We won’t go deep into the gory details (IYKYK), but cleansing your mascara should be your number one priority at the end of each day. Sure, we know that cleansing our faces is a huge part of the routine (double cleansing is a must), but mascara is the often overlooked makeup-centric aspect of a nightly cleanse. And why are we stressing that you should remove your mascara? Because the bacteria can lead to gland-clogging irritation and even infection. Gross.
Opting for a waterproof mascara is the best option when it comes to setting and forgetting and having some summer fun (or when you know you’ll need a big cry). So, we’re very pro the budge-proof formula. But it’s important that at the end of the day you say goodbye to your trusty lengthened lashes and go to sleep with bald eyelashes.
You’re not alone in the search to remove the seriously immovable stuff. While we’ve tried every single cleanser under the sun, not every formula works to remove the unbudgeable nature of waterproof mascara. So save the scrubbing and gently cleanse away the waterproof formula with these helpful tips to cleanse those lashes…
How to remove waterproof mascara
Look for products that say it on the bottle
Now this might sound like an unhelpful tip, but we swear not every bottle of cleanser claims to remove waterproof mascara. So be sure to check what the label says. If it doesn’t make the big claim, leave it on the shelf.
bh recommends: La Roche-Posay Respectissime Eye Makeup Remover ($32.95 at Priceline)
Try a cleansing balm
If you’ve not already incorporated a cleansing balm into your routine, where have you been? The silky soft balm to oil formulas make for the ultimate additions to a double cleanse. Not only that, the oiliness of the formulas often helps to break down the tough-to-remove consistency of waterproof mascaras. Win, win!
bh recommends: Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm with Wild Orange Leaf Extract ($69.95 at Adore Beauty)
Turn to a micellar water
Micellar water might be great for a late night quick cleansing routine if you’re in a pinch. But for us, we require a more thorough approach to our skin care. That’s not to say it doesn’t have a place amongst our shelves though. Micellar water is the product to turn to when nothing else is doing the cleansing job. The clever micelles bind to makeup and dirt (and ultra-stubborn mascara) and work to lift them away from your face. Do you want to know what’s a true win? Finding an ‘eye’ specific micellar water. Yep, hitting two of our tips in one. And our next humble (AKA life-changing) recommendation does just that.
bh recommends: Bioderma Sensibio H20 Eye Micellar Makeup Remover ($24.99 at Priceline)
No more excuses for waking up in the morning with the dreaded panda eyes. You’ll be able to rest easy knowing you’ve gotten all the top tips to taking off tough waterproof mascara…
Main Image Credit: @kimkardashian
Do you wear waterproof mascara? What cleanser do you use?
I love cleansing balms, but the La Roche Posay product looks good, I don’t actually know if my current mascara is waterproof – a reminder to read the packaging!
I use makeup remover oil from The Body Shop, it’s gear for any mascara.
Yes sometimes mascara is difficult to remove and I wonder if you are damaging your eyelashes while trying to remove the mascara?
An oil cleanser should work well
I like an oil cleanser and that seems to do the trick.
I will defiantly try this mascara.
Cleansing balms and oils are good for eye makeup
I never wear mascara, it sounds so annoying to remove
I usually double cleanse with an oil based remover then standard cleanser in the shower to remove makeup then use micellar if there’s any eye makeup left when I get out
Cleansing balm or oil cleanser. But I do use makeup removers dedicated to removing stubborn eye makeup.
I’ll try micellar water. That sounds like a handy tip.
I always use micellar water for removing mascara, and then use an oil cleanser followed by a gel cleanser to remove the rest of my makeup.
I like my Mirenesse tubing mascara, you can just pull it off
Alpha H cleansing balm is great
Trying to remove waterproof mascara is my least favorite part of the day! it feels like gently massaging little crunchy sticks on my eyes haha… but I hate the oily feel of two-phase makeup removers!
That’s great to know micellar water works
I stick to waterproof mascaras because I don’t want the mess if it runs. I’m currently using Clinique Take the Day Off – great stuff! & I made a huge batch of reusable makeup pads on my sewing machine.
I thought all mascaras are waterproof by now. Some good options on this list i didn’t know exist
I use Garnier micellar. It works for me.