How To Remove Waterproof Mascara in 4 Simple Yet Impactful Ways

Table of Contents

• How to Get Waterproof Mascara Off: 4 Strategies
• Helpful Tips for Removing Waterproof Mascara
• What’s the Best Way to Remove Waterproof Mascara?
• Find Your Favorite Clean, Waterproof Mascara

Waterproof mascara that won’t come off in the rain, pool, or after a good cry? Sounds like a fabulous idea! Until it’s time to remove waterproof mascara. That’s when you might find yourself questioning your makeup choices. The good news is that you can have it all: mascara that doesn’t budge all day and foolproof ways to get it off at night. You just need the proper products and techniques. Below, we’ll cover how to remove waterproof mascara, plus our expert tips on choosing the right makeup remover and using it wisely.

How to Get Waterproof Mascara Off: 4 Strategies

We know you might be as particular about your makeup remover as you are about your makeup. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to ingredients and techniques, so we’ve curated four effective methods to take off waterproof mascara that cater to various skin types and concerns.

1. Micellar Water

A staple in the beauty community for decades, micellar water shines as the go-to choice for sensitive skin types. Despite its name, it’s much more than just water — this gentle solution contains purified water, moisturizers, and surfactants (tiny cleansing agents that lift away dirt and makeup). These ingredients work in harmony to bind to your mascara and whisk it away without harsh rubbing. Word to the thick-mascara’d beauty, though: micellar water might not be tough enough to remove extra stubborn makeup. 

2. Cleansing Oil or Balm

What removes waterproof mascara better than the very oils it’s made with? Not much! That’s why we love a cleansing oil. Since most mascaras contain oil, and oil dissolves oil surprisingly well, these formulas break down stubborn pigments with minimal effort. As a bonus, cleansing oils and balms leave your delicate eye area soft and moisturized. Look for lightweight formulas if you prefer a clean finish. For a natural approach, pure coconut oil works remarkably well — it’s gentle on lashes while providing hydration to the surrounding skin.

3. Makeup Wipes or Pads

If you need to know how to remove waterproof mascara in a pinch, nothing beats makeup wipes for convenience. While they’ve earned a mixed reputation due to their sometimes harsh formulations, they’re unmatched for quick solutions on busy nights. Their travel-friendly format means no leaks in your luggage, and you can easily tuck them in your gym bag or overnight case. To balance convenience with care, follow wipes with a gentle face wash and apply a soothing moisturizer afterward — coconut oil works beautifully for this rescue mission.

4. Traditional Makeup Remover

Traditional makeup removers combine the cleansing power of water with the dissolving ability of oils, making them highly effective at breaking down mascara’s waxes and polymers. For optimal results, generously saturate your cotton pad or reusable cloth before gently pressing against your lashes. And always remember to shake the bottle vigorously before each use, as these bi-phase formulas of oil and water naturally separate when sitting.

Helpful Tips for Removing Waterproof Mascara

Removing waterproof mascara takes a gentle touch. The skin around your eyes is incredibly thin, and these expert tips will help protect this sensitive area while efficiently removing even the most stubborn products.

• Be very gentle: When in doubt, use a light touch around the eyes. Your eyelid skin is particularly vulnerable to irritation and premature fine lines. Excessive pressure can also cause eyelashes to fall out — and nobody wants that!
• Try pressing, not rubbing: While circular motions might work well for other parts of your face, they’re not ideal for the eye area. Instead, gently press your cotton pad, towel, or wipe against your lashes and lids. Holding the remover in place for a few seconds gives the product time to break down the mascara’s waxes, making removal much easier.
• Double cleanse if possible: If you choose an oil-based remover or traditional solution, you might notice a slight film afterward. We recommend following up with a gentle water-based cleanser to rinse away any remaining residue, leaving your skin feeling fresh and revitalized.

Find a clean, waterproof mascara: Learning how to take off waterproof mascara actually begins before application. That’s because selecting the right makeup makes all the difference. By choosing products crafted with natural, gentle ingredients — like our Only1 clean waterproof mascara — you avoid harsh compositions that cling stubbornly to lashes.

With these techniques mastered, you can confidently enjoy the long-lasting beauty of waterproof mascara without compromising the health of your delicate eye area.

What’s the Best Way to Remove Waterproof Mascara?

We’ve outlined several effective options, so how do you get waterproof mascara off like a beauty pro? Our top recommendation is a lightweight oil formula followed by a water-based cleanser, embracing the double cleanse method. Oil excels at dissolving makeup while being gentler on your delicate eye area than many chemical-heavy alternatives.

Find Your Favorite Clean, Waterproof Mascara at Only1 Cosmetics

Waterproof mascara delivers all-day staying power, but when it’s time to take it off, you want the process to be quick and easy — and that’s exactly what our solutions provide. So, how can you remove waterproof mascara without damaging your lashes? By choosing the right product from the start. Our vegan, waterproof mascara features a natural formula that provides all-day wear without the bedtime battle. Explore our various wand options to find your favorite mascara that performs brilliantly during wear and removal!