Uh Oh, We’ve All Been Using Our Makeup Wipes Wrong

Uh Oh, We’ve All Been Using Our Makeup Wipes Wrong
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.

Whether it’s freshening up after a sweaty commute, fixing an errant smudge before happy hour or removing a face full of makeup after a long day, face wipes have saved us on many occasions. And when used correctly, they do a pretty darn good job. We know what you’re thinking―what is there to mess up? You wipe on and wipe off, right? Not quite.

Open Image Modal

What you’re doing wrong: Wiping down your forehead, nose and chin first.

How to do it better: The proper way to use the cloths is to start along the outside of your face (your hairline, neck and cheeks) and then work your way toward the center.

Why it matters: Your T-zone has the most oil glands on your face―and hence, more grime and acne-causing bacteria. By starting along the perimeter of your face, you’ll avoid spreading the bacteria everywhere else. Easy as that.

Related:

Support HuffPost

At HuffPost, we believe that everyone needs high-quality journalism, but we understand that not everyone can afford to pay for expensive news subscriptions. That is why we are committed to providing deeply reported, carefully fact-checked news that is freely accessible to everyone.

Whether you come to HuffPost for updates on the 2024 presidential race, hard-hitting investigations into critical issues facing our country today, or trending stories that make you laugh, we appreciate you. The truth is, news costs money to produce, and we are proud that we have never put our stories behind an expensive paywall.

Would you join us to help keep our stories free for all? Your will go a long way.

Support HuffPost

Before You Go

Things Every Woman Should Remove From Her Makeup Bag
Old Foundation/Concealer(01 of10)
Open Image Modal
The color of your go-to foundation and concealer is a tell-tale sign that it's time to get rid of it. Cream or liquid foundations typically last 12 to 18 months. (credit:Reggie Casagrande via Getty Images)
Dried-Up Mascara(02 of10)
Open Image Modal
Over-pumping your mascara wand in the tube exposes it to air and allows bacteria to creep in. Be sure to seal your mascara tightly after each use and purchase a new one every three to six months. (credit:DAJ via Getty Images)
Stale Natural Makeup(03 of10)
Open Image Modal
These products are generally free of parabens and synthetic preservatives. Storing them in your refrigerator in between uses will help them to last longer, according to celebrity makeup artist Jamie Greenburg. However, they often expire after three to six months. (credit:Ryan McVay via Getty Images)
Dirty Makeup Sponges(04 of10)
Open Image Modal
If your color cosmetics have permanently stained the applicator, then you should discard it immediately. Always clean after each use and replenish your makeup sponges weekly (or as often as needed). (credit:GoodLifeStudio via Getty Images)
Used Makeup Blotting Papers(05 of10)
Open Image Modal
There's a reason this product is considered "single-use." Use it once and throw it out! (credit:Claude Guillaumin via Getty Images)
Melted Lipstick(06 of10)
Open Image Modal
You should be able to easily detect if something is off with your lipstick or lipgloss by simply paying close attention to its texture, color or scent. It's also pretty common for these products to get overheated in your makeup bag and literally explode. Let go and latch onto another lippie, making sure to replace at least every year. (credit:dstaerk via Getty Images)
Broken Eyeshadow/Blush/Bronzer(07 of10)
Open Image Modal
This one's pretty self-explanatory. Besides, the mess that shattered powder shadows create inside your makeup bag simply isn't worth it. (credit:© Daniela Salamanca via Getty Images)
Uncovered Lip/Eye Pencils(08 of10)
Open Image Modal
While makeup pros swear by sharpening their lip and eye pencils to keep them fresh and sanitized, leaving them uncovered attracts germs that may lead to sickness. (credit:Zoonar RF via Getty Images)
Separated Nail Polish(09 of10)
Open Image Modal
General rule of thumb: Once your nail polish separates and starts to clump, throw it out. (credit:Giuseppe Graziano via Getty Images)
Expired Sunscreen/Moisturizer(10 of10)
Open Image Modal
There's a very obvious reason these are labeled with an expiration date: they aren't as effective past that time. Not to mention, when exposed to heat or humid temperatures, the consistency of sunscreen and moisturizer can change. (credit:Blavarg, Susanna via Getty Images)

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE