The Right Way to Use Cleansing Wipes

Cleansing wipes may seem like a no-brainer to use, but there’s a chance you’re using them incorrectly. It isn’t as simple as wiping something across your skin and being done with your skin care routine for the day. To remove facial impurities and makeup with cleansing wipes actually requires a bit of know-how. Lucky for you, we’re sharing exactly how to use wipes the right way, and sharing some of our favorites—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—below.

Tip #1: Take It Slow

Cleansing wipes are, as you know them to be, a quick way to rid your skin of makeup and impurities. But, that doesn’t mean you need to use them super speedily. Take an extra minute or two to carefully clean your face without harsh rubbing and tugging. When removing stubborn eye makeup, hold a moistened wipe against your closed eyelid for a few extra moments before sweeping.  

Tip #2: Embrace Double-Cleansing

The double-cleansing method involves using not one but two cleansers in succession to help ensure all traces of dirt and debris are effectively removed from your skin’s surface. Cleansing wipes are a great option to use as one of your two cleansers. First, use a cleansing towelette to wipe away makeup from the surface of your skin. Then finish things off with a foaming cleanser to remove any remaining impurities.

Tip #3: Follow with Moisturizer

Cleansing wipes may be a quick fix, but that doesn’t mean they allow you to opt out of the rest of your skin care routine. It’s not that quick. As you already know, moisturizing after cleansing—including with wipes—is a must. Once you’re finished getting clean, go ahead and smooth on a layer of a moisturizer that’s a match for your skin type.  

Tip #4: Keep Them on Hand

If you only store cleansing wipes in your bathroom cabinet or at your vanity, you’re doing it all wrong. Cleansing wipes are incredibly compact and convenient, so keep a pack in your gym bag, carry-on, or even on your bed side table for late night makeup removal.

Tip #5: Store Wipes Upside Down

If you’re a faithful cleansing wipe user, you’ve certainly dealt with wipes that have dried out due to poor storage and care. But even when you carefully reseal the package every time you reach for a wipe, they never seem to stay as wet as you like. That’s where our tip comes in: start storing your wipes upside down. The moisture in the wipes tends to migrate towards the bottom of the package, and this way, you’ll always get the wettest wipe possible.

Our Favorite Cleansing Wipes

Now that you know how to correctly use a cleansing wipe, you’ll surely want to stock up on a pack. Pick from a few of our favorites from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands:

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Towelettes: Take a quick look at these wipes and you might assume they’re comparable to any others, but look a little closer and you’ll think again. Formulated with micro-exfoliating lipo-hydroxy acid, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Towelettes cleanse away oil and pore-clogging impurities, while visibly smoothing and refining skin’s texture. Completely oil-free, they’re perfect for anyone oily skin, sensitivity, or uneven skin texture.

L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes: Did you know cleansing wipes can exfoliate? It’s true, they aren’t only for removing makeup. The L’Oréal Paris RevitaLift Radiant Smoothing Wet Cleansing Towelettes, formulated with vitamin E, can gently exfoliate dead skin cells to enhance skin smoothness and radiance. Of course, they also thoroughly remove dirt, sweat and makeup in a single sweep.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes: You’re no doubt familiar with micellar water, the French-favorite has quickly made waves in the skin care industry. Micelle technology isn’t only available in liquid form, but can also be found within cleansing wipes, like the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes. They are an all-in-1 wipe that remove makeup, cleanse, and soothe the skin. 

Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Purifying Oil-Free Cleansing Towelettes: Charcoal has seen its popularity as a skin care ingredient skyrocket, making its way into the formula of masks and cleansers aplenty, and there’s no end in sight. You can even get your charcoal fix from a cleansing wipe. The Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Purifying Oil-Free Cleansing Towelettes, which are formulated with the beloved ingredient, can remove oil while mattifying skin.