I never thought there was room for improvement in my makeup removal routine. I just mindlessly used the usual wipes and pads. But when a friend bragged about switching to a makeup removal cloth for a 'greener' lifestyle, I thought, 'Ha! How did this escape my attention?'
Picture credit www.elyswimbledon.co.uk
It makes total sense. Think about all the disposable pads and wipes we throw away over time – it creates a huge pile of trash. Even cotton pads, which can be composted, are not the best for the environment. Growing cotton takes up land that could be used in better ways, like for growing food or returning to the wilderness.
How to Choose Eco-Friendly Makeup Removal Pads and Cloths
When selecting eco-friendly makeup removal pads and cloths, consider the following key points to ensure you make a sustainable choice that matches your personal preferences:
Material: The best materials are organic cotton, bamboo, or hemp, which are renewable and have a lower environmental impact.
Reusability: Choose durable products that can be washed and reused multiple times to minimize waste. Consider microfiber, which, although not entirely 'green,' offers significant sustainability benefits due to its reusability, making it a great alternative to single-use pads.
Packaging: Prefer products that come in minimal, sustainable, or recyclable packaging to further reduce their carbon footprint.
Cost: Costs can vary significantly between similar products from different brands. It's a myth that sustainable solutions are always costly; many excellent products are very affordable.
Usage of Cleansers: Some cloths can be used without cleansers, allowing you to save money and avoid buying unsustainable products in plastic packaging.
Color: It's a personal choice, but I believe that dark-colored cloths will last longer because, subjectively, they appear cleaner.
Form-factor: Preferences vary—some people prefer pads, others prefer cloths. Some have space in the bathroom for a pad holder, while others may have a hook to dry a cloth. Choose a product that aligns with your preferences.
Discover eco-friendly makeup removal pads and cloths below together with frequently asked questions about them.
Reusable Makeup Removal Pads:
My personal preference so far is the first option - Eira's Pads for two reasons: they are dark, so a black mascara has no chance to leave a stain; and I love the bamboo holder, which is pretty and won't be damaged by water in the long run.
There's a downside to these reusable pads, though – they absorb too much cleanser compared to single-use cotton pads because they are bigger and thicker. I had another issue with makeup cleanser; I used natural oil, which often got into my eyes, so I wanted to fix this once and for all. A solution to both of these issues is reusable makeup removing cloths or towels, which I've recently started to use and will tell you about in a minute.
Reusable Makeup Removal Cloths
Here are the best reusable removal cloths I've found:
Erase Your Face – I love the name! Also, four cloths in a package make it a good option. I would choose it if it came in dark color, but I'm worried that it would get stains after the first use.
MakeUp Eraser offers a huge variety of colors, but it's the most expensive variant with only one cloth in a package. My friend recommended it to me, though, so I had no choice but to order it. After several months of usage, I can say that it does work; it cleans even waterproof makeup, including black mascara, with just water and without a cleanser. It's very soft and hence pleasant to use. My only minor issue with this cloth is that it has two sides: a short fiber one for makeup erasing and a long fiber one for exfoliation. But I can't always tell which is which :)
Sinland cloths comes in an astonishing number of sizes, colors, and quantities per package. Seems like a reasonable option.
Makeup removal cloths are something new to me. I had several doubts and questions when considering switching to them, which I'll share with you along with answers to them. I hope this helps you switch to a more sustainable beauty routine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-friendly Makeup Removal Pads and Cloths
How many times can the pads or cloths be reused?
Most eco-friendly cloths and pads can be used and reused hundreds of times. They can last anywhere from months to years, depending on the material and how well they are cleaned and dried. Once a cloth is no longer suitable for your face, you can repurpose it as a dust cloth and use it for many more years.
Does the makeup remover towel really work?
It does. I've been using a cloth for several months now and find it more effective than the cotton pads I used before. Microfiber has the ability to remove makeup with just water. You need to wet the cloth thoroughly and wipe gently a few times for it to do its job.
Do makeup remover cloths remove mascara?
Surprisingly yes! I tried it myself and was impressed :)
Is microfiber 'green'?
Not really. Microfiber is made from two types of plastic: polyester and polyamide. It's neither recyclable nor biodegradable. What makes it 'greener' is its reusability because by using it for years, you avoid throwing away single-use products.
Is reusable makeup remover safe for skin especially for a sensitive one?
The natural fibers and microfiber used in these products are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Microfiber cloths are very soft and gentle and reduce the risk of irritation. However, it's important to get used to using them gently, without wiping the skin too aggressively, especially around sensitive areas like the eyes.
How do you use makeup remover cloths?
Start by wetting the cloth with warm water to open up your pores. Remember not to use hot water, as it can dry out the skin. Gently wipe your face with the cloth. For waterproof makeup, hold the cloth over it for a few seconds to loosen it before wiping away. After use, rinse and repeat as necessary. Mascara and lipstick might need a few iterations. Dry your face with a clean, eco-friendly tissue.
How to wash your makeup remover cloth properly? Can they be washed in a washing machine?
If the cloth is big enough, you can use it in sections and wash it once a week in the washing machine with a normal towel load. If this is not the case, it's advisable to quickly rinse the cloth with soap after each use, wring it out, and let it dry. Wash it properly in the washing machine once a week, ideally using a laundry bag.
