3 Steps To Effective Makeup Removal

It’s the end of a night out, and we’ve danced until dawn in a dazzling Smokey Eye.

In a past life, we would’ve rushed the makeup removal process once arriving home. But makeup artists of the moment like Katie Jane Hughes would agree, taking our time with this end-of-the-night ritual isn’t only a moment of self-care; it’s an opportunity to give our skin the nourishing products it craves. Start the new year fresh-faced without reminders of the night before, following three essential steps from experts in skincare. —Julia Dumbrell

Phase One: Pre-Cleanse

Be Your Best is a luxurious, oil-based transforming balm from Trinny London ($58). Designed to boost radiance and nourish skin, the pre-cleanser removes day and night from the most stubborn eye makeup and SPF overnight impurities. The balm is sold with the T-Towel muslin cloth, which Katie Jane Hughes swears by to get deep into the pores for thoroughly clean, nourished skin.

The Deep-cleansing Pre Cleanse Cleansing Oil by Dermalogica melts everything from excess sebum, sunscreen and waterproof make-up to environmental pollutants ($68). The result is an ultra-clean and healthy look from this expertly-made base product. 

Clinique’s Take the Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips has been the go-to since forever ($32). It effortlessly preps the face for sleep, dissolving makeup with a tug-free formula.

Phase Two: Double-Cleanse

An exfoliating conditioning gel which allows us to go a little deeper with our cleansing ritual, the Better Off by Trinny London is Katie Jane Hughes’ non-negotiable for an end-of-the-night routine ($50). Its active, kind-to-skin formula works to thoroughly clean without stripping the skin, gently exfoliating to help reveal a natural glow.

Skincare gurus can’t resist a second cleanse when using the luxurious Dermalogica Oil to Foam Cleanser ($78). Starting as a golden gel-oil infused with Sea Buckthorn Oil, a splash of water transforms this instant soft skin elixir into a rich cloud-like foam to wash away debris and any remaining impurities.

The Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap delivers an instantly clean feeling ($33). Made Oil-Free without fragrance, parabens or phthalates, the face will instantly feel as clean as this signature formula.

Phase Three: Moisturize

Bring energy and life back to skin that’s lost its oomph with Overnight Sensation, Trinny London’s ultimate intense retinoid treatment ($135). This ground-breaking serum awakens youthful skin.

Fade dark spots while sleeping with Dermalogica’s Powerbright Overnight Cream ($121). We’ll literally get our beauty sleep as antioxidant-rich Cranberry and Raspberry Seed oils bring visible rejuvenation while licorice extract helps soothe the skin.

A revitalising moisturiser to help boost cell renewal, the Clinique Turnaround Overnight Revitalising Moisturizer gives plump, smooth and glowing skin by morning ($51). Nourishing with moisture, the product gently clears the dulling effects of time and sun damage.