will thank you.
Until next time ❤
Love, Your Local Estie
PS: WEAR YOUR DAMN SPF!!
Lifestyle Beauty by Kate 