How To Remove Waterproof Mascara Safely

After spending so much time in front of the mirror to get elongated and voluminous lashes, we don’t want our mascara to get washed out. That is why most of us use waterproof mascaras these days. However, how to remove waterproof mascara perfectly is another story. It is formulated to withstand water and sweat, so removing them from your lashes is difficult. Furthermore, scrubbing the mascara too harshly may cause fallouts and bruise the skin around your eyes. Here, we will go through a detailed guide on removing waterproof mascara. Keep scrolling!

How To Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Damaging Your Lashes And Blinding Yourself

1. Eye Makeup Remover
2. Eye Makeup Remover
3. Coconut Oil, Olive Oil Or Almond Oil
4. Baby Shampoo
5. Regular Lotion Or Cold Cream 

1. Removal Of Waterproof Mascara With Eye Makeup Remover – The Go-To Technique!

This one’s a no-brainer. If you are methodical and have your life together, you may never run out of your eye makeup remover – because you will always remember to buy some beforehand. This tip is for the mascara-newbies. So, listen up!Using an eye makeup remover to get rid of that product at the end of the day is perhaps the most ideal thing to do.

What We Need

• An eye makeup remover (We recommend trying the Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover or the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover)
• Cotton pads

Step-By-Step Process

1. Pour some of the eye makeup remover on a cotton pad.
2. Close your eyelids and rest the cotton pad on the top of your lashes for a few seconds.
3. Gently wipe the pad downwards, towards your lash tips.
4. Repeat this process until all traces of the mascara are removed.

Expert Tip: Use an ophthalmologically tested, hypoallergenic eye makeup remover of high quality. This is very essential as your eyes are the most sensitive organ you have.

Removal Of Waterproof Mascara Without Eye Makeup Remover

2. Micellar Water – The Wonder Product That’s Pure Magic

If you have dry and sensitive skin, micellar water is your answer. It is an incredible product to use on the delicate eye area and on your lashes if you want to be as gentle as possible. The trick is to get the formula of your waterproof mascara to break down, and for this, oil-infused micellar water works wonders.

What We Need

• Oil-infused micellar water (We suggest the Garnier Skin Active Micellar Oil-Infused Cleansing Water)
• Cotton pads

How To Remove

1. Use a cotton pad to apply the micellar water.
2. Close your eyelids and rest the cotton pad on top of your lashes for about 10 seconds.
3. Gently wipe down, towards the lash tips.
4. Repeat this process using fresh pads until all the product has been thoroughly removed.

Expert Tip: It is always recommended to use high-quality hypoallergenic products. Make sure you go in for well-known brands while choosing your micellar water.

3. Coconut Oil, Olive Oil Or Almond Oil – The All-Natural Techniques You Must Absolutely Try

Using coconut oil, almond oil, or olive oil to get rid of your notoriously stubborn mascara is one of the safest and most effective ways of mascara removal. There is no need of rubbing or tugging at your delicate eye area. The best part is – these oils are rich in nutrients and will encourage the growth of dark and healthy eyelashes.

What We Need

• Cold-pressed virgin coconut oil or olive oil
• Cotton pads

How To Remove

1. Dab some oil on a cotton pad.
2. Place this pad on your eyelid and let it rest for a few seconds.
3. Gently wipe down, towards your lash tips, without rubbing or tugging.
4. Repeat this process until the mascara formula breaks, and there are no traces of it left on your lashes.
5. You can use a wet wipe to get rid of the residue of the oil that is left on your eye.

Expert Tip: It is best to use just a little bit of oil as this method is a little messy. This way, you can prevent any of it getting into your eye. However, if it happens to get into your eye, wash it off with water.

4. Baby Shampoo – The ‘No-Tear’ Formula

If you run out of options and happen to have baby shampoo in your bathroom cabinet, you can use it to remove waterproof mascara. The ‘no-tear’ formulas are relatively safe to use, and they are also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

What We Need

• Baby shampoo
• Cotton balls
• Wet wipes or cotton pads

How To Remove

1. Use a very small amount of baby shampoo. Using a damp cotton ball, apply it onto your lashes.
2. Hold the cotton pad and wipe it downwards, towards the tips of your lashes.
3. Use a wet wipe or a cotton pad to wipe away the mascara and baby shampoo and ensure there is no residue of shampoo left behind.

Expert Tip: Never use regular shampoo to do this as it will irritate your eyes and cause major stinging.

5. Regular Lotion Or Cold Cream

You can also use cold cream or a face moisturizer in case you are out of other options to remove your waterproof mascara (although this will take some extra effort). Cold cream also works for removing makeup from your face.

What We Need

• Cold cream or moisturizing lotion
• Warm washcloth

How To Remove

1. After you wash your face with your regular cleanser, pat it dry and apply your cold cream.
2. Carefully rub the cream onto your lashes before wiping them clean with a warm washcloth.

Expert Tip: Do not use strong, chemical-based lotions near your eye area as this may cause an infection. It is also advisable to not use petroleum jelly to remove your eye makeup as petrochemicals are not good for your skin (especially the delicate eye area). It can cause milia and zits.

How To Remove Waterproof Mascara Stains On Clothing

If you happen to accidentally get a swipe of your waterproof mascara on your clothes, dab a bit of Pine Sol or Lestoil on the spot using a cotton ball or a clean cloth. You can also use dish soap to remove the stain.

Removing eye makeup safely can be tricky. Check out the next section to explore what you should and what you shouldn’t do while removing waterproof mascara.

Dos And Don’ts Of Removing Waterproof Mascara

1. Be gentle while removing your mascara. Being too rigorous might scratch your eyelids and cause a burning sensation. You may even pull out your eyelashes unknowingly.
2. Use a cleansing oil to remove the mascara from your lashes. Donot apply any regular makeup remover, as it might be too harsh on your eyelids and lashes.
3. Use a cotton pad instead of a cotton ball to remove the mascara. Cotton ball fibers come off easily and may stick to your lashes.
4. Avoid using mascara removers or other makeup removers that contain drying ingredients like alcohol or fragrances. Such products may dry out the eyelids and irritate them.
5. Dip the cotton pad in the remover,place it on your eyes, and hold for 30-45 seconds. This dissolves the color and polymers of the mascara, leading to easy removal.
6. Do not rub your eyes horizontally or verticallywhile removing the mascara. This causes roughness and scratches on the eyelids.
7. Do not use your fingers to remove mascara. You might pull out the lashes, whichcan lead to scarring.
8. Close your eyes while cleaning the mascara to prevent irritation and redness.
9. Opt for foaming mascara removers instead of oil-based products. Oil-based removers tend to leave a greasy film on the eyelids and lashes.
10. Remove the final traces of mascara with a disposable makeup wipe.
11. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser after removing the mascara. You can also cup some lukewarm water in your palm and close it over your eye for a few seconds.
12. Apply an eye cream that contains retinol as it increases collagen production and diminishes fine lines, puffiness, and dark circles.
13. Do not use a facial cleanser to remove mascara. The skin on your eyes is delicate, and a regular cleanser might be too harsh.

Note: If you notice any heavy eyelash loss while removing mascara, please consult a dermatologist as it might be a sign of an underlying condition.

It is often advised not to use mascara on eyelash extensions as it may interfere during the removal process. However, with proper care, you can remove mascara from your fake lashes without damaging them. Here’s how!

How To Remove Mascara If You Use Eyelash Extensions

• Mascaras made with oil might disintegrate the glue that binds the lashes, leading those false lashes to fall out. Instead, opt for oil-free and water-based formulas specially designed for lash extensions.
• Be gentle while removing mascara from your lash extensions. Use a spoolie to eliminate the mascara instead of tugging at the extensions and then remove the lashes.
• Dip the spoolie in makeup remover and gently apply to the lashes to remove the mascara. Place the spoolie at the root of the lashes and drag it towards the ends.

After removing the mascara, follow these tips to maintain your lashes and keep them healthy.

Aftercare Tips For Eyelashes

1. Apply some baby oil on your lashes and gently massage the ends of your eyes and eyelids in small circular motions. Do this before going to bed, without being aggressive.
2. Always remove makeup before sleeping. Leaving the mascara overnight can dry out the lashes and make them matted. Your lashes can also get pulled while you sleep.
3. Opt for eye care masks and treatments with natural ingredients like cucumber and aloe vera to soothe your eyelids.
4. If your mascara is causing redness or irritation, rinse it off immediately. Consult a dermatologist if the irritation does not subside after a few hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to wear waterproof mascara every day?

No. While there are many methods of conveniently removing waterproof mascara, it still involves tugging at your lashes to get them clean. Treating your lashes like this daily could weaken them and make them gradually fall off.

Can you use Vaseline to remove waterproof mascara?

Yes. Vaseline can help remove waterproof mascara gently. It is very effective in melting or dissolving most makeup products on your face and is also safe.

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Anjali Sayee

Anjali specializes in hairstyles and hair and skin care and has written over 200 articles in these domains. Her philosophy... more