5 Mistakes You’re Probably Making When Removing Makeup (And How to Fix Them)

Taking off your makeup should be a moment of self-care, not a fast, half-hearted chore before bed. But I'll be honest, after spending hours in traffic and sitting in poorly ventilated rooms, self-care is the last thing on our minds. Many of us fall into this habit, and it can lead to breakouts, dryness, and even premature aging.

If your skin still feels grimy after cleansing or you've been waking up to skin irritation, chances are you’re making one of these common mistakes.

Let’s break them down, and show you how to fix them.

1. Using Makeup Wipes as Your Only Cleanser

Makeup wipes might seem like a gift from the skincare gods, especially after a long day. But the truth is, they don’t actually clean your skin. At best, they remove surface-level makeup. At worst, they leave behind residue that clogs pores and disrupts your skin barrier.

Many wipes also contain alcohol or harsh chemicals that strip your skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness, sensitivity, or breakouts.

Fix it: Use wipes only when absolutely necessary (e.g., when you’re traveling or have no access to water). Otherwise, opt for double cleansing. Start with a micellar water or cleansing oil to melt away makeup and sunscreen. Follow it up with a gentle water-based cleanser to thoroughly clean your skin without over-drying. Look for oil cleansers with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil or squalane for a skin-friendly cleanse. Visit the Beyond Medplus store to get the best cleansers!

2. Rubbing Your Face Too Hard

Waterproof mascara, gel liner, lash glue, they’re stubborn. But scrubbing or tugging at your eyes to remove them can cause serious damage. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate than the rest of your face. Over time, aggressive rubbing can lead to redness, lash fallout, and even fine lines.

Fix it: Soak a cotton pad in micellar water or an eye makeup remover (look for oil-infused ones if you wear waterproof makeup), then gently press it over your eye for 10–15 seconds. This gives the product time to dissolve the makeup. After that, swipe gently, never rub. For heavy makeup days, use a cotton swab dipped in remover to target lash lines and inner corners without irritation.

3. Ignoring the Hairline, Neck, and Jawline

If you focus only on the center of your face, you’re probably leaving behind traces of foundation, bronzer, and setting powder along the edges of your face. Over time, that leftover product builds up, clogging pores, causing breakouts, and making your skincare less effective.

Fix it: When cleansing, don’t be afraid to get your hairline wet. Cleanse from your forehead to your neck, including behind the ears and along the jawline. If you apply makeup to your neck or chest (like bronzer or highlighter), extend your cleansing routine there too.

4. Skipping Hand Washing Before You Touch Your Face

You wouldn’t eat dinner without washing your hands, right? So why treat your face any differently?

Your hands collect bacteria, oil, and grime all day. If you go straight into your skincare routine without washing them, you're transferring all of that onto your face, right before bed.

Fix it: Before cleansing or applying any product, wash your hands with soap and warm water. It’s a simple step that can prevent unnecessary breakouts and keep your skincare routine hygienic and effective. Keep a towel or tissue nearby so you’re not dripping water all over your counter after washing up.

5. Skipping Moisturizer After Cleansing

Cleansing, even with gentle products, strips your skin of some of its natural moisture. If you don’t replenish it afterward, your skin can feel tight, dry, and irritated. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, flaky patches, and even premature aging.

Fix it: Follow the cleanse with a hydrating toner or serum, then apply a moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp. This helps lock in hydration and supports the skin barrier overnight.

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, don’t skip this step, just choose a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturizer. For extra glow, add a few drops of facial oil (like rosehip or marula) to your night cream.

Conclusion

Removing your makeup isn’t just a hygiene step; it’s a key part of your skincare routine. When done right, it preps your skin to absorb serums, stay hydrated, and repair itself overnight.

By avoiding these five mistakes, you’re not just taking off your makeup; you’re protecting your skin, preventing long-term damage, and investing in a healthier, clearer complexion.

At Beyond MedPlus, we believe skincare starts with the basics. That’s why we stock a curated range of dermatologist-approved cleansers, micellar waters, and gentle makeup removers tailored to every skin type. Visit any of our stores or shop online to upgrade your skincare game, starting with how you take the day off.