The #1 Makeup Mistake That Is Ruining Your Skin

There are a multitude of ways to slip up with your makeup. You can pick the wrong shade of foundation and in turn look too orange, too pink, or too pale. You may blend your concealer less thoroughly and be left with unattractive streaks beneath your eyes. Or, you may choose a formula that’s not agreeable with your skin resulting in a temporary breakout atop your complexion. Those transgressions are big enough to ruin your day, but what if we told you there’s something worse out there, a makeup mistake that will negatively affect your skin both short-term and long-term? Now, what if we told you that you’ve probably committed this terrible, horrible makeup sin at one point or another? Ready for the dirty truth? Keep reading. 

If you haven’t already guessed it, the ultimate makeup mistake you could make is to not remove your makeup before bed. We’re not talking about slipping up once or twice in your life (shhh, we can let that slide), we’re talking about consistently skipping makeup removal in your evening skin routine night after night because you’re too tired, too lazy, or both. Long-term lapses in makeup removal in the evening will seriously hamper your skin’s ability to rejuvenate itself overnight. Less self-repair can lead to dull-looking skin that can also show the signs of skin aging sooner. What’s more, sleeping with your makeup on is like a death wish for your pores, which can become blocked and suffocated leading to a higher likelihood of breakouts. When glowing, younger-looking skin is on the line, it’s just not worth the risk. Always make the trip to the sink to wash your face before bed. What are the best tools for the task? We’re glad you asked! Below, three makeup-removing cleansers to ensure a clean complexion before you snooze.

VICHY PURETÉ THERMALE 3-IN-1 ONE STEP CLEANSER

For anyone who is begrudgingly removing their makeup and wants nothing more than to get it over with as soon as possible, this cleanser is for you. It works triple duty to cleanse, remove all traces of makeup, and tone skin in one simple step. You’re left with a complexion that feels fresh, soft, and soothed, all with just a quick sweep of a cotton pad. 

Vichy Pureté Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Cleanser, $19.50 

LA ROCHE-POSAY EFFACLAR GEL

Formulated for oily skin, this gel cleanser gentle cleanses impurities and reduces excess oil while respecting the skin’s pH balance. Wet face with lukewarm water and massage a small amount of gel into the skin to form a rich lather. Rinse thoroughly with water after a few moments.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Gel, $14.99

SKINCEUTICALS PURIFYING CLEANSER

Dissolve dirt, oil, and impurities off the surface of skin and leave it feeling fresh and conditioned with this conditioning gel. Its formula boasts glycolic acid to provide gentle exfoliation to improve skin tone and texture without stripping the skin’s barrier.

SkinCeuticals Purifying Cleanser, $34

P.S.—Keep makeup remover wipes on your nightstand as a back-up plan on long nights when you’re crashing into bed and all face-washing chances are shot to hell. No judgment, we’ve all been there.