How do you get makeup off without makeup remover?

The cost of conventional makeup removing pads or creams can get pricey fast, especially when you have ones for each area: eyes, lips, cheeks, etc. And, all those products take up precious space on bathroom and vanity shelves.

Personally, I have sensitive skin with occasional bouts of rosacea and like to be mindful of what I put on my delicate facial skin. I figured, if I can use a gentle single-ingredient product that fits with my desire to focus on natural cosmetic products, why not do it?

As I've experimented with greening my skin care routine, I've done quite a bit of research on the nurturing effects of plant-based oils on the skin. Many plant oils, including those listed below, help to repair the skin barrier and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, according to a study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

I've discovered that these oils gently lift and remove makeup during my evening bedtime routine. First, I start with a warm bath to relax and unwind from my day. I wash my body and hair, then towel off and give my face some extra TLC with one of these makeup-removing and skin-moisturizing oils.

1. Almond Oil

You may have some of this on hand as a carrier oil for essential oils or as a cooking oil. I like to pour a small amount on a cotton ball and carefully wipe it over the makeup that needs to be removed. No rinsing required! For waterproof mascara, you may need to go over your eyelashes a few times, then follow up with a dry cotton ball to absorb excess oil.

2. Avocado Oil

This popular salad dressing base is also helpful for beauty applications. Add some oil to a washcloth or disposable cotton makeup pad, then apply a soft touch to remove mascara, lip color, or eye shadows. If using a washcloth, simply launder after use and store it for its next use.

3. Coconut Oil

This oil has a creamy texture at room temperature, making it less messy to use than liquid oils. I like to put coconut oil on a cotton ball or washcloth and smooth it over my entire face as a skin moisturizer, removing makeup as I go. The oil will soak into the skin in about ten minutes, leaving your skin soft and makeup-free.

4. Hemp Oil

This lightweight oil can be applied like the others. It does have a hint of natural earthy fragrance, which may not be suitable for those with sensitivities to odors. If this is you, no worries! There are so many other plant oils to try.

5. Jojoba Oil

I don't go a day without using jojoba oil on my face. In the evening, I use it on a washcloth to whisk away my makeup from that day. On the days I've gone with a natural look, sans cosmetics, I still use the oil to hydrate my skin after being in the sun and wind.

6. Olive Oil

I've used this cooking oil for shaving, but it also works well to break down foundations and eye colors, too. Sometimes, I keep a small bottle in the bathroom just for my beauty needs. Apply it with a cotton ball or washcloth and wipe the skin until the makeup disappears.

7. Rosehip Oil

This oil is new-ish to me. I have a blend of jojoba, rosehip, and citrus oil that I recently purchased that has a swoon-worthy natural fragrance. It works as calming aromatherapy when I dab it on my face to remove makeup.

After reading this list, you may wonder if it's really okay to put oil on your face, especially if you already have oily skin. If you're concerned about this, look for a noncomedogenic oil, which means it is less likely to clog pores. A quick call to your dermatologist can help you understand which oils are safe for your skin type and personal care routine.

Whether you want to try these natural ways to remove makeup, experiment with natural cosmetics, or go makeup-free on occasion, there are so many ways to green your beauty routine. For more ideas, visit the @tomsofmaine DIY Naturally Pinterest board for inspiration!

Image Sources: Unsplash | Angela Tague | Angela Tague

The views and opinions expressed in any guest post featured on our site are those of the guest author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of Tom's of Maine.

We all know good skin starts with a thorough cleanse, but sometimes no matter how thoroughly you scrub and lather up, it seems like you just can't get all your makeup off. We've been there. Despite our best efforts, we're left wondering how to remove makeup completely. We talked to dermatologists and makeup artists to get their best tips for getting every last bit of makeup off our skin. Read on for seven pro tips to help you get a perfectly bare, makeup-free face.

Take your time.

When it comes to removing eye makeup in particular, the slower you go, the better. "Let the technology do the work," says dermatologist Ranella Hirsch. "Apply makeup remover and let it sit, and sit some more. Give it a couple minutes, say, while you brush and floss." This will soften mascara, liner, and shadow so it slips off easily and thoroughly once you finally wipe. "If you do this, you won’t find smudges under your eyes in the morning anymore," Hirsch says. Giving remover time to work its magic also prevents you from having to rub/scrub with your makeup-remover pad—always a mistake, since friction can damage the delicate skin around your eyes, causing irritation and contributing to wrinkles.

Soap and water works better than makeup wipes.

Deep down you already knew makeup wipes sounded too good to be true, right? Wipes can be an excellent initial step in removing makeup—in fact, they're best used to remove makeup before cleansing. But a proper sink session should ideally follow. "Many of us make the mistake of just using wipes and going to bed, but the makeup really is not all off—you still have to wash your face, ladies," says makeup artist Azra Red, telling us what we don't want to hear. "Using water and face wash is what's really going to remove residue and prep your skin for a good night regimen. If you use only wipes and then apply moisturizer, you might push dirt into your pores and wake up with pimples or blackheads."

Use a cleanser made to remove makeup.

"Women tend to use face wash that isn't made to remove makeup," says esthetician Joanna Czech. If you suspect yours falls into this category (evidence: those subtle BB cream smudges on your face towel postcleanse), you could use a makeup remover like micellar water first—or consider switching to a cleansing oil or balm. These are among the most effective at coaxing off even the most stubborn makeup, like stay-put foundations, liquid lipsticks, and brow pigments (two great options to try: Caudalie Make-Up Removing Cleansing Oil and Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm).

We know what some of you are thinking: No way applying an oil-based product will leave your face cleaner. But the new oil cleansers really can work miracles. "A lot of people don't know that oil dissolves oil," says Czech, whose favorites include Tatcha One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil and La Mer The Cleansing Oil. She likes to remove them with a washcloth for added cleansing oomph. If you really can't stand the feel of an oil cleanser, she suggests milky and gel textures as good alternatives. Here are a couple others we love.

Make sure to cleanse the edges of your eyelid.

If there's one zone that's frequently neglected during makeup removal, it's the elusive edge of your eyelid, where liner and mascara can build up over time—and lead to eye irritation. Especially if you tight-line your eyes with waterproof liquid, you might need to get in there with a more targeted tool and make sure every last speck is gone. "For detail work, I love the DHC cotton swabs with olive oil," says makeup artist Nick Barose. "They break everything down so you don't have to scrub, which results in lashes breaking off and falling out." Speaking of lashes falling out, you also should never tug stubborn mascara chunks off with your fingers. To coax clumps off without doing harm, make sure you give your remover enough time to penetrate (recall tip #1), and then press down gently with a flat cotton pad, moving slowly in the direction your lashes grow, to slide the mascara off.

Push your hair back and cleanse your hairline.

We totally get it: When it's past midnight and your pillow beckons, even an easy step like throwing your hair into a pony can feel like too much effort. But not doing so means you're likely stopping a couple inches short of your hairline when washing your face. "People often accumulate makeup residue around their hairline, which leads to clogged pores and breakouts," confirms celebrity facialist Joanna Vargas. Noted. Take the two seconds to tie it back or you can slip on a terry headband to ensure you get off every trace of makeup.

Flat cotton pads are better than cotton balls.

"Cotton balls can leave behind residue or break down during usage and leave fibers on your lashes or skin," says dermatologist Rebecca Kazin. That can lead to irritation at a time when you're trying to detox and soothe. Always opt for flat cotton pads instead of balls, ideally with a quilted texture. Basic drugstore pads work pretty well, says makeup artist Fiona Stiles—but specialty versions can be worth it for serious makeup wearers. "I only use Japanese cotton squares because the cotton is woven in such a way that it doesn't shed at all," she says. "They're like magical little pillows that remove everything."

Always follow up makeup removal with moisture.

Even if you don't have dry skin, makeup removal should always be followed up with at least some targeted moisture: Balm up those lips if you've just removed lipstick, and dab on eye cream. "Removing makeup can dry out the eye area, which is the most sensitive skin on your face," Kazin says. "You need to keep it soft and hydrated."

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