Beauty

Skin care secrets: The ultra-easy way to remove makeup

There are easier ways to remove makeup and get super clean skin than the conventional cleanser and water method. Read on for the ultimate, lazy-girl skin care secrets to clear skin.

by : Ally Dean- Aug 28th, 2012

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SKIN CARE DILEMMA
Q: "Washing my face every night is impossible. What’s a lazy girl to do?”

A: Skip the sink and retreat to your bedroom.

Q: “BUT I’m wearing makeup. how can I get clean skin without…washing it?”

A: We’re not encouraging you to adopt Kardashian-like habits and hit the bed with a full face of makeup—that’s a recipe for problems like blemishes, irritation and even an increase in the appearance of
fine lines and wrinkles. We suggest getting acquainted with micellar cleansers: soap-free three-in-one products that can remove makeup, cleanse skin without leaving it tight or stripped and act as a toner. No rinsing required either—you can do it all from the comfort of your 800-thread-count sheets.

The distinguishing feature of these micellar cleansers, or “cleansing waters,” is their dirt-eliminating molecules. Sounds pretty space age, but it’s actually a simple process. “Micelles are tiny clusters of molecules that have a hydrophilic [or water-loving] end and a hydrophobic [or water-shunning] end,” explains Rodger Bogardus, research and development expert for La Prairie. When the cleansing solution is spread across the skin, these molecules break apart, causing a magnet-like effect that surrounds, attracts and then lifts all the makeup, dirt and impurities found on the skin’s surface.

Micellar cleansers offer a simplified, no-nonsense approach to skin care. In terms of aesthetic appeal, they’re a tad underwhelming: They are odourless and colourless and, frankly, look like a bottle of flat water. However, their sophisticated “lifting” cleaning action (rather than the typical rubbing movement to scrub off makeup when using a remover) is what distinguishes them from the pack. They’re able to loosen the bond between cosmetics and skin so they can be easily wiped away.

According to Bogardus, anytime you rub or wash your face, you stimulate your sebaceous (oil-producing) glands, which can cause added irritation for women with
sensitive or delicate skin.

Read on for our favourite no-wash skin care products to get clear skin and remove makeup in a flash …
These supercharged waters not only cut the time of your nightly routine but also simplify your entire
beauty regimen. The application is busy-girl-friendly: Just soak a cotton pad in the cleanser and gently wipe it over your face, neck and eye area. If you need a little midday touch-up at work or a refresh before a night out, they’re an easy desk-drawer stash. You can presoak a few pads, pop them into a zip-lock bag and take them with you to the gym or on an airplane when you don’t want to deal with checking a bag. And because they don’t leave a greasy residue, they’re terrific for cleaning up smeared
mascara or eyeliner.

If it seems like you’re finally being rewarded for wanting to take the easy way out, well, you’re right. “You can lie in bed and wipe off a full day of makeup with two pads,” says Amanda Macino, national director of training for La Prairie. “It really is the ultimate in lazy luxury.”

Some of our top cleansing waters include:

La Prairie Cellular Cleansing Water Eyes/Face ($100)

NeoStrata Micellar Cleanser ($21)

La Roche-Posay Micellar Solution ($20.50)

Caudalie Cleansing Water ($26)

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution ($22)