6 Ways to Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Damaging Your Lashes

It's the end of a long night and after a few minutes of scrubbing and tugging at your lashes, it hits you: You have no idea how to remove waterproof mascara. If you're reading this, chances are you've been there, and chances are your regular face cleanser isn't going to cut it.

Waterproof mascara certainly has its benefits, especially when it comes to all-day, oftentimes tear-filled occasions like a wedding. Removing it, however, can be a battle. Whether you're prepping in advance for the big day or digging for last-minute advice post-party, we've got you covered.

To help make the removal process a breeze, we tapped professional makeup and hair stylist Selma Sosa of Selma Sosa Makeup + Styling. Ahead, she's sharing some expert tips for removing waterproof mascara safely and gently, with or without makeup remover.

In this article:

• How to Remove Waterproof Mascara
• 12 Best Makeup Removers for Waterproof Mascara
• FAQs About Removing Waterproof Mascara

How to Remove Waterproof Mascara

Illustration: Falak Khoja for The Knot

So, how do you remove waterproof mascara properly? There are a number of effective methods that won't damage your lashes, and you likely already have everything you need lying around your house. With that, read on for our top six safe, MUA-approved methods for getting waterproof mascara off.

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Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

When to use it: Traditional waterproof eye makeup removers have come a long way, and you'll find that many of today's formulas are just as gentle on the eyes and lashes as they are effective. If you have some on hand already—or have some time to shop—you can't go wrong with this OG choice.

How to use it: Start by soaking a soft cotton pad in your waterproof eye makeup remover of choice, then place it over the eye area and hold for a few seconds. After letting the formula break down and dissolve, gently wipe the eye area and rinse to remove any residue.

What we recommend: We're doing a deep dive into the best waterproof mascara removers below. Jump to our recommendations.

Micellar Water

When to use it: Thanks to its no-rinse, no-residue properties, Sosa says micellar water is a great option for those who want to take the easiest route to waterproof eye makeup removal. The French beauty staple is made up of small molecules called micelles, which act as magnets to gently yet effectively pull dirt, oil and impurities from the skin without harsh tugging or irritation.

How to use it: According to Sosa, you'll want to soak a cotton pad with micellar water and let it sit on each eye for 20 seconds before gently wiping away the mascara. "Be patient and let the product work its magic—you don't want to risk damaging or losing lashes in the process," Sosa says.

What we recommend: Some micellar waters may not be strong enough to remove extra tough waterproof mascara formulas, so we recommend reaching for one that's specifically made for removing waterproof makeup. Garnier's SkinActive All-in-1 Waterproof is a fan-favorite and one of the least expensive options, while Bioderma's Hydrabio H2O is a staple for its hydrating abilities. "I love the Bioderma micellar water because it's extra gentle on sensitive eyes," Sosa said.

Natural Oils

When to use it: If you need to remove waterproof mascara in a pinch or simply prefer a more natural approach, there are plenty of household oils that can do the trick. Olive oil, almond oil and baby oil are all top-notch choices, but Sosa's personal favorite is coconut oil. It's important to keep in mind that coconut oil is a comedogenic product (meaning it can clog your pores), so you may want to avoid this method if you have oily or acne-prone skin.

How to use it: Start by warming up the coconut oil in your hands, which Sosa says will make the product a lot easier to work with. Once it's melted, apply it to the eye area and gently massage your eyes in circular motions. Wipe away with a damp towel, then follow up with your preferred facial cleanser.

What we recommend: The coconut oil sitting on your pantry shelf is a perfect choice, but if you don't have any on hand, opt for the highly recommended Viva Naturals Organic Coconut Oil from Amazon—it'll be at your door in a cinch with Amazon Prime.

Vaseline

When to use it: It can treat burns, it can tame flyaways, it can go viral on TikTok 150+ years after its debut and, yes, it can even take off stubborn waterproof mascara. If you want an inexpensive, simple removable method that won't clog pores, go with Vaseline. It's non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and non-irritating, so those with oily, sensitive or acne-prone skin will appreciate this pick.

How to use it: Start by coating the lashes with a small amount of Vaseline, then, using a cotton pad, gently massage the eye area until the mascara breaks down and wipes away. For extra tough formulas, allow the product to sit on the lashes for five minutes before removing.

What we recommend: You can't go wrong with the OG petroleum jelly, but you'll also find that many drugstores carry their own versions that are just as effective.

Baby Shampoo

When to use it: Have a baby you can steal shampoo from? You're in luck. Specially formulated with non-irritating ingredients, this waterproof mascara removal method works wonders for those with sensitive eyes and skin.

How to use it: Because it's so gentle, baby shampoo will work best in its concentrated form. We recommend adding a dime-sized amount to a cotton pad rather than lathering it with water. Massage the cotton pad over the eye area until the waterproof mascara dissolves, then rinse and pat dry with a clean towel.

What we recommend: Johnson's Head-to-Toe Body Wash and Shampoo is a classic for a reason. Sulfate-free and formulated with over 90% natural ingredients, it will tackle every trace of stubborn makeup and soothe the skin around your eyes in the process.

Double Cleanse

When to use it: For the absolute best clean, Sosa recommends doing a double cleanse using a facial cleanser and micellar water. This method will ensure that every last bit of mascara is fully removed before you proceed to the next step in your skincare routine. Another approach to this method is to start with a cleansing balm, and then follow up with your facial cleanser.

How to use it: After washing your face, take two cotton pads and soak them with micellar water. "Leave each cotton pad on your eyes for 20 seconds, and it will remove like butter," Sosa says. If you're going the cleansing balm route, use the balm first, gently massaging the eye area to remove the mascara, then cleanse with your favorite facial cleanser as usual.

What we recommend: My post-wedding double cleanse consisted of the Elemis Pro-Collagen Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, which melted away my budge-proof mascara so well that I almost didn't even need to follow with a face wash. (The Holy Hydration! Cleansing Balm from e.l.f. is an excellent affordable alternative.) I turned to my trusty CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser as a final step to ensure a thorough cleanse.

12 Best Makeup Removers for Waterproof Mascara

If you have some time to shop around, take a look below at our roundup of the best eye makeup removers for waterproof mascara.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Photo: Ulta

Gentle, oil-free and packed with aloe and cucumber extracts for a skin-soothing effect, this drugstore favorite is a go-to for those with sensitive eyes.

Price at time of publication: $11

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

Photo: Sephora

Meet the top-selling waterproof eye makeup remover at Sephora. The dual-action formula features an oily phase to lift makeup and a water phase to cleanse the skin, leaving the eye area clean and refreshed without the need for rinsing.

Price at time of publication: $39

Chanel DÉMAQUILLANT YEUX INTENSE Gentle Bi-Phase Makeup Remover

Photo: Chanel

Another beloved bi-phase formula, this luxury waterproof eye makeup remover is composed of 92% naturally derived ingredients and gets consistent praise from contact lens wearers. On top of eliminating stubborn makeup, it also nourishes the skin with its soothing, softening properties.

Price at time of publication: $40

Mario Badescu Carnation Eye Make-Up Remover Oil

Photo: Mario Badescu

Don't let the little bottle fool you. This Mario Badescu pick is a rich, oil-based formula that can fade away even the most long-lasting makeup with just a dab, and it'll set you back about one latte.

Price at time of publication: $7

Glossier Milky Oil Waterproof Makeup Remover

Photo: Glossier

A blend of micellar water, weightless oil and conditioning vitamin B5 means this formula can effortlessly melt away waterproof makeup while moisturizing the skin. It also contains soothing comfrey root extract, which is a hydration hero for those dealing with dryness.

Price at time of publication: $18

CeraVe Comforting Eye Makeup Remover

Photo: Amazon

In true CeraVe fashion, this waterproof mascara remover was formulated by dermatologists and designed to rid the skin of makeup without drying out or disrupting the skin barrier. That's all thanks to the brand's 3 Essential Ceramides (1, 3, 6-II) and hyaluronic acid, which help retain the skin's moisture.

Price at time of publication: $10

Charlotte Tilbury Take It All Off Makeup Remover

Photo: Charlotte Tilbury

This Charlotte Tilbury makeup remover comes with an impressive roster of soothing ingredients, including chamomile, organic cornflower water and veronica extract. It's also formulated with the brand's unique EYEBRIGHT extracts, which work to soothe and refresh digitally tired eyes.

Price at time of publication: $34

Cetaphil Gentle Oil-Free Makeup Remover

Photo: Amazon

Made with aloe vera, ginseng and green tea botanicals for extra soothing and conditioning power, this gentle, dermatologist-tested drugstore makeup remover is a great choice for all skin types—sensitive included.

Price at time of publication: $11

Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips

Photo: Ulta

A go-to backed by 2,000+ reviews, this cult classic makeup remover can whisk away your waterproof mascara without a single tug. Bonus: reviewers love it for removing long-wearing lipsticks too.

Price at time of publication: $28

e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! e.l.f. Off Makeup Remover

Photo: Ulta

A liquid counterpart to e.l.f.'s beloved cleansing balm, this budget-friendly formula melts away waterproof mascara without leaving behind an oily film or residue. It's fragrance-free, alcohol-free and ophthalmologist-tested, and it has a star-studded ingredient lineup including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and squalane.

Price at time of publication: $7

Avène Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover for Sensitive Skin

Photo: Skinstore

Just as its name suggests, this French pharmacy staple is an excellent pick for sensitive eyes and skin. The unique formula has the same pH as tears, meaning it won't sting or burn. Plus, a boost of Sorbitol adds extra hydration power, while Avène Thermal Spring Water acts as a powerful anti-irritant.

Price at time of publication: $24

FAQs About Removing Waterproof Mascara

Still have questions about removing waterproof mascara? Sosa has you covered with a few final words of advice.

What are some mistakes to avoid when removing waterproof mascara?

Sosa says makeup wipes are the biggest no-nos when it comes to removing waterproof mascara, as most aren't strong enough to remove them and won't provide a thorough cleanse. "Makeup wipes are for wiping makeup off before your cleanser," Sosa says. "If you use a makeup wipe, you're more likely to end up with clogged pores, skin irritation and, most importantly, premature aging."

Another tip to keep in mind is that it's better to use a different cotton pad for each eye—or at least different sides of the same one—to prevent redepositing the makeup you removed and irritating your skin and eyes.

How can you remove waterproof mascara gently?

Besides sticking to the tried-and-true methods and products above, the best way to remove waterproof mascara gently is to be patient and avoid any harsh rubbing or pulling. "Waterproof products are meant to last more than 12 hours," Sosa says. "It's important to be super gentle and take your time when removing them, especially around your eyes."