Makeup wipes are the lazy girl's best friend. Many women can recall those times when they were simply too tired to wash their makeup off before going to bed. The easiest solution? Grab a pack of makeup wipes. However, it turns out that makeup wipes are not really good for the skin. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shereene Idriss tells InStyle that they are too abrasive to skin and are not even comparable to a cotton pad soaked in makeup remover. Eventually, they can cause microtears in the skin, especially in the delicate eye area when you use them to take off heavy-duty eyeliner and mascara.
Aside from not being kind to skin, makeup wipes are also not environmentally friendly. They are just like any other single-use products like plastic straws and bags. While some brands have released biodegradable wipes, most wipes are made of materials that don't break down and get stuck in landfills for years.
As an alternative to single-use wipes, beauty brands have come up with washable and reusable pads and microfiber cloths that can remove makeup just as easily. Here are some options listed by Self Magazine that you can try.
The MakeUp Eraser Makeup Remover Cloth
The MakeUp Eraser is a plush microfiber towel that removes makeup using just water. It's like using a washcloth, but this one is made to pick up dirt and makeup easily and even removes the most resistant eyeliner and mascara. The towel has two different sides: the smooth one is for cleansing makeup, while the fiber side can be used as an exfoliator. Just give it a quick rinse with soap and water when you're done.
Also read: The Top Clean Skincare Products That Took Over in 2020
The Makeup Mitty (Pack of Three)
The Makeup Mitty is a small tear-shaped mitt that you can slip over your fingers. The pointed tip allows you to get every inch of eye makeup off and you won't have to worry about the delicate skin around your eyes as the mitt is very gentle on the skin. You can use it with your favorite cleanser to not only cleanse but exfoliate as well.
Face Halo Makeup Removers (Pack of Three)
Think of these makeup removers as a plushy towel in the size of a cotton round. Its 3D texture removes mascara and lipstick easily without a liquid makeup remover. One round is enough to take off a face full of makeup. You can wash them by hand or throw them in the washing machine along with other towels.
Jane Iredale Magic Mitt Makeup Remover
Another option that only requires water, the mitt fits like a basic self-tanning mitt and is made of soft towel material that won't be irritating on sensitive skin. Just rinse with a gentle soap and water once you're done and let it air dry before reusing.
Greenzla Reusable Makeup Remover Pads
Just like the Face Halo Makeup Removers, these pads come in the shape of cotton rounds. However, these ones are made from organic cotton and bamboo which make them more durable. With proper care, they can last for years and once you've fully used one up, they're compostable and biodegradable. They also come with a laundry bag for easy washing.
And there you have it. Save your skin and the environment by using reusable makeup wipes.
Related article: Christmas Shopping 2020: The Best Eco-Friendly Beauty Buys