Designed to withstand sweat, tears and rainy days, waterproof mascara is great for locking in your make-up look for hours – but when it comes to removal, it can linger a lot more stubbornly than regular mascara. Luckily, with the right removal products and a gentle technique, you can go to bed with clean, conditioned and cared-for eyelashes every evening.
Learn all about the safest ways to remove waterproof mascara without losing lashes or irritating the delicate skin around your eyes.
What should I use to remove waterproof mascara?
Your best bet is a gentle, fragrance-free formula, such as No7 Eye-Make-Up Remover. This ophthalmologist-tested make-up remover is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin and eyes, and can be used by contact lens wearers.
Apply your liquid make-up remover to soft cotton wool pads, avoiding any with an abrasive texture. As you sweep it over the eye area, the formula dissolves all types of mascara, cleansing and conditioning your eyelashes as it gets to work.
If you’re looking for an on-the-go solution to fix any waterproof mascara mishaps, No7 Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes are a great option. These wipes swiftly sweep away all traces of make-up, including waterproof mascara, without any water required.
Your step-by-step guide to safely removing waterproof mascara
Patience is key when it comes to gently removing waterproof mascara. Follow our steps to take it off effortlessly.
- Saturate a clean, soft cotton wool pad with eye make-up remover and gently press it over your closed eye.
- Hold in place for 10-15 seconds to allow it to dissolve the mascara, then swipe the cotton pad downwards, away from your eyes. Avoid tugging or scrubbing your skin – instead, opt for a gentle, gliding motion to help the loosened mascara slide off.
- Fold the cotton pad in half, then sweep over the underside of the eyelashes and around the wider eye area to catch any smudges.
- If you have any make-up left in hard-to-reach areas such as in the corners of eyes or between lashes, saturate a cotton wool bud and use it to gently wipe away the mascara.
Is waterproof mascara bad for your eyelashes?
Waterproof mascara tends to be slightly more drying than regular mascara, so it’s best kept for days when you really need your make-up to stay put. Reach for waterproof formulas on special occasions or during the warmer summer months, and use a regular mascara for your everyday make-up.
The skin around your eyes is up to 10 times thinner than other areas on your face, so it’s important not to scrub or pull it when you remove mascara. Proper removal can help to keep both the skin around your eyes and your eyelashes healthy and strong.
Can I sleep with waterproof mascara on?
We’ve all fallen asleep in a full face of make-up after a night out, but it’s important not to make this a regular habit. Mascara can dry out and flake overnight, and if pieces fall into your eyes, it can cause irritation. Another issue is accelerated lash loss. If hairs are stiffened by a coat of mascara and then pressed against a pillow, they’re more likely to break, bend or fall out. By taking a few minutes each evening to remove make-up properly, you can let your skin and lashes rest and repair all night long.
