What actions should one take to remove makeup without damaging their eyelashes?

Improper eye makeup removal or regularly skipping this step in the daily skincare routine can have significant consequences on the eyes, eyelashes, and the surrounding skin. Dry eyes, tingling, itching, dark circles, bags, irritations... can occur as a result of poorly executed or forgotten makeup removal.

A build-up of makeup residue and pigments can also form on the eyelashes, which weighs them down and weakens them. They then become brittle and start to fall out, in addition to losing their curl. Moreover, when mascara is not properly removed, it blocks the openings of the Meibomian glands located at the base of the eyelashes. These glands secrete the lipids that make up the tear film which protects the cornea from external aggressions. Furthermore, as the mascara crumbles, it releases debris that can settle on the tear film and weaken it.

Biphase lotion, cleansing cream, cleansing milk, micellar water, cleansing oil, cleansing balm... it's not easy to choose your eye makeup remover among the numerous options available on the market. The choice of makeup remover depends on several criteria: each one has its own advantages and disadvantages, as well as a specific use.

It is essential to ensure that this eye makeup remover does not contain any irritating agents (such as alcohol, fragrance...) in order to respect the lacrimal pH and the sensitivity of the eye contour as much as possible. It should also take into account your skin type and be effective on all types of makeup, whether light or heavy, traditional or waterproof. Here is a detailed presentation of the different types of makeup removers to assist you in your choice:

• Cleansing Balm: It is composed of a blend of oils and vegetable butters. Under the effect of massage and upon contact with the skin, it transforms into oil to lift off makeup and capture lipophilic impurities (excess sebum, pollution...) without the need for vigorous rubbing. Due to their composition, some cleansing balms do not emulsify easily with water and require the use of a cleanser to be completely removed. Our cleansing balm with a 100% natural texture transforms into milk upon contact with water to facilitate rinsing.

• Cleansing cream/milk: Their melting and hydrating texture allows for the breakdown of makeup on the skin due to the fatty substances they contain, without causing any harm. They leave the skin soft and smooth, and prevent the feeling of tight or irritated skin, especially for dry skin types. However, it is absolutely essential that the skin is washed with water afterwards.

• Biphasic makeup remover : This type of makeup remover comprises an oily phase and an aqueous phase, which effectively removes makeup residues without rubbing, even waterproof and long-lasting makeup. Indeed, the oily phase easily dissolves the greasy elements, and the water-based phase eliminates them and prevents the feeling of a greasy film on the eyelids.

• Micellar Water : Thanks to the micelles that make up its composition, micellar water attracts and traps makeup and impurities accumulated on the skin throughout the day for better elimination. The downside is that it may lack effectiveness in removing waterproof makeup. It is more suitable for removing light makeup. Moreover, depending on the formula, even though it provides a refreshing effect, it can dry out the skin around the eyes or cause tingling in people with sensitive eyes. However, remember to rinse it off thoroughly afterwards to completely remove the surfactant particles.

• Cleansing Oil : It is also part of the products used during makeup removal. Its uniqueness lies in its formulation. It has the ability to effectively dissolve all makeup, even the most stubborn, sebum, pollution particles... that may have infiltrated the eyelashes and eyelid creases without causing skin discomfort. However, it needs to be rinsed off and a cleansing process is required after makeup removal, as it may leave a greasy sensation. Moreover, if it is not rinsed off properly, it can leave an oily blur on the eyes.

Among all these eye makeup removers, only one combines effective cleansing with respect for the sensitivity of the eye contour area: the biphasic makeup remover. Composed of 99% natural origin ingredients, ophthalmologically tested and formulated without surfactants, our biphasic lotion has a dual action: it removes makeup while strengthening the eyelashes. Its formula contains active ingredients with interesting benefits: pea peptides, castor oil and sweet almond oil to nourish and strengthen the eyelashes to limit their fragility and loss over time, and chamomile hydrosol and rice oil to combat the irritations that the delicate skin around the eyes can suffer daily and revitalise. It gently removes eye makeup without drying out the area and without any greasy finish, thus preserving the suppleness of the eye contour.

Depending on the chosen makeup remover, the application technique will differ. Using fingers to remove makeup is easier with milks, balms , oils and creams, less practical for liquid formulas, micellar water, makeup removing milk or biphasic lotion .

• Eye makeup removal using a cotton pad:

1. Wash your hands and remove your contact lenses if you are wearing any;

2. Generously soak a cotton pad with the eye makeup remover. Ideally, opt for a reusable and washable cotton pad with the softest texture possible to minimise friction, avoid irritating the eyes, and limit the risk of redness around the eye contour;

3. Place the cotton pad on the closed eye for a few seconds to ensure it thoroughly saturates the entire surface;

4. Gently sweep the cotton pad from the inner corner of the eye towards the outer corner, then from top to bottom in circular motions. This action stimulates the microcirculation around the eye contour;

5. To remove mascara, gently sweep the cotton pad over the lashes from root to tip. Repeat the application of the makeup remover until the cotton pad is perfectly clean;

6. To perfect the removal of eye makeup, you have the option of using a cotton swab also soaked in makeup remover along the lash line to remove any stubborn traces.

• Eye makeup removal without using a cotton pad:

1. Ensure to thoroughly wash your hands beforehand to prevent any transfer of bacteria and impurities to the eyes. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before you start removing your makeup;

2. Take the equivalent of half a hazelnut-sized amount of eye makeup remover and warm the substance between your fingers;

3. Then apply it directly to the eye contour and gently massage in circular motions until all traces of makeup are removed;

4. To effectively remove all mascara from the eyes, slide your eyelashes between your fingers and let them glide from the root to the tip;

5. Rinse thoroughly with water.

After removing makeup, consider applying an eye contour treatment to nourish and hydrate the epidermis and strengthen the structure of your eyelashes with the eyelash & eyebrow serum. Rich in pea peptides, biotinyl-GHK and panthenol, it is designed to fortify the eyelashes, prevent breakages, stimulate their growth and limit their loss.

• ROBAEI D. Subconjunctival mascara deposition. Ophthalmology (2018).