It’s 6:30 p.m. You just finished a grueling workout after an eight-hour day at the office. Sweat beads are stuck to your forehead, mascara’s streaming down your cheeks, and that foundation you put on this morning? It’s like it was never there. None of this would be a problem if you could hop in the gym shower for a quick cleanup. But that dinner reservation is at 7:00, and you’ve got to get moving–fast. Great news! There’s a wipe for that.
When you think wipes, those lemon-scented pocket-packets you get with greasy take-out dinners–or worse, baby-bottom cloths–may come to mind. But today, towelettes come in bigger, better varieties, designed to do far more than clean up life’s little messes. Here are a few of the best grab-and-go options to pack in your gym or carryon bag or just to keep handy at home to make your beauty routine a little easier:
Goal: Wash your face
Solution: Acure Organics Argan Oil Cleansing Towelettes
When soap is scarce, time is tight or you want to feel shower-fresh without actually getting wet, Acure Organics Oil Cleansing Wipes are the ones you want. Soaked with skin-smoothing argan oil and vitamin E, these travel-anywhere cloths not only whisk away dirt but also hydrate. The best part? They’re vegan, paraben and cruelty free and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types. (My runner-up — because it’s so hard to choose — is Derma E Hydrating Facial Wipes with Hyaluronic Acid; they’re perfect for cleansing and hydrating dry skin on the go.)
Goal: Remove makeup
Solution: Blum Naturals Daily Cleansing & Makeup Remover Towelettes
After a long day, who wants to stand at the sink and scrub off stubborn eye makeup? Get to bed in a wink without getting your PJs sleeves wet by using Blum Naturals makeup-remover wipes. These tough towelettes dissolve stuck-on color without stinging while soothing with organic aloe and other natural ingredients. If you have dry or sensitive skin, try extra-gentle chamomile-infused version or if you’re on wrinkle watch, give the antioxidant-rich grape seed-rich Pro-Age Towelettes a go.
Goal: Exfoliate
Solution: Alba Botanica Good & Clean Dual Textured Exfoliating Towelettes
Out with the old, in with the new–that’s the beautifying benefit of exfoliating. But getting rid of dulling, dead cells that accumulate on your skin’s surface is a messy job. Say goodbye to gooey, gritty scrubs and hello to a convenient, dual-textured cloth from Alba Botanica. After gently scouring with the bumpy, alpha hydroxy acid-rich botanical side, flip it over and wipe away impurities with the smooth, cooling witch hazel side. Hooray for multitasking!
Goal: Banish breakouts
Solution: Derma E Very Clear Oil-Free Acne Wipes
You could cleanse, let your skin dry, then apply acne cream. Or, give zits the one-two punch with Derma E Very Clear Oil-Free Acne Wipes. Save yourself a step with these deep-cleaning cloths that draw up and dissolve dirt then deliver medication (.5% salicylic acid) and willow bark to blast blemish-causing bacteria from your skin. Unlike other problem-spot treatments, these wipes let you cover larger areas in a single swipe and easily treat neglected zones like the hairline and behind your ears.
Goal: Stop the sweat
Solution: Crystal Essence Mineral Deodorant Towelettes
Even tiny, trial-size deodorants are a hassle to carry around–and forget about being discreet if you need extra applications throughout the day. But with Crystal Essence deodorant wipes, simply tuck a packet in your purse or pocket, tear open and dab on for instant odor control. Powered by natural mineral salts and essential oils, they provide potent protection without aluminum chlorohydrate and other chemicals found in mainstream brands. Choose from Pomegranate, Chamomile and Green Tea or unscented.