My Eye Makeup Removal Routine!

makeup removal skincare Aug 14, 2025


You get home late after an event, kick off your shoes, and the thought of removing your makeup feels like a headache, we’ve all been there. The temptation to crash into bed is real. But let me tell you… never make that mistake!

Sleeping in your makeup is a big deal, it’s bad for your skin, your lashes, and your eyes. It clogs pores, causes irritation, accelerates aging, and can even lead to eye infections. Trust me when I say this, the few extra minutes it takes to cleanse your skin properly before you pass out for the night are worth saving yourself from weeks of skin drama.

Here’s how I remove my eye makeup thoroughly, without damaging the delicate skin around my eyes.

Step 1: Melt the Makeup

I start with micellar water on a cotton pad, soaking it generously. Then, I press and hold the pad over my closed eye for about 60 seconds. This gives the micellar water enough time to dissolve even the most stubborn waterproof products without me having to rub. 

Step 2: Swipe. Don’t Tug 

Once the eye makeup starts to melt away, I gently swipe the cotton pad downward and outward. The skin around the eyes is incredibly delicate, so I avoid any back and forth, rough scrubbing. Patience here really pays off in keeping the area smooth and irritation free in the long run.

Step 3: Repeat Until It’s Completely Clean

I’m a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to makeup removal. I tend to go through a couple cotton pads to make sure every last trace of my stubborn eye makeup is gone. I stop only when the final pad comes away completely clean.

Step 4: Double Cleanse

Double cleansing is crucial for skincare, you should ideally use a cleansing balm for this step but it's not recommended to use a balm when you have eyelash extensions like I do, which is why I prefer using micellar water. Once the eye area is makeup free thanks to the micellar water, I move on to a gentle face wash for double cleansing. I wash my face with a gentle cleanser to further remove any residue, then continue with my nighttime skincare routine. Your face wash should be based on your skin type! This ensures my skin is not just clean, but also ready to absorb the benefits of my serums and creams.

Why I Love This Method:

It’s simple, doesn’t involve harsh rubbing, and leaves my eyes fresh and comfortable. The key is giving the micellar water time to work, think of it as letting the product do the hard work for you.

If you found this helpful and  want more insight into my personal skincare routine, then grab my digital course where I have an entire module dedicated to my morning and nighttime skincare routines!