The first rule of beauty club: Never sleep in your makeup! We've all heard it, time and time again, and hardcore members of said club (hi, hello!) have sworn against it – because for many years, dermatologists, beauty gurus, and skincare enthusiasts have warned us about the detriments of going to sleep with a full face of makeup on. We're talking clogged pores, breakouts, and premature ageing. But what if – bear with me – the story isn't so one-sided? What if... *gulp* 150,000 people agree that sleeping in their makeup has actually made their skin... better?!
Well, a new wave of social media beauty renegades are challenging convention, claiming that there might be some surprising benefits to leaving a little foundation on overnight.
In a recent TikTok video, user @millie_drury asks others, "GIRLS whats your biggest beauty secret... I'm not talking about lip stain instead of lip tint I'm talking the tips that FEEL illegal."
One of the top comments, which has gained over 150,000 likes and 900+ replies, says: "Sleeping with makeup on accident makes my skin clear."
To which others responded in agreement: "Me too!!! It seems like when I try to take really good care of my skin it's like haha almost got me, and I break out worse!" one wrote, while another put: "I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE."
But (!!) before you go and apply a full face of glam before hitting the hay, you might want to hear what a professional dermatologist thinks about these theories. To get the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, we spoke to consultant dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed about whether sleeping in makeup has any skincare benefits.
To no surprise, Dr Alia says that it is generally not recommended to sleep with makeup on, "as makeup will trap dirt, oil, sweat, and pollution on the face and aggravate congestion."
Doesn't sound pretty, right? Well, there's more... "This can lead to pore clogging, blackheads, and breakouts. Makeup also gets onto pillowcases, and you end up sleeping on a film of dirt!" Dr Alia says. "Skin repairs and renews overnight; leaving makeup on will interfere with natural exfoliation, leading to a dull complexion/skin tone."
Eye makeup is a whole different story, Dr Alia says. "Eyes can get sticky overnight and make lashes more likely to stick together, cause infection and cause lashes to fall out.
"Remember, makeup will most likely contain irritants and if left on for excessive time may cause lashes or other signs of irritation (e.g. dryness, flaking, itching and inflammation)."
So, with it not being recommended to sleep with makeup on, why are so many finding positive skin results in doing so? "I'm afraid I have to say this is probably a matter of perception, as there are no clear reasons why makeup left overnight should lead to better skin," Dr Alia says.
"Some makeup products contain actives, but it is doubtful that these have more effect if left on the skin longer than they should be (as absorption is likely limited and only beneficial soon after the product is applied)."
Essentially, there are no clinical studies to prove (or disprove) the notion that sleeping in makeup makes skin clearer; however, clogging pores, blackheads and breakouts are guaranteed. I'll let you make up your mind on this one...
Best believe I'll stick to my double cleansing routine à la Cetaphil.
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Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK, with over four years of experience reporting across the brand's print, social, video and digital platforms. Lia covers everything from emerging trend analysis to viral celebrity hair and makeup moments, making her an expert at spotting the season’s next big beauty look (before it takes over social media feeds).
In 2025, she was named The Rising Media Star at the Love Perfume Awards with The Perfume Shop, recognised for her outstanding digital fragrance content and for building genuine authority within the space. She is passionate about challenging outdated beauty stereotypes, championing inclusive representation in beauty, and educating readers on the trends, products and conversations shaping the industry today. Follow her on Instagram or find her on LinkedIn.
