Waterproof Mascara: How to Remove Mascara Safely
You know you have a good waterproof mascara when it is difficult to take off. That just means it is doing its job! While simply washing your face won’t take off your mascara, there are some other ways it can be removed quickly. Our hope is that after you are finished reading this article, you will have a wide variety of methods to try for removing your waterproof mascara. We want to help you discover which methods work best for you!
Steps for Removing Waterproof Mascara
1. Remove Your Mascara with a Soft Substance
The skin around your eye and your eye itself is very sensitive. Always choose a soft substance, like a cotton ball, washcloth or makeup pad to remove your mascara. This will minimize your chances of irritating your eyes.
2. Keep Your Eyes Closed When Removing the Mascara
It’s best to keep your eyes closed when removing mascara, as this will prevent leftover mascara from making its way into your eyes.
3. Hold Your Cotton Ball or Wash Cloth to Your Eye for Roughly 30 Seconds
After you choose what product to use (we have a list of recommendations below), you will want to apply it to your cotton ball. Hold the cotton ball to your eye for 30 seconds, as this will help loosen up the mascara and eliminate the need for hard scrubbing.
4. Gently Rub Off Your Mascara from the Corner of Your Eye Outward
Since your eye area is sensitive, it's important to be gentle with the removal process. When wiping it, always start from the corner of your eye and move outward, as this will prevent mascara from getting stuck in the corner of your eye.
5. Use Q-tips to Remove Any Leftover Mascara from the Base of Your Eyelashes
Q-tips are made with the same soft material as cotton balls, so they are the perfect tool to use for removing mascara from the bottom of your eye.
6. Wash Your Face When You are Done
After removing your mascara, we recommend washing your wash. This should eliminate any mascara that may have made its way into other parts of your skin during the removal process.
Random Household Products that Can Remove Waterproof Mascara
Baby Shampoo
Baby shampoos are powerful enough to remove waterproof mascara, yet gentle enough to be used around your eye area. They are typically free from colors and fragrances; plus, they are often hypoallergenic. When using baby shampoo to remove mascara, be careful to only apply a small amount to a damp cotton ball. Then, use the cotton ball to wipe away your mascara. Remember: only use baby shampoo. Regular shampoo contains harsher ingredients that will cause eye irritation.
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly that is free from fragrances can be used to remove waterproof mascara. Simply put it on your eyelashes and allow it to sit there for one to two minutes. Then, take a soft cloth to remove the petroleum jelly and your waterproof mascara. Since petroleum jelly is a gasoline by-product, you should avoid getting it in your eye. Use this product with caution.
Natural Products that Can Remove Waterproof Mascara
Olive Oil
Olive oil has the ability to break down the waterproof properties in your mascara, so that your mascara can be removed with minimal scrubbing. Put a small drop of olive oil on your finger and then apply it to your lashes. Gently rub your eye area with a cotton ball and watch your mascara come off within just a matter of seconds. Then, take a dry washcloth to remove the access oil.
Coconut Oil
Similar to olive oil, coconut oil can be used to breakdown the waterproof properties in your mascara. Just put a small drop of it onto your washcloth and gently sweep it over your eyelashes. Not only will it remove your mascara, but it will leave your eye area moisturized and smelling like coconuts.
Almond Oil, Witch Hazel, and Water
Combine two tablespoons of water, witch hazel, and almond oil to create a solution that won’t irritate your eyes. This solution has a shelf life of six months and can be applied with a cotton ball or washcloth. Make sure to shake this solution before each use so it will continue to work properly.
Wrap-Up: Waterproof Mascara Removal Made simple
Removing waterproof mascara doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following our steps for removing mascara and by trying the products we mention in this article, washing off your waterproof mascara should now be a breeze. And if you want to know more about making your lashes look healthy and long, we've got you covered there, too.
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