You’ve been hearing the mantra since you were a teenager - don’t go to sleep with your make-up on. But a wee bit of eyeliner and mascara or lipstick left on for the night isn’t really going to make a difference, is it? That’s what you tell yourself on the days you are so tired that the thought of doing anything other than crawling into bed seems like a Herculean task.

We’ve all been down this road - being lazy about removing make-up at the end of the day. But as one grows older, a daily cleansing routine becomes the cornerstone of skin that looks fresh and young. Sleeping with make-up on will clog pores, leading to the development of acne and wrinkles. Moreover, the make-up we wear during the day attracts free radicals from the environment, which cause the breakdown of collagen - the substance that gives our skin its elasticity and youthful appearance - making it essential to wipe all that gunk off your face before calling it a night.

When picking out a make-up remover, it’s essential to choose one that isn’t over-drying but is effective enough without you having to wipe the face too harshly (which can have a negative effect on your skin). Here’s a look at some of the options available in the market that get the job done right:

Extra Virgin Olive oil

Given that it is used in so many cosmetic products that line the beauty aisles, olive oil is not only beneficial for the skin, it also acts as a great way of removing make-up. For starts, it is natural and devoid of chemicals that are present in store-bought cleansers, hence it won’t clog your pores and lead to breakouts. It’s also a softening agent, and will leave your skin feeling baby smooth. Olive oil contains anti-oxidants, so it is a cheap and easily accessible way to fight the signs of aging.

Cold Cream

"I don’t believe in using those fancy and expensive make-up removers to cleanse my face," says the stunning Amna Baber, whose porcelain skin is the source of envy for many. "Cold cream does the job very well and I believe that it is less harmful to the skin than other products that contain too many chemical." If it’s good enough for a reigning supermodel, it’s good enough for us! This old-school product works as a deep cleanser and moisturizer and is a great option for those with sensitive or dry skin. Massage the cream into your face using a circular motion for about a minute, and then wipe off gently with a cotton pad or washcloth. Rinse the face with lukewarm water and pat dry.

Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar water is having a big beauty moment internationally and rightly so. In this day and age of fast living, it is the answer to the lazy woman’s prayer because it acts as a make-up remover, cleanser and toner in one, and you don’t even have to rinse it off. The fad was started by the French (are we even surprised? France is where so many great beauty and fashion ideas are born!) and has taken off internationally.

Micellar water is made up of micelles, tiny particles of cleansing molecules that float in the water. When applied to the face, the micelles come into contact with the accumulated oil and dirt, allowing them to be swept away quickly and efficiently. Invest in a bottle of the Bioderma (the company that first caught on to the trend) Sensibio H2O Micelle Solution and see for yourself what the fuss is all about. Apply a small amount of the cleansing water to a cotton ball and sweep it across the face and neck. For stubborn eye make-up, hold a saturated cotton ball over the lashes or lid for a few moments, allowing the make-up to dissolve. With no need to rinse afterwards, micellar solutions work well for women on the go, especially when travelling.

Are wipes an effective way to remove make-up?

They are quick, they are non-messy and super easy to use - so why can’t one rely on facial wipes to cleanse the face every night? Facial wipes might be a convenient, quick-fix solution for the occasional night when you are just too tired to indulge in a cleansing routine, but making them a habit isn’t going to do your skin any favours, warn dermatologists. Wipes are not as thorough as we would like to believe and are likely to leave behind traces of dirt and grime on your skin. The wiping motion can actually irritate the skin and leave it feeling rough from prolonged use.

Plus, wipes contain preservativesin order to increase their shelf life and preservatives are made of formaldehyde-releasing chemicals. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen under high exposure and even though wipes may contain very limited amounts, why would you want to expose your skin to something that is known to be toxic?