Have You Tried This Zero-Waste Method to Remove Your Make-Up?

After years of looking, I finally found a zero-waste and sustainable make-up removal method.

I stopped using facial wipes years ago, as I realized that they were not only harmful to my skin but also not eco-friendly at all. And a few months ago I stopped using cotton pads too.

When you become more mindful about the impact our lifestyle has on the planet, you start looking at everything in your life that could be changed for the better — for both you and the environment.

If you don’t know yet, make-up wipes have plastic in them, are not biodegradable, and create tons of unnecessary waste that ends up in rivers, seas, and oceans.

And the cotton pads are not sustainable to produce and take years to decompose.

Now into the zero-waste method to remove your make-up.

I’ve always been a skincare enthusiast and cared about how I treat my skin while being eco-conscious at the same time.

So a few months ago, during the lockdown and with some extra time on my hands, I researched the oil cleansing method — had heard of it before but was never fully convinced to try it.

I have a combination to oily skin type, that is also very sensitive — therefore I must be very careful about what I products I use on my face or what I clean it with.

The oil cleansing method explained:

The oil cleansing method is cleansing your skin with oil. That simple.

In the beginning, I was a bit hesitant to try this method because putting oil on my face that is already oily didn’t seem like a great idea!

Nevertheless, I ordered my oil and the organic cotton muslin face cloth and used them as soon as they arrived at my door.

In terms of what kind of oil should you use, the choice is yours depending on what is more suitable for your skin. I, for example, started with rice oil but now I’m using virgin olive oil.

A very important piece of advice to take into consideration is that some oils might clog your pores so make sure to avoid those.

I use a muslin cloth made from organic cotton. Some people use microfibers but these are usually made of polyester or nylon which is essentially plastic, therefore not environmentally friendly.

How I use the oil cleansing method:

I use it to remove my make-up and cleanse my face. Very important to mention is that I use it on a dry face.

I keep my cleansing oil in a glass bottle that has a pump.

So I take about a full pump of oil — you can use more or less, I rub the oil on my palms first and then I gently massage it on my face.

This whole process takes me about two minutes long — and it’s quite relaxing, especially at the end of a very long day.

Then I dunk the face cloth in medium hot water, wring it out and then I place it on my face and keep it there for about 30 seconds.

I usually take a few deep breaths while I wait for the steam to do its magic and then I wipe the oil off my face using the same cloth and I follow up with a second cleanse — I use either bar soap or a gentle cleanser!

My skin feels so clean and soft afterward. And then I go on with applying my usual serums and face creams and my skin is ready for the day or night.

The benefits of using this method:

The oil melts everything. It easily removes every bit of make-up — even my waterproof mascara, and it cleans my pores so deeply. So what I’m left with is cleaner, softer, and better skin — glowy and healthy-looking.

It’s easy to use, sustainable and zero-waste — you’ll only need some oil of your choice and a piece of cloth.

It’s also natural and affordable and the cotton cloth is reusable so in this way you don’t generate more waste.

Final thoughts.

The oil cleansing method is the best make-up removal method I’ve come across and it’s here to stay in my skincare routine. It’s not only good for my skin but it’s also environmentally friendly.