How to remove waterproof mascara

Every girl loves her long-lasting waterproof mascara. It doesn't run when it starts raining and our voluminous lashes stay put even when swimming. But sometimes a waterproof mascara can work too well that not even our favourite micellar water can remove our mascara-laden lashes.

In the end, we find ourselves with broken, sparse looking lashes, panda eyes and clumps of mascara formula stuck onto our pillowcases.

Mascara woes be damned. Here's how you can remove waterproof mascara more efficiently without damaging your eyes and lashes.

Removing waterproof mascara correctly

Instead of using generic wet wipes, use pure cotton balls instead.

1. Wet a cotton ball with an oil-based makeup remover

2. Close your eyes and gently press the cotton ball onto the mascara-coated lashes. Try to avoid getting mascara residue in your eye to avoid infection.

3. Leave the wet cotton ball for about 20 – 25 seconds to ensure the mascara dissolves properly

4. To remove, gently wipe downwards in one direction. Try not to rub the eye in circular motions

5. Repeat the process until the majority of mascara has come off

6. To remove more stubborn makeup clumps, wet a cotton tip with the same oil-based makeup remover and gently run the cotton tip around the roots. Use a clean cotton ball to dab away the residue

7. Once your mascara has removed completely, use a gentle face cleanser to dissolve all traces of makeup residue left on your face

8. Moisturise your face as per usual

You’re going to have to put in a bit more elbow grease if you want to remove your all of your waterproof mascara residue.

Use natural ingredients

If you’re short on cash or don’t have access to an oil-based makeup remover, try using a natural concoction of water, witch hazel, almond and jojoba oil.

Here's how you do it

Combine two tablespoons of witch hazel extract, almond and jojoba oil and water together into a small disposable shampoo bottle and mix well.

Using pure cotton balls, dispense a small amount of your homemade oil-based makeup remover and follow the same cleansing steps as stated above.

Remember to rinse your eyes and face thoroughly with warm water and to pat dry before applying your toner and moisturiser. Read below to experience our selection of practical and fast-acting removers for waterproof-based eye makeup.

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