This article was co-authored by Alicia D'Angelo. Alicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles.
There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Mascara can be tough to remove, especially if it has been designed to cling to your lashes through water, sweat, and tears. Luckily, it only takes the right product (you may even find it in your kitchen cupboard) and a few minutes of your time to clean your lashes and avoid waking up with panda-bear eyes.
Steps
Using Natural Products
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1Use a dab of coconut oil. Coconut oil quickly removes regular and waterproof mascara, plus it moisturizes and smooths your skin. Because it is a solid at room temperature, rub a pea-sized scoop between your (clean!) fingertips until it becomes soft and spreadable.[1]
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2Try jojoba oil if you have sensitive or acne-prone skin. Jojoba is actually liquid plant wax, not oil, and it is very helpful for those prone with oily skin.[4] In addition to being non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog your pores), it is a non-allergenic and won't irritate your eyes like some oils can.[5]
- Jojoba can also moisturize the skin around your eyes and condition your lashes.[6]
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3Use olive oil to remove mascara. Olive oil breaks down the mascara on your face. It can also help cleanse the skin around your eyes, moisturize, and remove troublesome makeup.[7]
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4Try avocado oil. It is one of the most moisturizing oils[8] and, like other oils, easily dissolves and cuts through makeup. Look for dark avocado oil in a tinted container, which will preserve the quality of the product.
- Next time you make guacamole you can even try using avocado oil straight from the fruit! Cut the avocado in half and use a cotton swab to lift the oils from the inside (don't gouge it--you don't want any green stuff on your swab).[9]
Using Commercial Products
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1Buy an eye-makeup remover formulated for your skin type. There are tons of options for makeup removers, so try narrowing down the choices by what works best for your skin. If you have oily skin or break out often, look for something oil-free. If you have very sensitive skin, you'll want a gentle, fragrance-free remover.[10]
- Oil is a necessary ingredient when you're trying to remove waterproof mascara, because it dissolves the oils in the makeup (instead of being repelled, like water).
- Oil-free makeup remover does exist, but it's not as effective for removing mascara as oil-based makeup removers.
- Dual-phase cleansers are good for everyday use. These cleansers contain a water-based and oil-based mixture. Simply shake the bottle, saturate a cotton pad, and apply to your face for a gentle, effective cleanser removal.[11]
- Cleansing water works well on sensitive skin and regular, non-waterproof mascara.[12]
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2Try baby oil if you run out of your usual cleanser. It's best to stick to an actual eye make up remover, since it's specifically made to be used around your eyes, but baby shampoo is an effective replacement if you run out.[13]
- Use a chemical and fragrance-free baby shampoo if you can. Many "no tears" formulas actually have a numbing agent, which will only mask the irritating effects.[14]
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3Use a makeup-removing wipe when you just can't make it to the sink. Try not to use these too often, as they can be rough on the thin skin around your eyes. If the wipes are not specifically for eyes, look for a brand that is alcohol-free.[15]
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4Avoid petroleum jelly (also known as mineral oil), or use very sparingly. Petroleum jelly is a byproduct of gasoline, and unless you know the brand you're using has been thoroughly refined and purified (Vaseline is one such brand), it's not something you want near your eyes.[16]
- Petroleum jelly does not actively hydrate your skin. If your skin is clean and moisturized it can seal the moisture in and keep it from evaporating, but it is not a replacement for moisturizer itself.[17]
Removing Your Mascara
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1Wet a makeup pad with the makeup remover of your choice. Try not to oversaturate the pad, or the solution may drip on your face. Apply enough makeup remover so that the pad is just saturated.[18]
- Don't use a cotton ball, as the fibers can detach and get in your eyes.
- If you're not sure how your skin will react to your makeup remover (whether it's coconut oil or from the drugstore), test some on your inner wrist. If you have a reaction it's better to have an inflamed wrist than an inflamed eye.
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2Press the wet side of the pad to your closed eye and hold for 20 seconds. Don't scrub or tug on your skin, just press the pad against your lashes so the remover can begin to break down the makeup.[19]
- Avoid scrunching your eye, as this can lead to a sloppy removal. Instead, lightly close your eyelid.
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3Wipe away the mascara by using gentle, downward swipes. To remove, simply wipe down along the lashes, away from the lid. Once all of the mascara is removed from the top of the lash, place the pad slightly below the lower lash line and close the upper lash firmly on top of it.[20]
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4Wash your face with an appropriate cleanser. Removing your makeup is not the final step in your nightly skincare routine--it's the first. Getting all the makeup off your face allows the your cleanser to get into your pores, instead of mixing with makeup and clogging them.[23]
- Find a cleanser that is right for your skin type and gently massage it into your face. Use warm water and a facial cloth or sponge to wipe off the dirt and grime.[24]
- Washing your face also removes any remnants of your makeup remover which, if it remains on your skin, can cause dryness or even an allergic reaction.[25]
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5Pat your eyes dry with a soft towel. Be careful to avoid pressing down too hard, simply pat to remove excess moisture.
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6Remove any excess residue with a q-tip and some moisturizer. If you notice any leftover dirt, you can dab at the area with a q-tip instead of reapplying makeup remover.
- Make sure your moisturizer does not have SPF, which could sting your eyes.
Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow do you get mascara off without damaging your eyelashes?
Alicia D'AngeloAlicia D'Angelo is a makeup artist based in New York City. She currently works for teams with Dior Makeup, YSL Beauty and Pat McGrath Labs as well as bridal companies Once Upon A Bride and Miss Harlequinn. Her work has been featured in Today.com, New York Live, Forbes.com, VH1, MTV, Vevo, Entertainment Weekly, Refinery 29, and NYXCosmetics.com. She has a Visual Communications degree from FIDM-Los Angeles.
Makeup Artist & Hair StylistEye makeup remover will target mascara more efficiently than a facial cleanser, micellar water, or makeup wipe can, and you don't have to rub your eyes as much, which can damage your lashes. Just dampen a cotton round with the remover and hold it to your closed eye for a few seconds, then lightly wipe the area.
Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionIs it bad if you sleep with mascara on?
Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYes, it can irritate the eyes and skin, so you should always remove your makeup before bed.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
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QuestionCan you use coconut oil to remove mascara?Laura MartinLaura Martin is a Licensed Cosmetologist in Georgia. She has been a hair stylist since 2007 and a cosmetology teacher since 2013.
Licensed CosmetologistYes, you can. Any food-grade oil such as coconut or olive oil will work to remove mascara.Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.
Warnings
- Even with the most natural solutions, try your best not to get any makeup remover in your eye.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Don't leave mascara on overnight.⧼thumbs_response⧽
- Don't pull the mascara off using your fingernails.⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2015/03/coconut-oil-makeup-remover.html
- ↑ http://www.youbeauty.com/face/diy-coconut-oil-makeup-remover/
- ↑ http://www.allure.com/beauty-trends/blogs/daily-beauty-reporter/2015/03/coconut-oil-makeup-remover.html
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24442052
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24442052
- ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24442052
- ↑ http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-10010/how-to-wash-your-face-and-remove-makeup-with-oil.html
- ↑ http://www.the-dermatologist.com/content/loyola-aesthetician-discusses-skin-related-benefits-natural-oils
- ↑ http://www.instructables.com/id/8-Incredible-Eye-Makeup-Remover-Hacks/
- ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
- ↑ https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
- ↑ https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
- ↑ http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/diy-beauty-trick-the-cheapest-makeup-remover
- ↑ http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/diy-beauty-trick-the-cheapest-makeup-remover
- ↑ https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/vaseline-petroleum-jelly_n_4136226.html
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/vaseline-petroleum-jelly_n_4136226.html
- ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
- ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
- ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
- ↑ http://stylecaster.com/beauty-high/how-to-take-off-your-makeup/
- ↑ http://www.teenvogue.com/story/how-to-remove-makeup
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/10/makeup-remover-skincare_n_4409832.html
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/10/makeup-remover-skincare_n_4409832.html
- ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/10/makeup-remover-skincare_n_4409832.html
About This Article
If you don’t have a makeup remover on hand, or if you prefer using something more natural, you can remove mascara with a variety of household products. For example, a dab of coconut, jojoba, olive, or avocado oil will loosen mascara while moisturizing your skin and conditioning your lashes at the same time. You can also use gentle commercial products, such as micellar water, baby shampoo, or an alcohol-free makeup remover wipe. Just avoid petroleum jelly, since it may irritate your eyes. When you’re ready to remove your mascara, wet a cotton makeup pad with a bit of your chosen makeup remover. Use enough so the pad is damp, but not dripping wet. Lightly press the pad over your closed eyelid for about 20 seconds, then use gentle, downward strokes to wipe your mascara away. You can wiggle the pad a little over your lash line to help break up stubborn mascara, but try not to rub or scrub your lashes or the sensitive skin around your eyes. If you notice smears or flakes of mascara around your eyes when you’re done, wipe them away with a fresh pad or a cotton swab dampened with your makeup remover. Finish up by washing your face with a mild facial cleanser designed for your skin type. Then, pat your face and eyelids dry with a clean towel. If you still see any makeup residue around your eyes, dab it away with a cotton swab coated in a gentle, eye-safe moisturizer. For more tips from our Licensed Cosmetologist reviewer, including how to remove any excess residue, keep reading!
