How to Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Harming Your Lashes

1. Makeup remover

Unsurprisingly, one of the best ways to get waterproof mascara off is to reach for a product designed to do just that. The best waterproof mascara removers tend to be those that feature oil in their formula, as the oil can readily break down the mascara and other long-lasting makeup. We’re especially fond of the Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover, which contains an oil phase suspended in a hydrating water formula and helps remove makeup without a greasy feel. To use it, shake the bottle, then dispense several drops of the bi-phase formula onto a clean cotton round. Close your eye and hold the saturated pad over your lid for a few moments, then gently swipe the pad away to remove your makeup.

2. Double cleanse

Double cleansing is another excellent way to remove waterproof mascara, as well as eyeshadow, eyeliner, foundation, and even long-lasting liquid lipstick. The two-step process involves washing your face with a cleansing oil to dissolve makeup and other surface debris, then rinsing your face clean and washing it a second time—typically, with a water-based cleanser. If you’re concerned about clogged pores or breakouts, be sure to use a non-comedogenic cleansing oil, such as the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil. The lightweight formula easily emulsifies with water, and it won’t clog your pores. After rinsing it off, lather up with a foaming facial cleanser, such as the Youth to the People Superfood Cleanser, to remove any residual debris and ensure a clean (and makeup-free) canvas for the rest of your skincare routine.

Does Micellar Water Remove Waterproof Mascara?

Micellar water was once a French girl’s best-kept secret, but now it’s become ubiquitous for all skincare enthusiasts. Micellar water is made up of small molecules, called micelles, suspended in water. These micelles attract and remove impurities on the skin’s surface, like dirt, oil and, yes, makeup — even of the waterproof variety. 

Unlike traditional cleansers, you don’t have to wet your face before using a micellar water; all you need is a cotton round and a little shake. (You need to shake most micellar waters before using because of their bi-phase formulas.) Once it’s shaken and mixed, saturate a cotton round in the water and press it against the lash line before wiping away the mascara. We recommend the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water With Hyaluronic Acid + Aloe. This gentle formula uses hyaluronic acid and aloe to soothe and hydrate while it removes makeup.

Micellar waters are no-rinse formulas, so after using you can immediately move onto the next step in your routine. If the constant use of cotton rounds seems more wasteful than you’d like to be, Garnier also makes Micellar Cleansing Eco Pads that are reusable. 

4. Micellar water

Micellar water was once a French girl’s best-kept secret, but now it’s become a staple on the shelves of beauty enthusiasts across the globe. Micellar water is made up of small molecules, called micelles, suspended in water. These micelles attract and remove impurities on the skin’s surface, like dirt, oil and, yes, makeup. But if you’ve ever wondered, “Does micellar water remove waterproof mascara?” the answer is that it depends. While micellar water helps remove impurities, you’ll need to select a formula specifically designed for the removal of waterproof makeup if that’s what you want to use it for.

We recommend the Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover. It’s fragrance-free, suitable for all skin types, and can be used in lieu of a traditional cleanser on those late nights when completing your nighttime skincare routine feels out of the question (no rinsing needed!). Most importantly, it’s designed to gently lift away all types of makeup—including waterproof mascara.

5. Makeup wipes

Makeup wipes sometimes get a bad rap, but they can be incredibly useful for removing waterproof mascara. The key is to choose the right wipes for your skin type—some contain fragrances, which can be a bit irritating for those with sensitive skin. For a gentle yet thorough cleanse, try the CeraVe Hydrating Makeup Removing Plant-Based Wipes. The makeup-removing wipes contain glycerin and ceramides, cleanse without disrupting the skin’s natural moisture barrier, and are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Plus, unlike standard makeup-removing wipes, they’re biodegradable—so you don’t have to worry about generating excessive waste in the pursuit of healthy-looking skin. If you’re wondering how to take off mascara with a cleansing wipe, it’s super simple. Just gently wipe the towelette over your face until your makeup is completely gone (no need to rinse). Be sure to reseal the package of wipes when you’re done so they don’t dry out.

6. Cold cream

Cold creams are a bit misleading: They look—and often behave—like facial moisturizers, but the rich, creamy formulas actually fall under the cleanser category. They typically contain a high concentration of oils and, as such, can be effective at removing makeup (even waterproof mascara). One of our favorite cold cream cleansers is the Mario Badescu Cucumber Make-Up Remover Cream. It contains cucumber extract, petrolatum, and beeswax, and, according to the brand, removes even stubborn waterproof makeup without leaving behind a greasy residue. Though you don’t technically need to wash (or even rinse) your face after using a cold cream, many choose to, since they’re on the heavier side. If you do, we suggest opting for a water-based cleanser as you would for a standard double cleanse.

Tips for Removing Waterproof Mascara

Finding the right waterproof mascara remover for your needs is only one part of the equation. To keep your eye area looking and feeling its best, you’ll also need a proper technique. Here are three tips to keep in mind if you have trouble removing waterproof mascara without irritating your skin (or yanking out lashes).

1. Avoid tugging or pulling

It can be tempting to rub your eyes with your chosen makeup remover to remove all of your makeup quickly, but we’d advise against it: doing so can result in lash fallout and skin irritation. Instead, lightly wipe your closed eyes with your makeup remover of choice to help gently dissolve your mascara. Depending on how much makeup you’re wearing, you may need to go over your eyes more than once to ensure you get all of your mascara off.

2. Use a nourishing eye cream

The skin around your eyes is super thin and delicate, so it needs extra care to stay hydrating and comfortable, especially after removing makeup. Post-cleanse, we suggest smoothing on a nourishing eye cream to help hydrate and soothe the skin. Try the SkinCeuticals Eye Balm—it’s made with a blend of gentle plant-based ingredients and helps hydrate, calm, and soothe the skin.

3. Consider a tubing mascara

If you want to avoid the waterproof mascara removal struggle altogether, consider swapping out your usual mascara for a tubing mascara, like the L’Oréal Paris Double Extend Beauty Tubes Lengthening Mascara. While tubing mascaras aren’t waterproof, they are smudge-proof. These formulas work by forming small polymer “tubes” around each lash that, once dry, won’t flake, smudge, or run. At the end of the day, you can easily remove it with warm water—once sufficiently wet, the tubes should slide right off without the need to rub your eyes—or risk your lashes—at all.

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