Make-up has ever been clothing’s companion when it comes to fashion. Whether you like a lot or very little, you’re a man, woman or non-binary, make-up helps us enhance our best features, downplay any flaws, and most importantly communicate our individuality, whilst giving us a great confidence boost.
Sadly, the drawback of frequent make-up use is that, even with the best products, it takes a big toll on our skin. Makeup removal, in particular, can cause a lot of problems. If you’re too tired to remove it after a night out, it clogs up your pores and doesn’t let your skin breathe. But even if you’re diligent, an ineffective make-up remover results in extra rubbing, which is abrasive and damaging to your skin, not to mention it can still leave a residue.
Skincare is an area that you absolutely must consider properly – both in terms of effort and investment. Believe me, when I say, it’s worth it to have fewer, if more expensive, items in your arsenal, than constantly replace cheaper and worse quality products, which are of medium efficacy at best and actually detrimental to your skin at worst.
Having tried out a few different brands in my time, none were all that great. Some were very oily, some quite rough, none all that good at removing make-up quickly. The highest concentration of make-up is around the eyes, which is also the most delicate skin on the face. It’s super important not to rub them too often! Admittedly, I’ve yet to try any of the face cloths, which are more eco friendly as they are reusable and claim to remove all kinds of makeup, including waterproof, so maybe that will be the next thing to review. However, by far the best thing I have tried to date is Lancôme’s Bi-facil.
A combination of oil and water, shake the blue bottle well to mix the ingredients and dab a few drops onto a cloth or cotton pad. You only need a few drops per use, so if you’re worried about the price tag, know that this product will last you a long time. Gently press the pad against your eye and hold it there for a few seconds. Then with one wipe – and I mean that! – at least 90% of your make-up will come right off. Repeat this and it will all be gone. That’s it!
Two wipes per eye, and you’re done. Lancôme is also a very allergen conscious brand, so even if you have skin sensitivities, this is a great product to use. (Of course, if you’ve never used this product before, do a skin test first, or consult your GP if you’re unsure).
Because it’s partially oil, Bi-facil does leave a slight oily layer on your skin. It’s no big deal to just lightly rinse your face with warm water, but if you don’t like the texture, cleanse your face with some face wash, which you should do after using any kind of make-up remover regardless – especially after a night out.
Bi-facil also comes in a super convenient travel-size bottle, which you can get as part of your make-up essentials set (I highly recommend!), order online, at select pharmacies (including Boots) or at the airport duty-free.
Believe me when I say – this is the best addition to your beauty kit you’ll ever make and once you go blue, you’ll always look good!
