How to Remove Waterproof Mascara

Co-authored by Tymia Yvette

Last Updated: October 9, 2021 Approved

Waterproof mascara can be very difficult to take off, as it's designed to be resistant to water, making washing your face a useless way to try to remove it. But never fear! Waterproof mascara can be removed quickly and effectively using commercial and natural products. Since waterproof mascara is very drying and can make lashes brittle try to use it only for special occasions. You may be able to negate some of these negative effects by applying a coat of regular mascara first and topping it with a layer of waterproof.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Commercial Products

1
Use an eye makeup remover. There are many products on the market that are specifically designed to remove waterproof mascara. A good waterproof eye makeup remover will remove all vestiges of mascara quickly, safely and effectively. If you wear waterproof mascara a lot, investing in a good remover is definitely worth it.
- Opt for an oil-based eye makeup remover, which will be more effective on waterproof makeup.^{[1]
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  Tymia Yvette
  Makeup & Lash Artist
  Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
- Always use hypoallergenic products, even if your skin is not sensitive. The ingredients in hypoallergenic products tend to be less harmful to your skin.
- Go for a well-known brand such as Lancôme, Clarins, Elizabeth Arden, etc. The quality will be higher, and thus less likely to irritate your eyes.
- Use a cotton swab or pad to apply the makeup remover.^{[2]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Tymia Yvette
  Makeup & Lash Artist
  Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.} Close your eyelids and rest the pad on top of your eyelashes for a few seconds. Then wipe down, towards the lash tips. Repeat, using fresh pads as needed until all products are removed and a fresh pad comes away clean.
2
Use baby shampoo. Baby shampoo can be effective in the removal of waterproof mascara. Baby shampoos are usually fairly safe to use around the sensitive eye area, as most brands are color and fragrance free, and are hypoallergenic.
- Use only a very small amount of baby shampoo and apply it onto your eyelashes with a damp cotton ball. Avoid getting any baby shampoo directly in your eyes.
- Never use regular shampoo, as it will irritate your eyes.
- Use wet cloths or pads to wipe away the baby shampoo and mascara, being careful not to leave any shampoo behind.
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3
Apply cold cream. Use a brand like Pond’s Cold Cream to remove any stubborn makeup, like waterproof mascara. Cold cream is also good for removing an entire face of makeup.^{[3]
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- Wash your face with your regular cleanser, pat it dry and then apply the cold cream as a deep conditioning treatment.
- Let the cream soak into your skin for a few minutes before wiping it clean with a warm washcloth.
- Cold cream should not be applied to eyelids, but should be rubbed carefully into your lashes and wiped away.
4
Avoid using petroleum jelly. As petroleum jelly is a gasoline by-product, it is not the ideal substance to use around the eye area.^{[4]
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- Use it only as a last resort and avoid getting it directly in your eyes.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Using Natural Products

1
Remove your eye makeup with olive oil. Since the mascara is waterproof, use the opposite of water: oil. Oil breaks down the waterproof properties in your mascara, helping it slide off your lashes with minimal scrubbing and wiping.^{[4]
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- Pour olive oil on your fingers and rub your eyelashes with your index finger and thumb until your lashes are coated with oil. The mascara should then come off easily.^{[5]
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- If your skin still feels oily afterwards and you cannot easily remove it with a clean, dry cloth, wash your face.
2
Use coconut oil. Coconut oil does a great job of breaking down your mascara and leaves the delicate skin around your eyes hydrated, too.
- Put a dab of coconut oil on a cotton ball and gently sweep it over your eyes. Then use a clean dry cloth to wipe away the oil with the mascara.
3
Make a solution of water, witch hazel and almond or jojoba oil. This solution has a shelf life of 6 months and will not sting or irritate your eyes.^{[6]
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- Combine 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) witch hazel, 2 tablespoons of jojoba oil or almond oil, and 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) water in a clean container or dispenser.
- Shake up the solution to ensure it is properly combined. Wipe the solution on your eyes with clean fingers, or apply it to a cotton ball or makeup pad to remove the makeup.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Removing Waterproof Mascara Properly

1
Use cotton balls, makeup pads or q-tips to remove the mascara. When removing waterproof mascara, it is important to use the right materials in order to remove all of the product and to prevent the eye area from becoming irritated.
- Disposable makeup remover towelettes are great for gently removing waterproof mascara, as long as the packaging says it's formulated to remove waterproof or long-wearing makeup.^{[7]
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  Expert Source
  
  Tymia Yvette
  Makeup & Lash Artist
  Expert Interview. 22 April 2020.}
- You can also use hypoallergenic baby wipes, or a clean, damp face cloth.
2
Close your eye and position the cotton ball on the bottom side of your lashes. This should be the side where you’ve applied the mascara.
- Once the cotton ball is underneath your lashes, apply gentle pressure so that the underside of your lashes are pressed against the cotton ball.
- Always remove the mascara carefully and gently. If you try to rub it off, you will end up pulling out some of your eyelashes and irritating the skin around your eyes. You also risk getting product in your eyes, which could lead to an eye infection.
3
Hold the cotton ball against your lashes for about 10-20 seconds. Doing this allows the makeup remover to start dissolving the mascara.
4
Slowly move the cotton ball along the length of your lashes. Minimize tugging by always “wiping” your lashes in the same direction.
5
Check your progress in the mirror. If you still have quite a bit of mascara on your lashes or if your mascara is being stubborn about coming off, continue to gently wipe the undersides of your lashes with the cotton ball.
6
Use q-tips to remove mascara from the base of your eyelashes. Dip a Q-Tip into the makeup remover and use it to gently wipe along the roots of your lashes to get out any remaining mascara.
7
Wash your face. Now that your eyes are makeup free, use a gentle face cleanser to remove any last traces of makeup and any oily residue that may be left behind by your makeup remover.
- Be sure to rinse your face well with plenty of lukewarm water.
8
Moisturize your face to keep your skin hydrated. After washing, make sure to apply an eye-cream or all-over facial moisturizer, as makeup remover can dry out your skin.
9
Finished.

Expert Q&A
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Question

What's the gentlest way to remove waterproof mascara?

Tymia Yvette
Makeup & Lash Artist
Tymia Yvette is a Makeup and Lash Artist and the founder of Tymia Yvette Beauty LLC, a makeup artistry and lash extension company focused on customized beauty services based in Baltimore, Maryland. Trained by MAC Cosmetics, Tymia's work has been featured in the Bravo A-List Awards 2008, the BET Honors Award Show in 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week 2011, 2012, and 2013, and the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2014. She has also provided makeup and lash services for the Betsy Royal Casting Agency and the Baltimore Raven's cheerleading squad from 2010 to 2012. Her clients include Terrence Howard, Torrey Smith, Lester Holt, Adrienne Lofton, and Natasha Hastings. She has been awarded WeddingWire's Couple's Choice Award in 2017, 2018, and 2019.

Tymia Yvette

Makeup & Lash Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Use an oil-based eye makeup remover with a Q-tip or cotton round to remove waterproof mascara. Disposable makeup remover towelettes are gentle as well, but make sure the packaging says it's formulated to remove waterproof or long-wearing makeup.
Question

I have tried all of the steps but my mascara still won't come off, what can I do?

Community Answer

Try using baby oil to remove waterproof mascara; it takes a bit longer than a wet wipe taking off normal mascara, but it does the job.
Question

What will happen is I leave my waterproof mascara on all night?

Community Answer

It'll clump, and your eyelashes may become loose and shed, but not much otherwise.

Warnings

You may be allergic to certain products or ingredients. Test each product on your wrist before using around the sensitive eye area.

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