For centuries women have been told to be soft and polite. To tone it down. To not ask for more. To be content with what is given. To be submissive, patient and forgiving. To forget about chasing one’s dreams, goals and ambitions, and obediently accept the path decided for her. But no more.

As women, we have all the right to demand what is rightfully ours. To take up space. To be vocal and ambitious. To make our dreams a reality. To be our own boss and shatter glass ceilings. To push boundaries and be expressive. 

And what greater way to express your individuality and creativity than makeup. Makeup has been used for centuries by women to show their femininity. Initially used only as a means to look more attractive and enhance one’s features, it now holds a completely new meaning. It's a way of expressing yourself, showing that you are in control, you are bold and determined and will do anything to achieve what you set your eyes on. A way to show the world our personality and who you truly are.

But to ensure that your makeup application looks smooth and flawless throughout the day, taking it off every night is a must. Sleeping with makeup on can result in a nasty breakout, as early as the next day, as well as clogged pores, blackheads and uneven skin. 

How to Remove your Makeup with 4 Easy Steps

So don’t forget to follow your night time makeup removing skin care routine religiously. If you’re wondering what one looks like, read on to find out more!

Step1: Oil Cleanser

We’ve spoken about double cleansing previously, but to stress its importance, we don’t mind doing it again. To remove your makeup, start with an oil based cleanser. You can buy a good quality one off the shelf, or make your own cleansing oil. Our favourite is mixing a half and half ratio of olive oil and castor oil. 

This step is crucial as it helps to remove the layers of different products that you’ve applied to achieve that mesmerizing makeup look. Since like dissolves like, using an oil-based cleanser breaks off all the foundation, concealer, and eye makeup as they are mostly oil-based. This reduces the chances of your skin pores getting clogged from the makeup and protects your skin from future acne breakouts.

Step2: Cleansing

After removing makeup from your face using an oil-based cleanser you need to wash your face with a gentle water-based cleanser to ensure no dirt or makeup residue remains on the skin. Water-based cleansers also help to rehydrate, nourish and exfoliate your skin and prevents it from losing moisture. 

Using a cleanser that includes hyaluronic acid as a primary ingredient like the Leovard Multi Cleanser, helps to not only maintain the hydration levels of your skin but the papaya extract in it also provides a gentle exfoliating property to remove the dead skin cells resulting in a much needed radiant glow.

Step3: Toner

Toner is usually not considered to be a necessary part of a skincare routine but for regular makeup users, it can bring about an absolute sense of bliss. Using a toner helps to shrink your pores, giving you a clean and smooth canvas to apply a hydrating moisturizer and for it to be able to do its job well. It also promotes collagen synthesis within the deep layers of your skin, making it look youthful, radiant and glowy.

Step4: Moisturizer

A moisturizer is as necessary as it sounds. It helps to retain moisture in your skin while keeping it plump and supple. By keeping your skin feeling hydrated, it prevents the skin from secreting excess oils that would ultimately cause skin problems such as clogged pores, acne, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation.

Using a moisturizer with hydrating properties and the ability to replenish your skin through ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants should be considered. The Leovard Multicream is a light yet creamy moisturizer that is suitable for all skin types and helps to keep the skin hydrated and feeling pampered.

Few Extra Tips to Remember

We’re all for experimenting with your looks through makeup and even going crazy with it once in a while but it doesn't mean that your skin's health should be jeopardized in any way. Here are a few extra tips to maintain healthy skin so that you don’t feel limited and constricted and can be truly expressive using your makeup:

Avoid Makeup Wipes

Makeup wipes might sound like a quick and easy solution to remove all of your makeup in one go, but it's not. While makeup wipes are great for breaking down all your makeup they can leave a thick residue on your skin that can cause your skin’s pores to get clogged with dirt and oil residue, resulting in the worsening of acne and pimples.

Be Gentle

We know you just got home from work, tired from your stressful day at work, and just want to get a good sleep. Removing makeup seems like the last thing on your mind but you know the consequences of sleeping with it on. However, aggressively doing the steps to get done with it can cause the skin to become irritated and inflamed. Try your best to be as gentle to your skin as possible. Use a gentle cleanser along with soft and gentle hand motions to melt and cleanse the makeup so that you don't cause any redness and inflammation nor do you wake up with an unwanted pimple the next morning.

Take Away

The way you do your makeup shows a lot about your personality. The bold and bright eyeliner shows your creativity and the minimalistic no-makeup look shows your calm and serene personality. But to be able to continue expressing yourself using makeup, you need to reset from yesterday. Removing your makeup along with maintaining a skincare routine will do wonders for not only your skin’s health, but also your confidence. 

Knowing that you’re putting in time and effort to be kind and grateful to your own self. That you know what cherishing and loving yourself truly means. Because if you don’t, who will?

RELATED ARTICLES

> The Curly Girl Method For Beginners
> How to Incorporate Hyaluronic Acid in Skincare
> 8 Steps To Give Yourself A Perfect At-Home Manicure