How to use reusable makeup pads

Approaching my late forties now, gone are the days when I could use my pillow to remove my makeup! I've had to embrace proper cleansing last thing at night and for me, there's no better way to do this than with reusable makeup removing pads.

Here's how to use reusable makeup pads:

• if using oily or soapy cleanser, apply it directly to your face
• use warm water and your cleansing pad to remove makeup and cleanse
• rinsing and repeating with cold water until the pad is clean and all traces of makeup are removed
• if using toner or micellar water, apply it directly to a thinner reusable cotton round
• use this to wipe your face and remove makeup
• rinsing and repeating with cold water until the pad is clean and all traces of makeup are removed

Both types of pads together form the perfect 2 step cleansing routine which is perfect for all skin types.

What is a two step cleansing routine?

2 step cleansing was popularised by Caroline Hirons on Instagram. This is a two step cleaning routine:

• if you're wearing eye makeup or like to use micellar water, apply this to an organic cotton eye-makeup remover pad
• gently use the pad to remove eye makeup and clean the cheek area which is where we tend to be heaviest with makeup and SPF
• this should remove any more heavy duty products from your face, especially waterproof mascara
• next, the massage step!
• apply coconut oil or an oily cleanser or balm to your face and gently massage in
• run one of our larger (11cm) bamboo reusable makeup wipes under warm water (careful not to get too hot!)
• use the hot wet pad to remove the oily cleanser
• rinse under the cold tap
• repeat as necessary until soft and sparkling clean

'Love the face wipes and makeup removal pads and have now ditched the cotton wool for good so also helping the environment. All in all it’s a win win!' Tracy, Nov 2021, Trustpilot

Why use reusable makeup pads rather than makeup removing wipes or cotton wool pads?

Aside from working brilliantly to remove makeup, reusable makeup remover pads are brilliant for even the most sensitive skin. In fact some sponge pads such as face halo are made to be used with natures purest cleanser, water!

Obviously reusable bamboo rounds are much more eco friendly than using disposable face wipes or cotton pads, which contribute to landfill and often help cause sewer blockages if inadvertently flushed. They're plastic free and can be reused over and over again. At Cheeky HQ, we've got some makeup removing pads which have been washed and reused over several years and are still going strong.

Switching to reusable make up remover will also save you money. A pack of 10 reusable cotton pads will cost you around £12. If you use two packs of 25 disposable face wipes monthly, that's at least £3 a month, so your pads will have paid for themselves within 4 months.

For this reason they make a great gift, especially for teenagers who are starting to look after their skin.

'Brilliant products. Ordered more reusable cotton pads as they are so soft and wash really well, even when covered in makeup. Cute design. Will definitely buy more.' BE, May 2021, Trustpilot

How to Clean Reusable Makeup Pads 

To clean reusable makeup pads: 

1. Give them a final rinse out under the cold tap

2. Ideally store in a mesh laundry bag until you have a wash going on which allows the pads to breathe and stops them going musty before washing

3. When you have a wash going on, place the mesh bag in the washing machine andwash with your usual detergent. Add stain removing powder if your pads are heavily soiled

4. Fabric softener can be used with your pads to keep them feeling supersoft and not scratchy

5. We advise keeping the mesh bag open, so that any heavily stained pads can come out and wash properly. if your pads aren't too heavily soiled you can close the mesh wash bag

6. We recommend line drying to maximise the eco benefits, but the pads can also be tumble dried which will also soften them

7. If you're on holiday, the pads can of course be hand washed using hotel soap, rinsed thoroughly and left to dry before being reused

'Very happy with the makeup remover and eye pads, they wash up well and coconut remover is gentle on the skin, highly recommend.' PH, April 2021, Trustpilot

We hope that's been useful. Switching to reusable makeup remover pads is one of the simplest eco swaps that you can make and to help, we have a range of kits and reusable pads here.

If you've still got questions, there's further instructions on how to use reusable face wipes available. And you might find it helpful to read our guide to what you need to make the switch to reusable makeup removing pads too!

About the author: Helen Rankin is founder and owner of Cheeky Wipes and Cheeky Pants. Established in 2008 with the best-selling reusable baby wipes kit, the company takes pride in it's ethos of providing 'Simple Reusables' and was awarded the Queens Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2021 in recognition of their work over the last 13 years.

If you're interested in more premium natural beauty products, please visit Olio Lusso.