How to Remove Waterproof Mascara
Waterproof mascara is a fantastic product, giving us the bold, beautiful lashes that we don’t all have without it. It stays put throughout the day, no matter what we’re doing, maintaining our chosen look instead of running off our lashes and creating unsightly raccoon eyes.
The downside of waterproof mascara is that it is harder to remove than most of our other makeup. Removing it improperly can damage our lashes and irritate our eyes, so the right method is a must. If you’re unsure of how to remove waterproof mascara, there are a few options to choose from.
Eye Makeup Remover
Using eye makeup remover to take off waterproof mascara likely won’t surprise you. That’s what it is made for. Make sure it is a quality hypoallergenic product, preferably tested by ophthalmologists to be sure it is safe for your eyes.
All you need to do is pour a small amount onto a cotton pad. Hold the wet pad against your closed eyelid for about half a minute to loosen the waterproof mascara. Do not scrub the eye or you’ll likely pull the lashes out.
Slide the cotton pad gently over your lashes from top to bottom, removing the mascara. Once you’ve done the top of the lashes, fold the pad in half, sliding it beneath the lashes to remove the remaining mascara.
If you have any mascara on the edges or beneath your eyes, you can use the cotton pad to gently wipe it away. This eliminates those raccoon eyes.
Natural Oils
If you prefer the natural route, you can use coconut, olive, or almond oil to remove waterproof mascara. These oils are safe for your skin plus they work hard to get rid of every trace of your stubborn eye makeup with no scrubbing needed. Best of all, they are nutrient-rich and can even speed up your lash growth.
For this process, you need to add a bit of oil to a cotton pad before placing it on your eye for a few seconds. Gently slide the cotton pad down over your lashes. Repeat this movement until the mascara breaks down and you’ve completely removed it from your lashes. If any mascara residue is left on your eyes, use a damp cloth or a wet wipe to clean it off.
Though this is a safe method, it is a bit messier than some of the others. To prevent any of your chosen oil from getting into your eyes, try to limit how much of it you use. If you do get some in your eye, rinse it out with warm water.
Micellar Water
Micellar water is a great choice for anyone with sensitive or dry skin. It is extremely gentle on the delicate skin around your eyes, so you won’t have to deal with irritation when the removal process is finished.
This method is similar to the others, starting with the application of some micellar water to a cotton pad. Place the damp pad over your closed eye and leave it there for about 10 seconds. Then wipe the pad down over the lashes, from the root to the tip. Be gentle to avoid damaging your lashes. Repeat this process until all of the waterproof mascara has been wiped clean, changing the cotton pad if needed.
There are several micellar water options on the market, so be sure to choose carefully. Hypoallergenic products are best to keep irritation to a minimum. High-quality products from known brands should also be considered.
Baby Shampoo
If you have little ones running around, you’ll likely have a bottle or two of baby shampoo in your bathroom. Even if you don’t, these products are easy to find in any pharmacy, plus they don’t cost a lot and last forever if you’re only using them for makeup removal.
As well as the shampoo, you’ll need some cotton balls and cotton pads or wet wipes for this waterproof mascara removal method. To start, place a tiny amount of the shampoo onto a cotton ball. Sweep the damp cotton ball over your lashes, moistening them with the shampoo.
Then take a cotton pad and gently wipe it down over your lashes to their tips, spreading the shampoo over them. Use another cotton pad or a wet wipe to gently wipe the mascara away from your lashes. Repeat this process until there is no trace of mascara or shampoo left on your lashes and eye area.
Do not try this with regular shampoo. Baby shampoos have a gentle formula but regular shampoo will sting if it gets into your eyes, so it is best avoided.
Lotion or Cold Cream
Your regular moisturizing lotion or cold cream can also be used as a makeshift waterproof mascara remover. This takes a bit a bit more work and time than the other methods but is still effective, plus it can remove all your makeup instead of just one small area.
To start, wash your face using your normal cleanser, removing as much of your makeup as you can. Pat it dry and apply cold cream or lotion to your face, gently rubbing some onto your eyelashes. Leave it for a few seconds, then wipe the lashes clean with a warm washcloth.
When using the cold cream or lotion for this process, it is best to choose one that doesn’t contain any strong chemicals. Natural ingredients are safest for your eye area.
Aftercare
Your lashes put up with a lot throughout the day, so you may want to take care of them. Using a lash serum or mask can nourish your lashes, helping them grow long and strong.
Conclusion
Waterproof mascara is a great addition to any makeup bag since it lasts all day long, even on sweaty or rainy days that other mascaras can’t handle. Getting it off again has been difficult in the past but using the right method can remove this durable mascara safely and easily. This will eliminate those nasty raccoon eyes and help your lashes stay healthy and gorgeous, even when they’re makeup-free.
Resources:
https://www.maybelline.com.au/makeup-trends/how-to-remove-waterproof-mascara
https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/how-to-remove-waterproof-mascara-perfectly/
