Makeup

Are You Really Removing All of Your Makeup?

If you're waking up with raccoon eyes or lipstick smear, discover the best ways to keep your makeup from crawling into bed with you

by Erica Smith | COMMENT

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How to Remove Eye Makeup From Sensitive Lids Successful smoky eyes are built from the bottom up with eye shadow primer, and layers and layers of blended shadow. It's tempting to start scrubbing away all that work with a washcloth and call it a day, but most washcloths are too rough on your eyes. To remove eye makeup gently, your fingers and a damp cotton round are the only things that should ever get near your eyes.

To break down your smoky eye, King recommends looking for dual-phase eye makeup removers that are made of oil and water. (You'll know them when you see them. They're the bottles of liquid you have to vigorously shake to blend.) The first phase, oil, cuts through eye shadow and primer, while the second phase, water, usually of the cucumber or chamomile variety, soothes skin. Try Lancome Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover, $30, or Simple Dual Effect Eye Make-Up Remover, $6.99 Apply to a damp cotton round and hold over your closed lid for 10 seconds. Next, gently swipe from you're the inner corner outward.

If your eyes sting or you still find raccoon eye remnants the morning after, branch out from your usual beauty brands and give eye experts at the drugstore a go. Pick up pre-moistened Systane Lid Wipes, $13.49, which are specially formulated for sensitive eyelids and can be used to remove remover that may be irritating your eyes or leaving dull smudges.

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