Hi Girls,

Does anyone have any tips about quickly removing make-up?

I recently had a situation where I got a call saying my banker would be over in 15 minutes. This was someone who I was definitely NOT out to. I was trying out new shades of eye shadow, liner and mascara. I jumped into the shower and scrubbed my eyes red with cold cream and soap. I was presentably drab (mostly) by the time she arrived but it was close.

I've used cold cream and make-up removal pads but never found anything that wasn't time consuming or irritating to my (sensitive) skin.

Grateful for any suggestions,
Melody

I use Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. It comes in a pump bottle and you just wash your face as you normally would. Occasionally I need to do it twice if the mascara was thick. It is available at most stores in the U.S.
Hugs,
Marsha

Sorry Melody, but normal make up wipes do the trick for me without any problems so I can't recommend anything.

Nikki

I would like to point out that you should avoid the waterproof makeup if you are concerned with cleaning up quickly.
Hugs,
Marsha

Hi Marsha and Nikki,

Thanks for the info, Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser is on my shopping list. Sounds like just what I'm looking for.

I've had many years of good luck with cleaning pads and squares (though some are more gentle than others). My immediate issue was speed related. It's probably not a big issue if you are full time, but those of us who walk the tightrope between genders sometimes need to make a quick change (wish I could just spin like Lynda Carter in the old Wonder Woman TV show...)

Thank you both for your relies,
Melody

Sorry Melody, I'm very much a pads girl so cannot add anything constructive at the mo!

"but those of us who walk the tightrope between genders" - just loved the phraseology

x

Hi..

I use moist towelettes by Neutragena...takes only two per session and it does a more than adequate job...although I'll use eye makeup remover separately...

Marsha is dead on correct, do not use waterproof eye makeup for that quick removal...you'll regret it...

Traci

Clarins do an instant eye make up remover about £12 and a good range of toners, facial scrubs, pore cleansers etc. Washing directly is probably the worst thing you can do to remove make up initially. End up with saggy and puffed up eye lids, lol. They also do an every day gentle eye make up remover for delicate skin. All allegy tested and opthalmic approved. Just use gentle wiping with the lotions, creams and cotton balls. Some people use pre treated pads, find these work out more expensive and a lot rougher on your skin.

A lot depends on the quality and brand of makeup you use, relevant to your skin type. But we all go throught the dry skin period and the greasy skin, depending on the diet, thats why its essential you use a good cleanser/astringent and skin conditioner.

A lot of people tend to neglect looking after their lips as well. Once in a while try a facial skin peel pack.

Just re-read back, Clarins instant eye makeup remover does the same job on waterproof eyeliner, pencil outliner and lash mascara.



Cristine.

I find wet wipes are brilliant. They arnt expensive and you have great control. Easily get eye make-up off and dont sting your eyes, or dont mine lol.

Cris, I want to point out that the Cetaphil facial cleanser was reviewed in Instyle Magazine and they said it was gentle enough to use straight out of the bottle as a makeup remover. I wear very little makeup myself, however a TV/CD likely would be using concealers and thicker foundation which would have you going through the pads much quicker. Cetaphil is not one of those cheap facial products, we are talking $8-$12 for a countertop pump bottle here in the states.
Hugs,
Marsha

Marsha, I was'nt slagging of the product you use, I was just putting my 12 quids worth in, lol You raised the issue of the waterproof eye makeup, so offered a quick solution to its removal, I don't use pads as I said. If you do use soap and water on your face pat it dry, don't rub your face. Use a pore cleanser regularly and a skin conditioning cream.

Before anyone invests in wrinkle cream, suggest you try it out on your gonads first, if it removes those wrinkles lol, then your on to a winner. (this is a bad taste joke to add some levity to ther thread, lol)

Translation for our american cousins.....slagging off = belittling or demeaning.

Hugs Marsha xxXxx

Cristine

Hi Cristine, Rae, Traci & Penny,

Thank you all for your input.

I hadn't heard of Clarins before, but a Google search shows that is available here in the States. I'm putting in an order.

Best to all,
Melody

Cris, don't worry I did not take it in a bad way. I know often we get caught up in products we like and don't always know what else is available and standard soap products are definitely not good for you facial skin, let alone the delicate skin around your eyes. You are so right about patting your face dry rather than wiping. Another tip on pore cleaning is if you use conditioner on your hair you should wash your face after rinsing the conditioner out because conditioner does clog the pores. And, Cetaphil is an excellent pore cleaner, lol.
Hugs,
Marsha

Just like to throw in my 2 cents worth. In a pinch I have used baby oil to remove serious amounts of make-up. It works quickly and leaves your skin very soft. Give it a try when your in a hurry it might help.

Hi Misty,

I've heard of baby oil as a make-up remover before, but I hadn't known anyone who'd actually tried it. I'll have to add it to my shopping list. Thanks for the tip.

Best,
Melody

Hi Melody, I would suggest the unscented, but all work equally well. I have a dark beard and use a deep foundation, the easiest way to remove all that make-up is with a good handful of Johnsons Baby Oil. Remember to clean well to prevent any acne problems.
Enjoy,
Misty

Here is another solution that I have found to work wonders in removing waterproof makeup by Neutrogena, you can a CVS, Walmart, etc brands cheaper. It is a two part remover, just shake and apply to a tissue and wipe, presto it is gone. My wife and I both use this product.http://www.drugstore.com/[...]ver.htm
Depending on what I am doing, I use quite a bit of waterproof makeup to hold up through the course of an evening, or day. And this stuff really takes it off in a wizz......

I used too use baby oil a long time ago, it works OK, but not like the two part remover, especially when a banker unexpectedly shows up.
Hope this helps..........................Tammy

Tammy, I wonder if that is something like the Mary Kay cosmetics makeup remover. We have some around here and when it sits for awhile it seperates. I have no idea what it cost, but being MK i'm sure it is plenty. I use it with a q-tip or pad around my eyes if I mess up and decide to start over. Works good.
Hugs,
Marsha

Hi Tammy,

Thanks for the info on Neutrogena. I notice cetapil, that Marsha recommended is featured on the same page on your link.

The good thing about having a banker who will come to your house for a signature is I don't have to drive two cities over to take care of it. The bad thing is she gives very little notice she is coming and she's really good at showing up at awkward times.

Best,
Melody

ps, I've been curious about the sparkley little purple car in the background of your photo. Where was the photo taken?

Hiya Misty.

not a good idea to use an oil based product like baby oil on a regular basis for removing makeup. it binds with some of the make up and leaves a thin film over ones face, eventualy blocking the pores. causing spots and rashes. unless you are using an astringent imediately afterwards to remove that film, and too much of that can cause open pores, which will fill up with the next layer of make up, that will cause black heads eventually. deadly if you already have a greasy skin type don't forget in the early stages of transition you will probably be subject to a facial perspiration problem as well, so the base and make up and remover you use will be fairly critical and the last thing you will need to contend with is an already oiled up skin base to appy foundation to..

cristine xxxxx

Melody ,
Yes, that is a cute little car, that we were having some fun with by the parking structure, after an event that I did out side of the Detroit Opera House.
One of the things that I really enjoy is, being with people that have a good sense of humor and like to get a little silly at times, and make the best out of life. They have really picked me up during some really tough times, I cannot say enough about their caring nature.
Thanks for noticing, I liked it also, they did have a problem when I wanted to drive off with it...LOL.......Hugs Tammy

Marsha,
Yes it is the same two part product, as a matter of fact I used to use their remover, until I found it cheaper other places. I usually get it for around 5-6 U.S. dollars, or about 3.5 pounds for the UK girls, for a 8 oz bottle or 236 ml. that is only when CVS has a sale for that size, it is usually 6.4 oz or about 178 ml.
Hugs..Tammy

Hey Christine,
You are so right about the effects of the baby oil.. just wanted to say when you need to get cleaned up quickly, it works very well.
I try not to get in that situation, but it can happen. When I have time to clean off make-up I use Albolene Make-Up Remover. After good old fashioned Noxema...followed by a good moisturizer. Stay Happy, Mysti

Melody,

Back in the day, not so long ago, when I felt that I absolutely must keep Wendy a secret....I used to carry an emergency kit in my purse. It consisted of cotton balls, baby wipes, nail polish remover and a small, screw top jar of Vaseline Petroleum Jelly. I had to keep my eyes shut when using the Vaseline, but it stripped off even mascara in seconds. It also moisturized the skin for any irritation (a variation is used on baby bottoms and we all know how smooth those are). I would not use it daily but nothing beat it for a quick gender-presentation reversal. I've even driven in the car with a bag of male clothes (in case of breakdown or flat tire) requiring exit from the car to perform greasy work. It works so fast I knew I could retreat to a separate garage to strip, redress and remove my "paint" in a few minutes and then wander back into the house en homme before roommates could settle in from being out. Back then I preferred the embarrassment of presenting as a naked male to being discovered as a CD male. That has changed but I totally understand the different need of those who "walk the tightrope". Mine has turned into a broad pathway and is far less stressful. I still carry my small kit at times. For that, nothing beats Vaseline for compactness and effectiveness in my experience. At other times, I prefer RIMMEL GENTLE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER which removes long lasting and waterproof makeup and can be used with contact lenses in. In fact I keep it in sight on my dresser since it can easily be explained as a safe eye cleaner for emergencies...it's next to my contact lens lubrication drops.

GENERAL WARNING: IF YOU NEED ETHANOL TO GET THE COURAGE TO GO OUT DRIVING....DO NOT. NOT UNLESS YOU WANT TO RISK A HOLDING CELL EN FEMME. IT'S STILL WRONG, EVEN IF YOU ARE TG.

Hi, something I use and can recommend is Leichner make up removal.
Its a kind of white greasy stuff bit like vaseline but smells nicer.
Works very fast and easy.
Made by C.H. Fox
Caroline

Hi Wendy,

Thanks for the input. Sounds like your back in the day is my here and now.

Your warning is very true. Driving while under the influence isn't just stupid, it's a danger to everyone including yourself, no matter how you are dressed.

Best,
Melody

I have used a little olive oil. worked great and was easy clean up

Hi Rondalynn,

Thanks for the tip.

And welcome to TW.

Best,
Melody

Varnish remover and sandpaper? Just wondering................

Golly gee Melody you could have told the banker you've got the contagious "crud" and can't visit with anyone

Bye the bye - I use Neutrogena soap - it works for me.
hugs
Gracie

For oil based makeups I use oils. Oil and heat is the only proper way to remove other oils.

A combination of Almond oil (or JoJoba oil) and Castor oil (believe it or not) works very well for subborn oil-based mascara. Castor oil is excellent for cleansing but can dry the skin. So I add only apout 20% to the mixture. .

This mixture is also good for cleansing the pores of your skin. Massage into your face and neck, leave it on for about 15 minuites (I do it occasionally while soaking in the tub) and place a washcloth with hot (not too hot) water for a minuite or so and gently rub off - then repeat with the washcloth (after rinsing) again for good measure.

Some women will occasionally sleep with a light coating of this mixture on their face, but I haven't tried...afraid of clogging my pores.

Surprisingly, a light treatment of Castor oil (applied once a-day - preferably before bed) is also an effective way to re-grow eyebrow hair from over-plucking and lenghten lashes also...takes about 3-4 mnths. for results...sorry, but I digress.

Not a fast way of make-up removal, but worth mentioning.

It's very important to always keep the pores cleansed. A quick washing may appear to remove the make-up, but alas, not thouroughly enough.

Jennifer

Thanks Jennifer,
I thought i posted to this, but it went some where.
Interesting procedure, never heard of it, but one I will have to give a try, by the looks of your skin, it would be worth it. Skin is one of the downfalls to the aging process.
Tammy

Hi Melody-

You might check out Mehron stage makeup remover if you want to keep something around that will get your makeup off in a hurry for one of those "UH-OH!" moments. Just goop some on, smear it around well with your fingers, let it sit for a minute or so and wipe it off with a soft towel, being gentle around your eyes. It's formulated for getting off stage makeup and takes regular makeup off just like that. Since it contains petroleum jelly it may leave your face looking kind of shiny, which you can simply take care of by washing with any decent facial care product. Don't forget to hide the towel.

Hugs...Joni Mari

Hi Joni,

When I first posted this thread I was thinking about theatrical makeup remover. I used to do makeup for plays and films in the 1960s and 1970s and there were similar products back then but I haven't done that sort thing for decades. I remember using "Bill Nye" products in those days.

Thanks for the info.

Best,
Melody

Hi Melody-

How neat. I was involved in community theater (little theater) back in the early 60's, I was in highschool then, which is where I first learned about Mehron makeup and so on. Ahh, the power of makeup.<lol>

Hugs...Joni Mari

Just wipes for me as well. But I'm going to try baby oil after reading this thread. I was a very hard core punk girl in my youth and I would have needed a blowtorch to remove some of my make-up creations.

The Deep Oil Cleansig Method I suggested above is better described here:

http://www.theoilcleansingmethod.com/

Of this process, I'm a true believer...give it a try for yourselves.

And Please don't Overly rely on astringents - they can damage a skin's PH balance and cause dry skin. Astringents are especially bad for older ladies, or those with dry skin...not good to use in winter either.

Hope this will help some.

Jennifer

Hi Girls,

Since this thread has worked it's way back onto the most viewed list again, I thought I'd do an update.

I tried all the products that were suggested (at least the ones I could find) and all of them worked pretty well. The oils were a bit...er...messy.

And the winner is...(drum roll, please)...Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser. It worked as well or better than the others, but the main reason I'm using it is availability. My local drug stores and high end supermarket carry it. The others I had to get at department stores or online. I like being able to get a product at the same place as I buy vitamins or bread.

Thank you, Marsha, for suggesting it.

Best,
Melody

WOW, you mean I got something right. What do I win? How about the insurance deductible for my nose job next week. And speaking of the nose job, I'm going to need a lot of Cetaphil Facial Cleanser to get off all the concealer hiding my bruised face, lol.
Hugs,
Marsha

Hi Marsha,

What do you win?

To quote Blazing Saddles' Howard Johnson, "it's my privilege to present a laurel and hearty handshake."

Best,
Melody