How Long After Waxing Should You Wait Before Wearing Makeup?

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Face waxing is one of the most commonly used methods of removing facial hair.

Women of every age group use face waxing to get rid of unwanted facial hair.

To appear clean yet elegant all the time requires a few touch-ups here and there. Face waxing contradicts the makeup part. 

If you’ve normal skin, 10 to 12 hours of skin-resting time is enough for you before you apply makeup.

For people who have sensitive skin, it’s best to wait 24 to 36 hours.

If you’ve received a face waxing treatment or are about to get it done, here’s what you should know about it.

How Long After Waxing Can You Wear Makeup?

Can I wear makeup after waxing?

Since waxing treatment usually involves using hot face wax, it needs extra care.

The waxing may clean your skin but the removal of the hair opens your pores. 

This makes your skin delicate and prone to infection and irritation. Any chemical or physical trigger like heat, light, air, etc. can irritate your face.

Therefore, it is best to avoid makeup for at least 24 to 36 hours after waxing.

That’s 1 to 2 days roughly which might sound like a long time but it’s necessary.

RELATED: Best Wax Beads For Sensitive Skin

How Long Does Face Waxing Last?

Waxing gives the best results that last for 2 to 3 weeks. You get to enjoy smooth hair-free skin.

But you must take extra precautions because a waxed face is prone to irritation.

If you’re getting the waxing treatment for any special occasion like a party, a casual hangout with friends, or a fun gala, make sure to make an early appointment.

You should get your facial waxing done two days before your event.

Waxing results are visible rather quickly on delicate skins.

Fair people get a constant redness just like a light blush after waxing. It also indicates that your skin is very susceptible to irritation.

RELATED: How Often Should You Get Your Eyebrows Waxed

5 Things You MUST Avoid After Face Waxing

How long does it take for pores to close after waxing?

It’s no surprise that a freshly waxed face looks much more elegant. It has a nice softening look and leaves a smooth matte finish texture on the skin.

The skin feels almost as delicate as a baby’s soft cheeks.

To keep your skin smooth and soft for a longer period, it is important to take extra care.

Here are 7 things that you must avoid after receiving a facial waxing treatment.

1. Sun-bathing

If you have a freshly waxed face, sunbathing is not a good idea for you.

You should avoid everything that involves direct sun exposure. It can cause irritation and redness. 

Moreover, long direct exposure to sunlight may also lead to hyper-pigmentation of your delicate skin.

It may result in many unwanted outcomes including darkening of skin and uneven skin tones. You can even end up getting blemishes.

If you’re a fan of suntanned skin, you should wait at least 2 to 3 days before you go suntanning.

2. Scrubbing and Exfoliating

Scrubbing and exfoliating are necessary to keep your skin clean, clear, and fresh. But scrubbing right after you’re done with waxing is a bad idea. 

A freshly waxed face is already clear and free from dead skin cells.

So, you don’t need exfoliating or scrubbing or anything that involves putting intense stress on your skin.

3. Swimming

Although swimming is good for health, it is not good for waxed skin. You should avoid going for a swim if you have recently waxed your skin.

Wait until you gain your skin composer.

Swimming pools are treated with special chemicals and toxins to kill germs and pests.

These chemicals are not skin-friendly and can easily cause different types of skin infections. 

4. Bleaching

Bleaching is already a rather harsh skin treatment. Bleaching a freshly waxed face may hit differently.

Consider it as dipping your delicate hand in a hot boiler. Painful and pointless!

That’s exactly what bleaching means after waxing your face.

Avoid using any type of bleaching cream because it will cause an immediate skin-burning sensation.

5. Beauty Baths

It may sound relaxing but beauty baths are not recommended after waxing your face.

Not for at least a week or so after you’re done with your waxing session. 

Avoid dipping yourself in beauty baths and beauty showers for long hours. It involves long skin contact with various skin products. 

The only shower that you can use for cleaning your face is a running water shower.

ALSO READ: Why Is Waxing So Expensive

FAQs

What to do after waxing your face?

You can clean and moisturize your face after you’re done with waxing.

Use only the simplest method for cleaning i.e. gently massaging your face with your hands.

Avoid using any massaging device or skin rollers. You can apply baby oil which is way safer than any other lotion-based product.

Can I wear a face mask after waxing?

Face masks help soothe your skin but they contain various chemicals that may react with your open pores.

This is exactly why face masks and clay masks are all forbidden after a facial waxing treatment.

Instead, you can use any calming or hydrating serum.

How to remove leftover hair after face waxing?

If you still feel like your hair is not properly removed after your waxing treatment, try using a pair of tweezers.

Don’t wax the hairy area again. Move on and just pluck the remaining hair out with the help of tweezers.

Final Thoughts

Waxing does wonders for your skin. It helps to remove dead skin cells, get rid of hair, and make you look much younger and fresh.

But it doesn’t come without a price.

You might feel anxious or stressed because waxing is undoubtedly a painful procedure.

It also requires extra care and you must follow through with the guidelines of post-waxing care.

Make sure you wait at least 24 hours before applying makeup on a freshly waxed face.

Avoid rubbing, scratching, and direct sun exposure. Keep loving your skin and enjoy the smooth after-waxed look.

Avatar for Megan Foley

Megan has been a freelance writer and editor since 2016. In that time, she’s penned a diverse collection of articles for online publication, with a focus on skincare and beauty. From in-depth product reviews to concise marketing content, Megan is passionate about developing content that informs, entertains, and inspires.