Let’s be honest. We know it’s not good to sleep in makeup—but sometimes it does happen.

Could it be your current cleansing method involves multiple steps or products? When it’s 2 a.m., who wants a process? Make it easy on yourself; use what I use when preparing an individual for studio makeup, a photo shoot, wedding, or Cityline taping: a perfectly performing cleansing wipe.

Makeup removal wipes evolved from the handy baby bum wipe, which I remember CBC and City TV talent using when they finished their on-camera shifts. A big tub of wipes sat in the makeup room for male reporters, especially, to grab, wipe, and go. God forbid they show up at a restaurant wearing more makeup than their date. Thankfully, in the early 90s, MAC refined the bottom wipe and came out with a more face-friendly version. Efficient and convenient, theirs became the fashion industry standard. Since then, virtually every other cosmetic line has followed suit--some much better than others.

The scent, size, texture, moisture level, effectiveness, packaging, and price of cleansing wipes vary--and I have tried them all. Many brands promise over-the-top results for such a simple, throw-away beauty buddy. I have little faith in the concept of this little cloth addressing concerns like acne and anti-aging…. All I ask of the handy humble wipe is that it do its job.

A good-quality pre-moistened makeup removing cleansing wipe should be thick enough to handle without tearing and wet enough to work without dripping. It should completely dissolve--and remove--all trace of face and eye makeup, oil, and dirt, completely lifting it away and locking it into the cloth. The moisture should evaporate, leaving no residue on the skin. And it shouldn’t cost a lot.

My favourite wipes are so effective they can take the place of your traditional eye makeup remover and cotton ball routine. If you need one to do extra duty (especially on waterproof eye and lip makeup), pour a little waterproof eye makeup remover onto a wipe to make a super-duper makeup eraser.

A delicate, but important point is that, in a pinch, most facial cleansing wipes can be used on other parts of the body when bathing facilities are not available. Do not flush wipes down toilets, though, but dispose in the garbage receptacle.

*Life 3 in 1 Cleansing Cloths @ Shoppers Drug Mart: 56 - 8.25” X 5.5” cloths available in double packs and refillable convenient tubs. $8.99 - $14.99. Travel Pack 15 sheets, $3.29 / 16¢ per cloth.
*Exact Facial Cleansing Cloths @ Loblaw’s: 56 - 7.5 X 5.25” cloths available in double packs and refillable tubs. $7.99 / 14¢ per cloth.
*Kirkland Signature 150 Daily Facial Towelettes @ Costco: Box Set: 4 – 30 sheet packs with great flip top closure plus 2 – 15 sheet travel packs. Total of 150 towelettes. $11.99 Winner of Most Wipes for your dollar AND Best Buy @ 8¢ per towelette.
*MAC Wipes: Bulk Artist Pack 100 – 8.5 X 5.5” wipes, $34.50. Regular/Personal Pack 45 sheets, $24. Sized To Go: 30 wipes, $12. Winner of Largest Size Wipe.
Olay Fresh Effects Everything Off Deluxe Makeup Remover Wet Cloths @ Shoppers Drug Mart & Loblaw’s: 25 - 7.5 X 6.25” Cloths, $8.43 / 33¢ per cloth.

Travel Tip: Decrease the weight of your “beauty bag” by packing a suitable supply of wipes in a zip-lock sandwich baggie.

WATCH THIS VIDEO for more ways to use makeup Wipes

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Handy uses for makeup cleansing wipes

Price Disclaimer: Posted prices provided by supplier, store, or vendor and are subject to change without notice. Many are often and regularly on sale, especially Life @ Shoppers Drug Mart.

Dermablend is one of the first camouflage/paramedical makeup lines created for the consumer by Flori Roberts in 1960. It has always been favoured by individuals with serious skin discolourations from birthmarks to tattoos and by professional performers who must look their best on camera for long periods of time under hot bright lights. Revamped and now owned and operated by L’Oreal, Dermablend returns to the Canadian market in my favourite shopping place — Shoppers Drug Mart.

Recently, I met with Dermablend and learned all about the revised line, especially the new Leg & Body Makeup. Which is perfect for this time of year when everyone is showing more and may have something to hide. The wonderful hydrating and lightweight formula glides on seamlessly and builds up impeccably well covering everything from a minor, last minute blemish to large-scale tattoos. Varicose veins, brown spots, bruises, stretch marks, scars, and birthmarks instantly disappear. A wee bit goes a long, long way and can be applied with fingers and with Dermablend's special black sponge that covers large areas well. The finish is second-skin like which is great for men. I hear drag queens are using it on their face because it cuts down the time making up. The 12-shade range is very impressive and reflective of actual and modern skin tones. In my opinion, the line needs to expand the lighter end of the spectrum for our fair skinned lovelies.

Setting this product with powder is essential for it to last and be waterproof, smudge-proof, and non-transferable onto clothes. Deposit a generous coating with a powder puff and allow to sit for at least 5 minutes before buffing off the excess with a soft, large, fluffy powder brush.

Recently, I was booked to do a bride for her wedding day in a city to which I had to travel the night prior. On the morning of the wedding I got an emergency text from the bride telling me that the makeup artist who was booked to do her wedding party of 5 cancelled. I was asked to step in. This was no easy task as I had only packed makeup for the bride. The girls in her wedding party ranged from light to dark skin tones. Thankfully, I had packed a couple of the new Dermablend Leg & Body Makeup and I’m so glad I did. I was able to use this amazing product, with a light hand on the darkest girl and it looked amazing! I was able to mix the shades I brought to match everyone brilliantly. Phew! In addition to saving the day, this product served its intended purpose for the bride’s arms and chest blemishes.