Quick answer
An oil-based eye makeup remover or cleansing balm is your gentlest bet for waterproof mascara. Soak a cotton pad, close your eye and hold it against your lashes for 15 to 30 seconds. Then wipe downward gently. Still seeing black marks? Grab a fresh pad instead of rubbing harder.
Which remover works best?
Go with an oil-based eye makeup remover made for waterproof mascara.
Waterproof mascara doesn't budge easily around water, sweat or tears. That's the whole point. But your regular micellar water or gentle face wash might leave you wiping the same lashes over and over, which can irritate the skin around your eyes.
A bi-phase eye makeup remover is a good bet. It's the one with two layers, oil and water, that you shake before using. An eye-safe cleansing balm or cleansing oil works too. Read the label first, especially if you wear contact lenses or your eyes are sensitive.
Leave ordinary cooking oils, fragranced facial oils and harsh cleansers out of the mix. Stick with something made for removing eye makeup.
What should you look for?
- A shake-to-mix remover.
- An eye-safe cleansing balm is worth considering, especially if you prefer a thicker texture that won't run down your cheek.
- Does the label mention fragrance or ingredients that bother your eyes?
- Skip alcohol-heavy formulas.
How long should it soak?
Give the cotton pad 15 to 30 seconds against your closed eyelid before wiping.
This is where patience pays off. Pour enough remover onto a soft cotton pad to make it properly damp, not dripping wet. Close your eye and rest the pad over your lashes without pressing hard.
Wait while the remover loosens the mascara. Start with 15 to 30 seconds. Wearing several coats or a particularly stubborn waterproof formula? Leave the pad in place a little longer instead of reaching straight for a harder wipe.
Keep the pad still while you wait. Your eye stays closed, and there's no need to rub back and forth.
Before you wipe
- A properly soaked pad.
- Your eyelid stays closed.
- Give it 15 to 30 seconds.
- Is there pressure on your eyeball? Ease up.
How do you wipe it off?
Move the cotton pad downward along your lashes with barely any pressure.
Once the mascara has softened, gently wipe from the upper lash line toward the tips. Follow the direction your lashes grow. Don't scrub sideways or drag the pad through them. You should start seeing black mascara on the cotton.
Fold the pad to get a clean surface and try again if you can still see mascara. Grab another fresh pad for your other eye. Got stubborn product near the roots? Dampen a clean cotton swab with eye makeup remover and gently press it along your closed lash line. Keep the remover out of your eye.
Don't pinch your lashes between your fingers or tug at little clumps. Still stuck? Give the remover another 15 seconds. Pressing harder won't help.
Take extra care with your lower lashes. A small, clean cotton pad or swab gives you better control, and you won't need to rub the delicate skin underneath your eyes.
A gentler way to wipe
- Follow the lash direction.
- Turn the pad over to a clean section (this stops yesterday's mascara from being dragged across your eyelid).
- A fresh pad for the second eye.
- Still spotting tiny bits? Try a damp cotton swab.
What should you do afterward?
Rinse away any leftover remover if needed, then pat your skin dry.
Once the black mascara is gone, check the remover's rinsing instructions. Some bi-phase formulas need a gentle second cleanse, while others come away with lukewarm water. Hot water and scrubbing won't make the job easier.
If you're washing your face afterward, keep your cleanser mild and away from your eyes. Pat your skin with a clean, soft towel. No rubbing with a rough washcloth.
Take a quick look along your lash roots in the mirror. See a little black residue? Repeat the soak-and-wipe process rather than scraping at it with a fingernail.
Stop using the remover if you develop persistent burning, redness, itching or swelling. If the irritation doesn't settle, or you suspect an allergy or already have a skin condition around your eyes, ask a qualified healthcare professional or dermatologist for advice.
How to finish comfortably
- Rinse when the label says to.
- Pat dry with a clean towel.
- Check the roots of your lashes for leftover mascara.
- Burning or itching? Stop using the remover.
People also ask
Makeup FAQ
Can you remove waterproof mascara with coconut oil?
Coconut oil can loosen waterproof mascara, but it isn't made specifically for the eye area. An eye-safe cleansing oil or waterproof eye makeup remover is a better choice.
Can micellar water remove waterproof mascara?
Waterproof-specific micellar water can do the job. Regular micellar water might leave stubborn mascara behind, so check the label and give the cotton pad enough time against your closed eyelid.
Why does waterproof mascara leave black marks?
Usually, mascara is still hiding near the lash roots or has transferred onto your lower eyelid. Try a fresh cotton pad and a longer soak instead of rubbing harder.
