Why Makeup Remover Is Essential — and How to Use It the Right Way

When it comes to skincare, one of the most overlooked steps is properly removing your makeup. Many people rush through this step or skip it altogether, but cleansing away your makeup is just as important as applying it in the first place.

With the rise of clean and vegan beauty, choosing the right makeup remover matters more than ever. Let’s explore why it’s so essential and how to do it the right way.

Should You Use Makeup Remover Before Washing Your Face?

Yes and here’s why.

Makeup removers/Micellar waters are designed to break down and dissolve cosmetics, sunscreen, and excess oils that a regular cleanser can’t fully remove, especially when it comes to waterproof mascara or foundation.

If you wash your face before removing makeup, much of it stays on the skin’s surface, meaning your cleanser can’t reach your pores effectively. By using a remover first, you’re allowing your face wash to do its job, clearing away leftover residue and impurities.

This two-step approach is often called double cleansing, and it leaves your skin cleaner, fresher, and perfectly prepped for skincare products like toner, serum, or moisturizer.

The correct order:

Makeup Remover → Face Wash

Not ideal:

Face Wash → Makeup Remover

Why Makeup Remover Matters

1. Prevents Breakouts and Irritation

Leaving makeup on overnight can clog pores, trap bacteria, and lead to breakouts. A clean, effective remover helps keep your skin clear, balanced, and healthy.

2. Protects the Skin Barrier

Heavy makeup can irritate your skin if not removed properly. A gentle, non-toxic remover preserves your skin barrier, preventing redness, dryness, and sensitivity.

3. Prepares Skin for Skincare

Your serums and moisturizers work best on clean skin. Proper cleansing ensures your skincare products absorb better and deliver visible results.

4. Supports Long-Term Skin Health

Consistent removal helps reduce the risk of dullness, fine lines, and premature aging. Clean, makeup-free skin is the foundation of a natural, radiant glow.

Why Choose a Clean & Vegan Makeup Remover

Not all makeup removers are created equal. Many traditional formulas contain harsh chemicals, parabens, or artificial fragrances that can irritate your skin.

At Puzzle Makeup, our philosophy is simple: skincare should be safe, ethical, and effective. That’s why choosing a clean, vegan makeup remover makes all the difference.

Vegan & cruelty-free - never tested on animals
Plant-powered ingredients - gentle, nourishing, and effective
No harsh chemicals - free from parabens and toxins
For all skin types - especially kind to sensitive or mature skin

How to Use Makeup Remover Correctly

Makeup removers, especially clean and vegan ones are formulated to break down stubborn makeup, oil, and dirt that a single cleanser might miss. Here’s the best way to use them:

Step 1: Start with Clean Hands
Always wash your hands first to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria to your face.

Step 2: Apply Generously
Soak a cotton pad, gauze pad, or soft reusable cloth with makeup remover. Gently wipe away your makeup using soft strokes, moving from the center of your face outward from your forehead down to your chin, but avoid the eyeliner & mascara area for now. Once you’re done with the rest of your face, use a clean area of the pad to gently remove your eye makeup.

Step 3: Be Gentle Around the Eyes
The skin around your eyes is delicate. Avoid tugging instead, hold the pad over closed eyes for a few seconds, then gently wipe.

Step 4: Follow with a Cleanser
After removing your makeup, use a gentle face wash to cleanse away residue and impurities. This completes your double cleanse.

Step 5: Hydrate and Nourish
Finish with a lightweight moisturizer or serum to lock in hydration and keep your skin soft and glowing.

The Bottom Line

A proper makeup removal routine is the foundation of healthy, radiant skin. By choosing a clean, vegan remover, you’re caring for your skin and supporting a more sustainable, ethical beauty industry.

And remember, makeup remover isn’t just for makeup days. It also helps remove SPF, dirt, and environmental buildup. That’s why we recommend using a remover and cleanser daily, even when you’re going makeup-free.

At Puzzle Makeup, we created our Clean, Paraben-Free, Gluten-Free & Vegan Makeup Remover to be gentle on your skin, powerful against all types of makeup, and fully aligned with your values. Designed to simplify your routine, it’s effective, kind to sensitive or mature skin, and crafted with love, for your beauty and the planet.