Going from tossing five single-use cotton rounds in your bathroom bin every day to making the decision to invest in reusable, washable cotton rounds to remove your makeup is a great, positive change for your environmental impact, your spending, and your skin’s health. Basically, it’s an all-around win, so you can keep rocking those killer eye looks with gorgeous lashes, while still caring for the environment.
But now that we’ve figured out all the reasons why we should transition our vanity to reusable pads, how do we choose what kind? We’re about to break it down and explain all the best materials to look for when shopping for reusable pads.
Makeup Pad or Cotton Rounds?
Your choice between a makeup pad or a cotton round really comes down to personal preference. Makeup pads are typically larger with more surface area to wipe that makeup off, while a cotton round usually has a more structured round shape. If you are the aesthetic type and like to see a cylindrical jar with your reusable pads in it sitting on your vanity, like this cute pink one from Doe Lashes, opt for the cotton rounds. If that doesn’t matter much to you, you’ll simply want to consider the materials your product is made out of.
The Best Materials for Cotton Rounds and Makeup Pads
It is best to choose a material based on what you’re looking for in your round. Are you looking for something soft and luxurious to slide smoothly across your skin while applying your toner? Or are you looking for something rough to exfoliate the makeup, dirt, and grime out of your pores? Keep reading to find out which is which.
#1. Muslin Cloth
If soft, fluffy, and luxurious is the key to your heart, reach for reusable muslin cloth pads that are super gentle on the skin. Muslin is so gentle for the skin because it’s typically specially woven to be extra absorbent yet thin. Look for muslin made with 100% cotton to gently exfoliate and leave the skin soft.
Best For: Sensitive skin or irritated skin.
How to Use: Dampen cloth and add a dollop of your cleanser of choice. Massage into your skin in circular motions.
#2. Bamboo
If your skin needs something to rough it up a bit, in a good way, go for bamboo. Bamboo fabric has the perfect texture to slough off makeup and dead skin cells. It exfoliates while not being too harsh and won’t damage your skin’s barrier.
Bamboo is one of the more sustainable choices when it comes to considering where your products are sourced from, because bamboo itself grows quickly without taking up a lot of resources. It is also very durable, so your bamboo cotton rounds will last for a while through many machine-wash cycles.
Bamboo is a great choice for those with sensitive skin since it is gentle and has a natural antimicrobial ability that works to protect your skin from harmful substances that cause breakouts.
Best For: Oily skin, sensitive skin, or acne-prone skin
How to Use: Wet face, add liquid or foam makeup cleanser to dry bamboo pad and scrub away your day.
#3. Organic Cotton
Organic cotton is super absorbent, which means you won’t have to worry about your cleanser or liquid makeup remover rolling off them before you get a chance to cleanse your face. It is also biodegradable, so when it’s time to get a new pack (which will probably be in about 1-2 years, if not longer), you can rest assured they won’t be sitting in the landfill for years to come.
Best For: Sensitive skin or all skin types.
How to Use: Wet face, add liquid or foam makeup cleanser to dry cotton pad, and scrub away your day.
#4. Bamboo Cotton Blend
Here is the best of both worlds scenario. You have the strength and durability of bamboo, matched with the absorbance of natural cotton. These reusable bamboo cotton rounds are double-sided with bamboo cotton on one side for a luxurious exfoliating experience while you remove your makeup -- and a delicate velvet crystal side on the other to gently apply your toner or essences.
Best for: All skin types
How to Use: Wet face, add liquid or foam cleaner to dry bamboo cotton pad, and scrub away your day. After makeup is removed, flip to the other side of the cotton pad and apply toner and moisturizer to your dry face.
In Conclusion
From muslin cloths for luxurious softness to bamboo cotton blends for gentle, reliable exfoliation, choosing to go reusable has all the perks. Now, you can choose what kind of functions you want your cotton pad to have. Depending on what kind of cleanse you want and how you want your product to glide onto your face, there’s a reusable makeup removing pad for that! Now, sit back and relax with a soothing eye mask knowing that you’re doing all you can for the environment and for your skin.
Sources:
Muslin Cloths 101: Why You Should Add the Exfoliating Sheets to Your Skin-Care Routine | Allure
Material Guide: Is Bamboo Fabric Sustainable? | Good On You
Why A Cotton-Free Skincare Routine Is Step No.1 To Saving The Planet | ELLE