
Clearasil Pore cleaner
Gel, 200 ml
It feels like everyone uses them. But apparently only I ask myself: why make-up remover wipes?
They leave me with red, burning skin, are often too dry and on the scale of effectiveness they tend to be in the minus range: Make-up wipes - or make-up remover wipes, as we call them in German. A phenomenon that I still haven't understood. Practical? Yes, I can see that. Purposeful? Probably not! Because the thing with the scarves isn't as simple as Mulan makes it out to be here with her magical arm tip. Once again, Disney has served us a fairy tale.
My first experience with wipes was as a teenager. Believe me, getting rid of the thick eyeliner around my eyes - I was living out my dark, rebellious side - wasn't that easy. Back then, no one told me that you could wipe the make-up off your face with gentler and more effective products. For example with a Cleansing Balm. Or my favourite micellar water from Bioderma. So I rubbed my face raw for years. And let me clarify at this point: I don't have and have never had sensitive skin.
I now only use these things for limited purposes at home: I either use them to wipe swatches off my hand in the heat of the moment or I use them occasionally if I've made a small mistake when applying make-up and want to remove it carefully and precisely. I would simply be worse off with cotton wool & Co. But for everyday use? Forget about it.
The beautician I trust, Lana Helmlinger from Skin Up Solution, seems to agree. "Make-up wipes contain questionable ingredients such as synthetic emulsifiers, which are usually petroleum-based. These ensure that water and oil can mix. Unfortunately, if you rub them into your face, they also bind protective lipids within the skin, which weakens the natural skin barrier." The consequences: Without a protective film, the skin cannot store sufficient moisture and dries out, causing it to lose elasticity and appear pale. "In addition," Helmlinger continues, "it is also more susceptible to inflammation and wrinkling, while fragrances and preservatives can cause irritation and acne in many people. A make-up remover milk or foam is a gentler option." She therefore recommends only using the wipes occasionally as a quick solution. For example, after a night of partying, when you just want to go to bed or backstage at various shows where there is simply no time for proper skin care.
If you still don't want to do without these handy little things, make sure you cleanse your skin thoroughly with water and a cleansing gel after removing your make-up. Once the face is clean and dry, apply a toner to regulate the skin's pH value. The final step is to apply a moisturiser for protection. In general, however, make-up wipes should remain the exception, not the rule.
Clearasil Pore cleaner
Gel, 200 ml
As a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.