The concealing cosmetics we use have saved many of us from unwanted stares and comments, but taking them off can be almost as painstaking as putting them on. Ordinary soap and water is too harsh for most skin types, and doesn't really do the job of removing waterproof makeup. And department store cleansing creams, while effective, are generally expensive.
Here are a few tips I've learned over the years:
ALBOLENE CREAM (about $11.25 at theatrical makeup stores, beauty supply stores or www.medichest.com/albolenecreamcleanserscented12oz.html). Actors and actresses have used this cream for generations to take off heavy stage makeup. It does the job quickly and efficiently without leaving an oily residue. It's inexpensive and will dissolve just about any type of concealing makeup.
BABY WIPES. Yep, those handy little wipes mothers use to clean up during a diaper change are just as friendly to your face as they are to a baby's behind and gentle enough for sensitive newborn skin. These are the secret weapon of many professional makeup artists. They do the job almost as well as expensive pre-moistened makeup removers at a fraction of the cost.
CETAPHIL CLEANSER (about $10 at most drugstores). This is the cleanser recommended by many dermatologists. It's gentle but efficient and keeps the PH balance of your skin in check. Only the original version is strong enough to take off concealing makeup. The new "gentle" formula is, well, too gentle for that.
Both Covermark and Dermablend make cleansers specifically formulated for removing their products. (Click on the company names to see info on their products. Then, click on the company logos to purchase online or find a store near you.)
I've found that the hardest makeup to remove is the extra thick layer I apply on those first back-to-the-real-world days after a treatment. My skin is incredibly sensitive and I've had to pile on at least twice as much makeup as usual to cover the bruises. To take it all off, I use a soft cotton ball soaked in liquid eye makeup remover. This stuff is designed to remove waterproof mascara, so it dissolves the concealing makeup in one soft swipe.
