“I wear makeup most days and I struggle getting it all off. Why is my regular cleanser not working?”
One of the best things about today’s foundation is that it stays! One of the worst things about today’s foundation is that it stays!
Between primers, stay-all-day makeup, concealers, and setting sprays, your cleanser might very well be losing the battle. And for those who experience acne breakouts, that left-behind foundation or primer can be particularly problematic.
Breaking down the foundation’s adherence bonds is an important step. Micellar water is an excellent first step and can be thought of as a pre-cleanse. We like Avene Micellar Lotion because it’s gentle enough for all, even the more sensitive skin types.
There are various pre-cleanse oils available in big box stores and online, but many include mineral oil, silicone oil, or sensitizing essential oils. Other micellar water cleansers are on the store shelves, too. Just be aware of the ones with gimmicky-sounding names and high fragrance.
Use a generously soaked pad – or two. Once the cotton pad is swiped and stays white, move on to a lathering or lotion cleanser to remove the surfactants from the micellar water. Sensitive skin will find that Avene is a solid option with Avene XeraCalm AD Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil as step two.
If your skin is not particularly sensitive and you like an exfoliating cleanser that gently scrubs away dead skin, Skin Medica’s AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is highly recommended.
Your skin will then be fully receptive to the next step skincare without makeup clogging your pores.
