Beauty Q&A: What Are the Benefits of Using a Makeup Remover Cloth to Take Off My Makeup?

Removing your makeup is something you ought to take seriously, if you don’t already. We don’t care if your skin is as tough as nails and can handle just about anything you put on it, you need to thoroughly cleanse your skin at the end of the day — and no, makeup wipes are not enough. Sure, it happens when you get home at 3am and are desperate to get your foundation off fast, or maybe you’re sweaty after the gym and need a quick refresh. But if you want to ensure your skin is as healthy as possible, you’re going to want to get everything off at the end of a long day — and a makeup wipe just isn’t going to do that.

With that being said, what should you be using to take off your makeup? We reached out to Sonia Deasy, CEO and Co-Founder of Pestle & Mortar to find out about the benefits of a makeup removing face cloth.

Do you recommend using a face cloth to remove makeup?

Absolutely. Using the right cloth in your cleansing routine results in brighter, cleaner skin because a face cloth grabs dirt from the skin better than hands can, and the skin is gently exfoliated in the process. Using a face cloth daily will prevent flaky skin and clogged pores.

Is there a certain type of face cloth that's best for skin (i.e. muslin or bamboo)?

I recommend using a 100% cotton cloth, preferably with a textured side and a smooth side. When removing oil-based balm cleansers, pure smooth muslin is not effective – it doesn’t have the right element of “grab” to wipe away oily product. A textured cotton is best for this step and will aid cleansing. Smooth muslin is perfect for using with the second step in a double cleansing routine – wiping away a polishing gel cleanser with naturally exfoliating muslin will illuminate the skin.

Can you explain how someone could gently take their makeup off with a face cloth?

Firstly, make sure that the water you use is not too hot. Wring out the cloth and be careful not to scrub the face. Be firm but gentle and use large sweeping movements rather than rubbing. Be careful not to pull the skin or scrub your face too hard.

What are some mistakes people make when they incorporate a face cloth into their makeup removal routine?

Not using a clean cloth with every cleanse is probably the most common mistake. Have at least seven cloths in your arsenal, and use a fresh one each day. Replace cloths every 4-6 months. This will prevent bacteria spreading from cloth to face and causing breakouts.

Would you recommend using a face cloth and cleanser over a makeup wipe?

Definitely! Makeup wipes are simply not a substitute for cleansing. They are a possible shortcut but should not be considered a substitute. A lot of wipes are saturated in chemicals that allow for easy makeup removal but leave a chemical residue on the skin.

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