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Other Considerations The Types The Final Takeaway
Whether you’re team cleansing balm, foaming face wash, or gel cleanser, your choice of product isn’t the only factor to consider when washing your face. You have options for how you actually wash as well: You could simply use your hands, go old-school with a washcloth, or opt for a reusable makeup towel. The latter, in particular, have been gaining steam lately (pun intended) for their plentiful perks: “My favorite reason for using a reusable makeup towel/cloth is for the convenience and the travel-friendly factor,” says Steve Kassajikian, Urban Decay’s head of global artistry. “It helps reduce waste, is gentler on skin, more hygienic, and is easier to pack.”
Reusable makeup towel-curious? Ahead, we went straight to the pros to answer all of your burning questions, from the benefits to how to use it.
What Are Reusable Makeup Towels?
“A sustainable alternative to single-use makeup wipes or cotton pads, [reusable makeup towels] are designed to gently remove makeup, dirt, and oil from the skin with water or a cleanser,” says board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD. Unlike a single-use wipe, you would use the towel in tandem with your cleanser of choice, akin to a washcloth (but designed specifically for the purpose of removing makeup).
Another perk of reusable makeup towels is their size. “A reusable makeup towel is smaller than a washcloth, but just as handy when cleansing the face and removing makeup,” says brand founder, esthetician, and clean beauty pioneer Tammy Fender.
How to Use Reusable Makeup Towels
Several face-washing methods are at your disposal, even when you choose to use a reusable makeup towel. “I like to cleanse the face with the fingertips, working a natural cream cleanser into the skin, then removing with a warm, damp makeup towel,” Fender says.
Garshick has another method: “Dampen the cloth with warm water or apply your favorite cleanser. Gently wipe the skin in circular motions to remove makeup, sunscreen, and buildup,” she says. “When you are done washing, rinse the cloth thoroughly with water and hang it to dry.” Meanwhile, Kassajikian recommends using the product by applying your favorite makeup remover on the cloth, then gently gliding it over your face.
The Benefits
If you're conscious of the environmental impact of your skincare or simply looking to achieve a gentler, more effective routine, reusable makeup towels have several perks. A few are as follows:
- May remove makeup more effectively: If you’ve ever felt like your routine isn’t getting your skin as clean as you’d like, a reusable makeup towel may be exactly the upgrade you need. “Choosing a soft, natural fiber cloth to wipe down the skin after cleansing really helps remove any lingering traces of residue before you apply toner, a serum, or a moisturizer,” Fender says.
- Less environmental impact than some other options: “At the same time, it provides a way to bring a bit of eco-consciousness into your routine,” Fender tells us. The eco angle is major: If you’ve typically gravitated towards single-use makeup wipes or cotton pads, think of how many you’ll be saving in the process.
- Gentler on the skin: Reusable makeup towels are also helpful if you’ve found other options to be abrasive or are looking to achieve a calmer complexion. “They are designed with soft fibers that minimize irritation and work well for sensitive skin,” Garshick says.
Other Considerations
While reusable makeup towels are helpful in many ways, every product has its pros and cons. Ahead, see some factors to keep in mind when considering adding them to your routine.
- Wash them regularly: One main drawback to makeup cleaning towels is keeping them clean—which is important but higher-maintenance than single-use products. “If not cleaned properly after each use, they can harbor bacteria, which may contribute to skin irritation and breakouts,” Garshick says. “You should wash the reusable cloth after each use, either by hand with a gentle cleanser or in the washing machine.”
- Replace when needed: Remember that reusable makeup towels aren’t meant to last forever. “Be cautious, as some makeup products can stain the cloth,” Kassajikian says. “You should replace it once it starts to tear or fray or begins to have an odor, even after washing it.” Garshick adds that because frequent washing over time may degrade the fabric’s effectiveness, you should consider replacing your towels every six months, depending on wear and tear.
Choosing a Type
When shopping for reusable makeup towels, you have a few options to choose from. Garshick breaks them down into three categories: “Microfiber cloths are known for their ultra-soft texture and ability to remove makeup with just water,” she says. “Bamboo fiber cloths are sustainable and naturally antibacterial, ideal for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Dual-sided cloths have one side for makeup removal and the other for gentle exfoliation.”
All of the above are solid options to choose from depending on your goals, but our experts do have pointers to keep in mind. “I'd recommend a natural fiber cloth in bamboo or cotton, and nothing synthetic, harsh, or abrasive,” Fender says.
The Final Takeaway
Reusable makeup towels may require some extra TLC, but they're gentle on the skin, can help remove stubborn residue, and have less environmental impact than single-use options—all of which can make them well worth it. “As long as you can keep up to date with your laundry, it's a wonderful way to bring an old-fashioned-meets-modern touch of self-care into your routine,” Fender says.
