beauty Sponsored by Amazon
By Brianna Lapolla
•
Published May 15, 2025
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Let’s set the scene: It’s midnight, your bed is calling, and the only thing standing between you and sleep is a full face of makeup. We’ve all been there. And while it’s tempting to dive into bed and call it a night, skipping proper removal can lead to breakouts, eye infections and yes, waking up looking like you lost a bar fight (been there, not cute).
The good news? Taking it all off doesn’t have to be a 15-minute ordeal. With the right Amazon products and a few smart tricks, you can take everything off (gently and efficiently) before your head even hits the pillow.
Ahead, a few hacks that make makeup removal faster, easier and way more effective—so you can end your day on a clean note (literally).
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1. 30-Second Dissolve Method
Waterproof mascara is no match for this pro move. Instead of rubbing your eyes raw, soak a cotton pad with remover (try Amazon Basics Eye Makeup Remover), press it gently to your lids, and wait 30 seconds before wiping. Patience = payoff.
2. Two Cotton Pads Are Better Than One
Give your lashes the gentlest treatment with this pro technique. Soak two cotton pads or rounds (we like these hypoallergenic ones from Amazon) with eye makeup remover, then place one below and one above your lashes, gently pressing them together. Hold for 30 seconds and slide outward—no rubbing needed. This removes mascara without damaging lashes or causing unnecessary tension on your delicate eye area.
3. Warm Washcloth Pre-Treatment
Think of this as a mini facial before bed. Before applying any remover, use a warm (not hot!) washcloth to loosen up long-wear formulas and prep your pores for a more effective cleanse. Bonus: it feels so good after a marathon day.
4. Always Remove Before Bed
Let’s be real—some nights, making it to the bathroom sink feels like climbing Mount Everest. Keep makeup remover wipes on your nightstand for those can’t-even evenings. Look for calming formulas, like Amazon Basics Night Calming Makeup Remover Wipes with lavender, so your skin winds down while you do.
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5. The Double-Swipe Rule
One swipe is never enough. After your first cleanse, go in for round two—you’ll be surprised (and mildly horrified) how much makeup still comes off on that second pass, especially around the hairline, jawline and nose creases (where product loves to hide).
6. Microfiber FTW
Invest in a dedicated microfiber cloth for makeup removal (pro tip: choose a dark color that makeup won’t stain). These ultra-soft cloths can remove makeup with just warm water, reducing the need for products and saving your skin from potential irritation. For more stubborn makeup, dampen the cloth and add a tiny drop of cleanser. The fine fibers trap makeup particles more effectively than regular washcloths, making removal faster and more thorough.
7. Oil Before Water
For days when you’re rocking full glam, apply the science of “like dissolves like.” Start with an oil-based remover to break down makeup, then follow with a water-based cleanser to wash it away. It’s science—and your shortcut to squeaky-clean skin without scrubbing.
8. Don’t Forget to Clean Your Brushes
Dirty brushes are clean skin’s worst enemy. Add a makeup brush washing day to your calendar and give them a good suds with gentle soap (baby shampoo works!). If you’ve ever been plagued by random breakouts or makeup that just won’t makeup, dirty brushes and sponges could be the culprit. A good rule of thumb: wash all your brushes once a week to prevent bacteria from transferring back to your skin.
Shop Amazon Basics for Makeup Removal:
Brianna Lapolla
Writer
Brianna Lapolla formerly held the role of Senior Commerce Editor at PureWow covering all things shopping across beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Now, she's putting her 12 years of professional experience to use on a freelance basis. When she's not typing away, you can find her somewhere in Europe or at home catering to her dog, King Louis.
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