Congratulations! It’s the end of the night, and your eye makeup has survived fully intact. But now an even bigger challenge: How to remove waterproof mascara without losing any eyelashes in the process?
Waterproof mascara is designed to last the night and then some. Most formulas offer the same benefits as the very best mascaras—increasing volume and density, lengthening and separating lashes, etc.—and deliver results just as effectively. It can also withstand the elements of whatever you throw at it, be it a pool day, 90-degree weather, a sweaty workout, or a really good cry session.
“Waterproof mascara is designed to resist water, sweat, and tears, so trying to remove it with force is one of the biggest mistakes people make,” says Danuta Mieloch, a master esthetician and the founder of Rescue Spa in NYC and Philadelpha and online skin care retailer Danucera. “The eye area has some of the thinnest, most delicate skin on the face, and excessive rubbing can contribute to irritation, premature fine lines, and even lash breakage over time.”
Want to know how to remove waterproof mascara without damaging your lashes? Keep scrolling for Mieloch’s advice.
What is waterproof mascara?
The key to most waterproof formulas is the waxes or silicones, which protect the pigment from water and prevents the mascara from breaking down. Another important component of longwear makeup is oil-based ingredients, since these provide a water-resistant shield.
However, these sweat-proof, smudge-proof ingredients also mean that removing waterproof mascara requires extra care. It’s worth the effort, though. “Removing every trace of mascara not only protects the delicate eye area but also creates a healthier environment for your lashes and skin to regenerate overnight,” Mieloch says.
How to remove waterproof mascara
With those 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. 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.
Mieloch recommends using a proper double-cleansing ritual to dissolve the makeup for the most effective results. “My advice is to let the cleanser do the work,” she says. “Saturate a cotton pad or your fingertips with an oil-based cleanser, gently press it onto the lashes for 20 to 30 seconds, and allow it to dissolve the mascara before softly sweeping it away. Patience is far more effective than friction.”
