I’ll never buy makeup wipes again, thanks to this $22 reusable alternative
This article originally appeared on shape.com.
Ever since I discovered makeup wipes in the seventh grade, I’ve been a huge fan. (So convenient! So easy! So smooth!) But like a lot of people, I’m trying to make my beauty routine more eco-conscious, and avoiding disposable wipes feels like an obvious first step. It’s a work in progress but for the most part, I’ve stopped using them—and that’s due in part to the Face Halo.
When I saw the Face Halo on Instagram, I was intrigued: It’s a circular, extra-fluffy microfiber towel that claims to remove makeup with just water. No need to apply a cleanser–you simply wet the Face Halo pad and swipe it across your face. And unlike with disposable wipes, you can use one up to 200 times. Just wash one with hand soap and water between uses and toss it in with your laundry once or twice a week.
TBH, I originally thought Face Halo sounded too good to be true, but lo and behold the plush pads actually work—even removing more stubborn products such as red lipstick and smoky eyeshadow.
As for mascara? They still work but only with some aggressive tugging. The key is to make sure the Face Halo pad nice and damp, then press it on your eye and hold it for a few seconds before wiping the makeup away. Once you do that you’re guaranteed to walk away with that squeaky-clean feeling—at least I have.
I was ready to swear off makeup remover wipes and liquid cleansers after my first time trying a Face Halo. But I also knew that one of the golden rules of skin-care is to only use makeup wipes on occasion and stick to normal cleansers when possible. Simply put:I wasn’t sure if Face Halo’s microfiber cleansing cloth (the absorbent white part of the pad) were truly effective enough for everyday use. So, I asked Marissa Garshick, M.D., a dermatologist at Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery, for her thoughts.
“They can be helpful to eliminate excess oil, makeup, and dirt, but are not recommended for use in place of a routine cleanser consistently,” she explains.
Rather, they’re best-suited as one half of a double cleanse, according to Dr. Garshick. (FYI, double cleansing is cleansing your skin twice in one sitting.) She also thinks they’re a great option in place of a makeup wipe “if you just can’t bring yourself to wash your face before bed but need to wipe off your makeup.” Happens to the best of us.
Even with that in mind, I still get plenty of use out mine when I just ~can’t~ with cleanser. TL;DR — If you’re trying to quit a makeup wipe habit for the sake of the earth or for your wallet, I’d definitely suggest making the switch.