How to Remove Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara can be very difficult to take off, as it's designed to be resistant to water, making washing your face useless. But never fear! Waterproof mascara can be removed quickly and effectively using the following products and method.

Edit Steps

Part One: Products for the Removal of Waterproof Mascara

Use a specific eye make-up remover. There are many products on the market that are specifically designed to remove water-proof mascara. Although you make be reluctant to splash the cash on such a product, but a good waterproof eye make-up 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.
- 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 oils. 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 without too much scrubbing.^[1] Specific, oil-based eye make-up removers are available to buy in pharmacies, at make-up counters or online. However, many other household oils will do:
- Olive oil. Olive oil is one of the best ready-made waterproof mascara removers. It is also a product that you're likely to have in your kitchen cupboard.
- Coconut oil. Truly a miracle beauty product, coconut oil can be used on hair, skin, nails and also works well to remove waterproof mascara!
- Castor oil. Castor oil is a good alternative to olive oil, and is also something you may have lying around in your kitchen.
- Baby oil. Baby oil is a cheap and cheerful option for removing waterproof mascara.

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 try to apply directly onto eyelashes, avoiding the eyes.
- Never use regular shampoo, as it will irritate your eyes.

Use petroleum jelly. In a pinch, petroleum jelly may be used to remove waterproof mascara. Gently rub the petroleum directly onto the lashes, leave for 30 seconds, then wipe off using a cotton ball or pad.
- Use a fresh cotton pad as soon as the one you are using becomes covered in the jelly.
- As petroleum jelly is a gasoline byproduct, it is not the ideal substance to use around the eye area.^[1] Use only when necessary and avoid getting it in your eyes.

Part Two: Method for the Removal of Waterproof Mascara

Use the right materials. 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. The best materials to use are cotton balls or pads (available in any pharmacy) and q-tips.
- Hypoallergenic baby wipes, or a clean, damp face cloth are acceptable alternatives.

Gently remove the mascara. It is important to be very gentle when removing make-up from the eye area. If you rub too hard, 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 possibly lead to an eye infection.^[2] The correct technique for mascara removal (waterproof or otherwise) is as follows:
- Saturate a cotton ball with eye makeup remover.
- Close your eye and position the cotton ball on the bottom side of your lashes (the side where you’ve applied 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.
- Continue to hold the cotton ball against your lashes for about 10-20 seconds without moving it. Doing this allows the makeup remover to do its job and start dissolving the mascara.^[3]
- Begin to slowly move the cotton ball up the length of your lashes. Minimize tugging by always “wiping” your lashes in the same direction.
- Continue to gently wipe the undersides of your lashes with the cotton ball and then check your progress in the mirror.^[3]
- If you still have a lot of mascara left on your lashes, you’ll need to repeat the above steps until your lashes are clean.

Use Q-Tips. If you find it difficult to remove the last bits of mascara from the base of your eyelashes, dip a Q-Tip into the makeup remover and use it to gently “scrub” the roots of your lashes.

Wash your face. After removing the waterproof mascara from both eyes, 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 well with plenty of lukewarm water.^[3]