6 Makeup Wipe Hacks You Didn't Know You Could Try

We’ve all had one (or more) of those days where we feel too exhausted or lazy to go through a full makeup-removing and cleansing routine. Instead of skipping the step altogether—come on, you know better than to do that!—we rely on makeup remover wipes to sweep away our cat-eye and contour in seconds. The best part? Thanks to their portability, we can remove our makeup from virtually anywhere…even from the comfort of bed. And while that’s enough reason to stock up your nightstand with these cloths, we’re about to share a few more—six more to be exact. Because guess what: you can utilize your makeup remover wipes in more ways than one. From cleaning your makeup brushes to targeting hard-to-reach areas, we’re sharing six makeup wipe hacks you probably haven’t tried yet but should.

Hack #1: Fix Makeup Mistakes

We’ve all been there. Right before completing an otherwise perfect winged eyeliner look, the eyeliner pen slips and the end of the wing looks totally botched. Instead of removing all of your hard work and starting over, you can easily remedy the problem point with a makeup remover wipe. For better precision, wrap your favorite makeup remover wipe around the tip of a cotton swab and gently clean the mistake. This hack can also work for fixing lipstick smudges or targeting hard-to-reach areas, like the inner corners of your eyes, when wiping your full makeup look off at the end of the day.

Hack #2: Clean Your Makeup Brushes

Run out of your favorite solution to clean your makeup brushes? Use a makeup remover wipe in a pinch to remove impurities and old makeup. For additional moisture, run the wipe under water before rubbing the bristles over it. Or, you could add some makeup removing soap to the wipe to create some sudsy bubbles that can help soften makeup that has been caked onto the bristles.

Hack #3: Wipe Off Excess Self-Tanner

Instant self-tanners are a great way to achieve a faux glow without damaging your skin under UV rays, but it’s easy to get carried away and use too much of the formula. If you feel like your self-tanner application looks unnatural and over the top, reach for a makeup wipe to help remove the excess.

Hack #4: Boost Skin Hydration

On the go but looking for way to hydrate your skin? Moisturizer, cream, or lotion is your best option but if you don’t have one handy, reach for a hydrating makeup wipe. Some wipes are formulated with hydrating ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and/or oils which—in addition to removing makeup—can make your skin feel hydrated and soft. Gently press the wipe against your skin for a few minutes and you might just experience temporary hydration!

Hack #5: Prep Your Skin for Cleansing

Wearing a lot of makeup? Use your makeup remover wipes as a pre-cleanse step. After wiping away most of your makeup with the wipes, follow with your favorite face wash—whether it’s a gel or a foam—to ensure every last trace is whisked away.

Hack #6:  Bring Dried Out Wipes Back to Life

One of the downsides of makeup remover wipes is that they can dry out quickly if improperly stored. (Pro tip: Store your wipes seal-side down to help keep air out.) If you have a pack of wipes that have gone dry, bring them back to life by adding some moisture. Saturate them with your favorite liquid makeup remover—micellar water, anyone?—and voila, good as new.  

THE BEST MAKEUP REMOVING WIPES TO TRY NOW

Now that you know the different ways to use a makeup remover wipe, it’s time to add some to your arsenal. Below, discover three of our favorite wipes—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—for removing makeup and cleansing your skin!

CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Cloths

These makeup wipes are not only effective at cleansing, they are also gentle and non-drying. In addition to removing makeup and surface impurities, these wipes can help restore your skin’s barrier and leave your face feeling fresh and clean.

CeraVe Makeup Removing Cleansing Cloths, $ 8.99 MSRP

L’Oreal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes

Formulated with vitamin C, these wipes can remove makeup and excess oil while simultaneously brightening the look of your skin.

L’Oreal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes, $ 6.69 MSRP

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Towelettes

These wipes are particularly beneficial for dull or mature skin. Formulated with Lipo-Hydroxy Acid and Zinc Pidolate, these wipes exfoliate and refine skin texture while also removing pore-clogging dirt and impurities.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Towelettes, $ 9.99 MSRP

There’s more where that came from. Check out a full list of the best makeup remover wipes and towelettes, here!