Congratulations! It’s the end of the night, and your eye makeup has survived fully intact. But now you’re wondering how to remove waterproof mascara – without losing any eyelashes in the process. While it might sound like an impossible task, with some care and attention, your lashes will be mascara-free and fully intact.
Waterproof mascara is designed to last the night and then some. For starters, it can offer the same benefits as the best mascaras – from increasing volume and density to lengthening and separating lashes – and deliver results just as effectively. Most important, it can withstand the elements of whatever you throw at it, be it a pool day, 30-degree weather, a sweaty workout, or a good cry session. Fear not though, despite being designed to outlast every and any situation that life throws at you, when it comes time to remove, choosing the right products and techniques is key.
What is waterproof mascara?
The key difference when it comes to most waterproof mascara formulas? Waxes or silicones, which protect the pigments from water and prevents it from breaking down. You’ll also want to look for oil-based ingredients, since these provide a water-resistant shield. Even hardier than your everyday mascara – which can be prone to flaking or smudging – these are built to last.
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How to remove waterproof mascara
However, with long-lasting results comes a different removal process. If you have never used a waterproof formula before, you might be accustomed to just washing off your mascara with cleanser and water. Unfortunately, this won’t cut it for a waterproof formula, which typically calls for makeup remover and the use of a cotton pad. You can also opt for makeup wipes or reusable makeup wipes too if you prefer, but dragging or tugging while using them can cause irritation – especially for those with sensitive skin.
To remove waterproof mascara, saturate a cotton pad with makeup remover. We recommend using micellar water or micellar-water makeup wipes, since it’s the most gentle around the delicate eye area and won’t cause irritation like a cleansing oil or balm, which can easily enter the eye. Hold the cotton pad (or the wipe) against your eye for 10 seconds. Use gentle pressure and try to get into the corners of the eyes too, paying close attention to the lashes at the inner and outer corner – never rub or tug at your lashes. We know it’s tempting, but this can cause lash fallout and we want to keep them all ideally!
Next, remove the cotton pad. At this point you will see the formula has broken down. Gently wipe away any mascara that has transferred to the lids and surrounding areas. Remember, the skin around the eyes is the thinnest of the body and should be treated delicately. If there are remaining clumps or residue on lashes, use a micellar-water-soaked Q-tip to gently nudge away the excess.
It’s as simple as that, with just a few extra steps and a little more caution than you normally would exercise and you just learned how to remove your waterproof mascara without losing a single lash – you’re welcome!
A version of this article was originally published on Glamour US.
