How To Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Makeup Remover

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It’s fun to use waterproof mascara because it lasts and doesn’t give you panda eyes even if you cry! However, the fun stops when it’s time to remove it.

We all know (well you should know by now!) that you have to remove your makeup before you sleep. So after a tiring day, you head onto your vanity to remove your makeup. However, discover something horrifying. You’ve run out of makeup remover!

Today, are going to discuss how to remove waterproof mascara without makeup remover so you won’t ruin your eyelashes trying to take them off forcefully. If you rub vigorously, you’ll end up removing not only your waterproof mascara but your eyelashes as well.

Eeeek!


Contents

What Makes Waterproof Mascara So Difficult To Remove?

Maybelline Waterproof Mascara

Although waterproof mascara  is known to be a little more difficult to remove than regular mascara, many of us use it as a go-to product for our eyelashes.

The thing that makes it so difficult to remove is also one of the best things about it. 

Waterproof mascara is designed to resist water. That’s the reason why it doesn’t budge even if you cry, get wet in the rain, or go for a swim. 

However, that same reason makes waterproof mascara a pain to remove. Even if you use a makeup remover, you may still find it difficult to remove, particularly if you don’t apply the proper technique. 

When removing waterproof mascara with a makeup remover, use a cotton pad soaked with the makeup remover. Then hold this over your closed eye for about 30 seconds. This is an important step! It allows the makeup remover to work on the waterproof formula and loosen it. 

Once loosened, you gently slide the cotton pad over the lashes and most will come off. Use the soaked cotton pad to gently wipe the underneath of your lashes as well.

Then remove the other makeup towards the edges and around the eyes. 

Did you know that waterproof mascara can be so difficult to remove that some makeup removers can’t remove it?

You need to make sure your makeup remover is capable of removing waterproof makeup. 


How To Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Makeup Remover

It may already be difficult to remove waterproof mascara with a makeup remover. Just imagine if you don’t have one. 

However, there are a few things at home that you can use to remove. They are the following:

  • Petroleum Jelly
  • Cold Cream
  • Oils
  • Baby Shampoo
  • Micellar Water

Petroleum Jelly Or Vaseline

Vaseline

One of the best ways to remove waterproof mascara is to use Vaseline  or petroleum jelly. This product has been used for a variety of reasons with cosmetics.

It’s a great way to moisturize, especially your lips. 

This underestimated product is surprisingly good at removing waterproof mascara and other stubborn makeup. Afterward, your skin will feel more moisturized. 

To use petroleum jelly, use a cotton swab to apply a small amount over your eye area. With your eyes closed, massage it over your eye area following a circular motion. 

After a minute or two, wash your face to remove the residue.

Although this is great at removing waterproof mascara, it is best not to get any inside the eye. If you do, immediately rinse off with warm water. 

Cold Cream

Cold Cream

Cold cream  is an old-time beauty favorite. My grandma has it and even I use it for a variety of reasons. If you happen to have one in your vanity, you’d be pleased to know that you could use it to remove that waterproof makeup. 

Just like vaseline, this underrated product is capable of removing waterproof mascara and eye makeup. It also makes your skin feel hydrated and refreshed after you use it. 

To use it, massage a small amount over the eye area then wipe it off with a cotton pad. You can then wash your face with your facial wash. 

Oils

Since you can’t use water because the mascara doesn’t dissolve in it, you could use oil. There are many different types of oils that you can use on your face to remove waterproof mascara. 

The most common oil people use is coconut oil. Coconut oil can either be liquid or solid at room temperature. Either way, you can apply some directly to your closed eye or place some in a cotton pad and then over your eye. 

The oil will break down the mascara and allow it to slide off . If you’re out of coconut oil, you can use other oils like almond oil, olive oil, and other gentler oils for the skin. 

Do not use pure essential oils! They are concentrated and are not designed to be applied directly to the skin. 

Baby Shampoo

Baby shampoo is another great product to use to remove waterproof eyelashes (and to clean false lashes). One of the best things about it is its gentleness. It is hypoallergenic and great for both kids and adults. It will be gentle on your eyelashes and eye area. 

To use it, you simply apply some on your eye area with your fingertips or a cotton pad. Afterward, use a wet washcloth to remove the residue.

This method may not be as easy as removing it with vaseline or the others previously mentioned, but it could still work.

Micellar Water

Micellar Water

Micellar water  is a facial cleanser. Some use it in place of their facial wash, others use it as a toner and then there are those that use it as a gentle makeup remover. 

It is made of tiny cleaning molecules called micelles. It works to attract and remove dirt, oil, and even makeup. It is great to use because it won’t dry your skin or leave an oily residue. 

You can use this just like a makeup remover. Place some on cotton pads then place them over our closed eyes. Wait for the product to soften the waterproof makeup before gently sliding off the cotton pads.

Written by Kayla Young

Kayla is the founder of LuxeLuminous. She has worked professionally in the tanning industry for years. She has been interested in esthetics since childhood, and has tried every hair, skin, and makeup product ever produced (more or less).