ow if we have ever met, you know I don’t walk around with a ‘beat’ face to prove my makeup skills”? Well, it’s because I hate taking off a bunch of makeup, especially mascara. Basically, if I know I won’t feel like taking it off when I get home, then I don’t put it on.
For those days I really don’t feel like taking off my makeup, I just use a makeup wipe to remove the majority of my makeup. BUT, this ain’t (ok, isn’t) a great thing to do as part of your daily routine.
I equate using only makeup wipes to using hand sanitizer. Yes, you removed most of your makeup (and the sanitizer may have killed some germs), but it’s still dirty. Nothing beats a good washing. Makeup wipes leave a residue of chemicals and irritants behind. (Put this book down for a second and look at the ingredients on your package of makeup wipes. You won’t even know how to pronounce the majority of them.)
Some even contain formaldehyde, which acts as a preservative. In high levels it is considered a carcinogen (a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue), as well as a popular allergen. According to the EPA (US Environmental Protection Agency), formaldehyde can cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.
Here are four things to consider when using makeup wipes:
- Check the ingredients label for formaldehyde-releasing chemicals like 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1, 3-diol (bromopol). Visit SafeCosmetics.org for a list of other formaldehyde-releasing chemicals used in cosmetics.
- Opt for wipes that are fragrance free to avoid additional irritation, especially if you have dry or sensitive skin.
- Follow the directions on the package and rinse or wash your face directly after using a wipe to eliminate the remaining chemicals and irritants.
- After removing your makeup, be sure to follow up with an eye cream and moisturizer.