
Waterproof mascara is long lasting, but can be an absolute nightmare to remove at the end of the day if you don’t have the right products at your disposal.
No one likes waking up with panda eyes due to mascara residue. If you’re struggling to remove stubborn waterproof mascara effectively, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, I will provide you with a few step-by-step guides on how to remove waterproof mascara, alongside tips for eyelash aftercare to keep your lashes looking and feeling their best.
So, let’s get started.
There are a variety of different products that you can use to remove waterproof mascara, and everyone has their own preference.
Over time, it is likely that you will work out which products work the best for you. However, until then, it’s good to know a few different products that you can try to make the process as easy as possible for you.
Below are a few useful methods that you can try to remove waterproof mascara.
A guide on Removing Waterproof Mascara with Makeup Remover
Step one – Saturate a reusable cotton pad with eye makeup remover and press it against one of your eyes with your eye shut. Oil-based makeup remover tends to work the best to remove waterproof mascara.
Step two – Be sure to keep the cotton pad against your eye for 20 to 30 seconds, as this will help the product to melt the stubborn mascara away.
Step three – The majority of the mascara should have come off. However, to get the underside of your lashes you can either fold your cotton pad in half or use a Q-tip that has been soaked in makeup remover to help you remove the remaining mascara residue.
Step four – Make sure that you don’t scrub the mascara on your lashes, as this could irritate your eyes. Instead, you should repeat the process if you can still see mascara on your lashes.
Step five – Once you’ve removed mascara from one eye, you’ll need to move onto the next eye. Repeat the steps above on your second eye.
Step six – Once both of your eyes are free from mascara, you can carry on with your skincare routine by cleansing your face and carrying out any other skincare steps before bed.
A Guide on Removing Waterproof Mascara with Micellar Water
Step one – Add a generous amount of micellar water to a reusable cotton pad.
Step two – Hold the cotton pad over one eye for a minimum of 20 seconds to allow the micellar water to help break down the layer of waterproof mascara. The longer you wait, generally the easier it will be to remove your mascara, so have patience!
Step three – Once this time has passed, begin to wipe away your mascara. This might take a few tries, and you might need to add more micellar water to your cotton pad.
Step four – Fold the cotton pad in half to get the underside of your lashes to gently remove the mascara. The mascara should come away without you needing to rub your lashes vigorously.
Step five – Once you have removed the waterproof mascara from one eye, it’s time to move onto the next eye with a clean reusable cotton pad.
Step six – Repeat the process on the second eye, and you’ll be ready to move on to the next step of your skincare routine!
A Guide on Removing Waterproof Mascara with Baby Oil
Step one – Firstly, you will need to apply the baby oil to a reusable cotton pad until it is saturated.
Step two – You will need to shut your eye and keep the cotton pad against your eye for 20 to 30 seconds. Waterproof mascara can be very stubborn, so allowing the product to sit on your lashes will help to melt the mascara away so it can be removed from your lashes without the need to rub.
Step three – Once you have waited for at least 20 seconds, gently slide the cotton pad down over your lashes. At this stage, the majority of the waterproof mascara should slide off on your cotton pad, but you might have to repeat this step if not.
Step four – Once the mascara has been removed from on top of your lashes, it’s time to fold the cotton pad in half and slide it on the underside of your lashes. This will help to remove any remaining mascara.
Step five – To ensure you avoid panda eyes, make sure that you give your eyes one last wipe with the cotton pad to remove any leftover residue of the mascara.
Step six – Repeat the process with another clean cotton pad for your other eye. Finish the rest of your skincare routine, and you’re done!
Related: How To Remove Waterproof Eyeliner

Notes when Removing Mascara
- It’s good hygiene to make sure that you’re using a different cotton pad for each eye. This comes down to the fact that if something is wrong with one of your eyes, you don’t want to end up transferring the bacteria to the other eye. As a result, it’s much safer to clean your mascara off each eye with different cotton pads.
- Everyone needs to be making more conscious decisions to take care of the planet, and this includes which beauty products we invest in. A good way of cutting down your beauty waste is to use resusable cotton pads, as opposed to disposable ones.
Aftercare Tips for your Eyelashes
Removing waterproof mascara can be harsh on your eyelashes. However, there are a few things that you can do to ensure that they remain in the best possible condition.
Use a lash mask – Wearing and removing your mascara everyday or on a regular basis can take its toll on your lashes. A lash mask helps to condition and strengthen your individual lashes, helping them to look and feel much healthier.
Use a lash serum – Taking care of your lashes is the first step to making sure that your makeup looks great every time. Lash serums contain oils and vitamins that work to protect the lashes and strengthen the hair follicles to promote lash health.
Related: Removing mascara without makeup remover
In Summary
So, there you have it! Hopefully after reading this article you now have a variety of methods to remove your waterproof mascara and have a few tips in your back pocket.
Although waterproof mascara can be stubborn, it’s important to not rub your eyes vigorously. If you need to, simply repeat the process to ensure that you’ve removed all of your waterproof mascara before bed.
Good luck removing your waterproof mascara!
Last update on 2023-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API