Sleeping in your makeup is a beauty no-no. But what about when you’re too tired to care? Why not try one of these five products that make taking off your makeup an easy task?

Most experts would agree that the golden rule of skin care is that you should never, never, never go to bed without first removing all of your makeup.

You probably know that makeup can clog your pores and not allowing your skin to breathe will result in a dry, lackluster complexion. Sometimes even blemishes or acne.

But did you also know that sleeping in your makeup can result in unnecessary exposure to free radicals? Causes of oxidative stress, such as pollution in the environment, gets trapped in your makeup. Continuous exposure to free radicals causes collagen break down. Over time this can result in fine lines and prematurely aged skin.

Although forgetting to cleanse off foundation or oil-based primers is the worst for your skin, sleeping with eye makeup can also lead to problems. The tiny hair follicles and oil glands on your eyelids can become clogged by mascara or eyeliner. Bacteria then builds up and causes inflammation, resulting in the formation of small bumps called styes.

I hope that has made you reconsider sleeping in your makeup ever again! Knowing how to remove eye makeup quickly will make the process so much easier.

Here are five fantastic products to keep in your bathroom cabinet, or even in your bedside table drawer.

1. Microfiber Cloths Need Only Water to Work

There are lots of different types of microfiber makeup removal cloths on the market. Some are simply squares of microfiber, others are circular shaped.

Whatever form you choose, the science behind microfiber is the same.  Microfiber is about 100 times finer than human hair. Just by wetting the cloth with water, the fibers are able to get deep down into the skin’s pores. They then lift out any trapped makeup, dirt and oil that is on the skin.

2. Makeup Remover Wipes are Totally Mess Free

Makeup remover towelettes have got to be one of the easiest ways to take off your makeup. Stash a couple in your purse and definitely keep some in your nightstand so you can quickly remove your makeup if you forget to before going to bed.

Savvy Travelers Take Offz remove all traces of makeup, even waterproof mascara and liquid eyeliner!  They are super easy to use. Just take one out of its pack, gently wipe your face and eyes and throw the used wipe in the trash.Makeup remover wipes are also perfect for travel.  They are so convenient to use and fit easily into your carry-on or luggage.

3. In a Pinch, Use Petroleum Jelly

Your makeup will slide right off with petroleum jelly. It’s made from petrolatum, which is made from mineral oils and waxes. Use your finger to smear a little over your eyes and wipe off gently with a cotton pad.

Fun tip – if you want your eyelashes to grow thicker or to assist the regrowth of over-plucked brows, slick some petroleum jelly on the hairs overnight. Just be careful not to get any in your eyes.

4. Micellar Water is a Wash, Remover and Moisturizer in One

Micellar water is made up of tiny balls of cleansing-oil molecules (called micelles) suspended in soft water. The micelles are attracted to dirt and oil. They act like a magnet, drawing out makeup, dirt and oil, away from the skin.

Micellar water acts like a magnet to lift dirt, oil and makeup from your skin, without the need for any harsh rubbing.

To remove eye makeup simply soak a cotton pad with micellar water and hold over the eyes for a few seconds. Always wipe in a downwards motion.

5. Coconut Oil – the Handiest Product in Your Kitchen Cupboard

Organic, cold-pressed coconut oil is a brilliant all-rounder. Not only can you use it to cook, but it is also safe to use on your face. Because of its detergent effect, it works well as a makeup remover.

Coconut oil solidifies in the colder weather, so if it isn’t liquid, rub a little between your hands.  Very gently rub onto dry skin. Use a little more to remove any heavy eye makeup.

How to Remove Eye Makeup – A Professional Makeup Artist’s Tip

Professional makeup artist and New Yorker Jill McKay says that cotton is the best material to use with any eye makeup remover. However, her secret is to dampen the cotton with water first. This way the makeup will glide right off. According to McKay, if you just put makeup remover straight onto dry cotton it will end up pulling on the eye and dragging makeup on the skin around it.

Have you been guilty of sleeping in your makeup? Just click on the link below to get your own makeup remover wipes, so you never do it again!