This post was a special request—a much needed one. Learning how to apply makeup is important but learning how to properly remove it is as well! Neutrogena makeup wipes took over the beauty industry for almost a decade and really had us thinking it was all we needed to get our faces clean. Little did we know that those wipes literally do nothing besides break the makeup down so we can better clean our skin with an actual cleanser. Using the wipe alone will leave an invisible residue of chemicals and makeup in your pores…which sounds just as bad as it is.

So what’s the best way to get your skin squeaky clean? This 3-step process:

1. Start out with makeup remover.

You can use a makeup wipe, a makeup cloth, a liquid makeup remover on a cotton pad, facial oil, micellar water etc but breaking it down and getting as much as possible off your skin is the first step.

For waterproof eye makeup, using a cotton pad and holding it to your eye for a few seconds before wiping is always best. If you have lash extensions, dip a qtip in oil-free makeup remover and gently glide it across your lids. After that, grab a lash brush and lash cleanser to make sure the makeup isn’t in your extensions.

Try not to tug at your skin.

2. Follow up with a facial cleanser

Whichever cleanser you use on the regular is fine. Make sure you massage it into your skin for at least 60 seconds in circular motions before rinsing it off with cool water.

3. Grab some toner

This is used to remove any excess oil still on the skin after cleansing, but it can also be used to wipe away the remains of stubborn makeup or reveal any areas you may have missed.

From this point, you can continue with your regular facial routine.

Don’t forget the lip balm!