How to Remove Stubborn Mascara
When your mascara just won't budge, turn to this guide to get it off in a flash.
Fact checked by Haley Mades
Most women find the process of taking off mascara incredibly annoying. No matter how much you rub or wipe, the black stuff just keeps coming off. So, it's no surprise that some women decide to completely forego mascara or go to sleep without removing it. As with any makeup, you want to do your best to remove it without aging your skin.
"Mascara is an emulsion of water, pigments, oils, and waxes, so it can be tough to take off," says cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson of BeautyStat.com. However, choosing the right type of cleanser for your skin and using the right technique can help with mascara removal. Here, several beauty pros weigh in on how to remove mascara, the best products to use, and how to maintain healthy lashes.
Use a Makeup Remover Made Specifically for the Eyes
Avoid using any old cleanser, which might contain skin irritants. "Eye makeup remover is specifically made to dissolve makeup and is created with ingredients which are gentle on the eye area," says Zeichner.
Cathryn Dorn, a makeup artist at LRN Beauty, loves to use a beauty balm (e.l.f. Cosmetics' Holy Hydration is her favorite) to get the bulk of her mascara off. "I also love using micellar water, but for waterproof mascara, you may need a more heavy-duty remover, such as the Double Action makeup remover by Lancôme," she says.
Choose a Biphasic Eye Makeup Remover
You can also try a biphasic formula, which is made of two parts—a cleansing oil to remove mascara and other makeup and water to cleanse the skin after the mascara has been removed. "They're great because they take off all types of mascara, even waterproof," notes Zeichner.
Dorn notes that if you are wearing lash primer, it may be even more difficult to remove mascara as primer prolongs the wear of mascara.
Avoid Alcohol- or Fragrance-based Products
While these types of products might not pose a problem elsewhere on your body, the skin around your eyes is extra sensitive, and harsh products can dry out your eyelids. "They can strip and dry out the skin on the delicate, moisture-challenged eyelids, leading to irritation," says New York City dermatologist and host of DermTV.com, Neal Schultz, MD.
Use a 100 Percent Cotton Pad
The best makeup remover pads are ones that won't tear apart while you're using them, leaving bits of lint or synthetic polyester in your eye. "Try one that's lint-free and resistant to shredding," says New York City dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research, department of dermatology, the Mount Sinai Hospital.
Tip
Avoid using cotton balls for mascara removal and save them for facial astringents and toners. "Any loose fibers can get into your eyes," says Angela Caglia, celebrity facialist and co-founder of Angela Caglia Skincare.
Press a Pad Soaked in Remover Against the Eyes
In many cases, it takes a bit of time for makeup remover to set in and work. "It's important for the solvents to dissolve the polymers and pigments and break down the mascara," says Caglia. "This is key to avoiding aggressive rubbing and pulling on your lashes later on."
Be Patient
Let the product do the work, then gently wipe. "The more time you allow the mascara to dissolve, the easier it will be to remove in the end," notes New York City dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD.
Remove Eye Makeup by Wiping in the Direction of the Lash
Always do your best to keep makeup out of your eyes. "Work from the inside out to minimize the chances of mascara and bacteria getting trapped in the eyes," says Zeichner. Gently grab the lashes with the cotton, and then roll the cotton between your fingers to minimize rubbing, adds Schultz.
Always Use a Gentle Touch
If it helps you to be gentle, use your ring finger (your weakest finger) to be as light as possible in this process. "The skin here is sensitive and the thinnest on the body," says New York City-based dermatologist Kristina Goldenberg, MD. "Putting too much pressure on your eyes could also break blood vessels around the delicate eyelid area," adds New Jersey-based dermatologist Jeanine Downie, MD.
Tip
"[Rubbing your eyes too hard] can result in a low-grade inflammation that can cause skin irritation, damaged collagen, and promote premature aging of the eyelid skin," notes Zeichner.
Keep Your Eyes Closed When Washing Off Your Mascara
Keeping both the mascara and the remover out of your eyes should be a top priority. "Some mascara formulas and makeup removers have ingredients which can cause severe irritation if they get into the eyes, and it can take more than 24 hours before that irritation is resolved," says Goldenberg. If you have sensitive eyes, a great mascara to try is Maybelline Volum' Express Colossal Curl Bounce Washable Mascara.
Use a Makeup Wipe for a Second Cleanse
Zeichner recommends using a gentle makeup wipe to remove the very last traces of mascara after you've used a cotton pad.
"You'll rub too much and irritate the skin," says Zeichner if a wipe is used first.
"This double cleanse process ensures all makeup and residue is gone," adds Dorn.
Follow Up With a Gentle Foaming Cleanser
Many makeup removers contain oil that could build up if you don't remove it. "If you use a basic oil-based makeup remover, you'll want to get rid of any oily residue on the skin around your eyes," says makeup artist Alison Raffaele Tatem.
Tip
Don't use your eye makeup remover on the rest of your face. "An eye makeup remover is not a replacement for your cleanser. It's important to wash your face after taking off mascara with a gentle cleanser to clean your pores and remove pollutants," says Goldenberg.
Use a Moisturizer When You're Done Cleansing
You're putting your skin's protective barrier at risk when removing mascara. "Eye makeup in itself may be irritating, even with the best makeup remover," says Zeichner. "Not addressing the skin after removing mascara could lead to dryness and irritation, so you want to apply a thin layer of cream on the upper lid and under the eyes at night."
An eye cream containing retinol for use under the eye will promote new collagen production and help prevent premature fine lines and dark circles under the eyes, notes Goldenberg. If you're very sensitive, a thin layer of cosmetic grade petrolatum ointment—like Aquaphor—can provide a protective coating over the skin, adds Zeichner. An eyelash growth serum can also help strengthen and repair damage to the hair protein.
Don't Pull Mascara Off With Your Fingers
This may seem like a harmless thing to do, but it's not. "You'll just lose lashes. The touch receptors in your fingertips aren't sensitive enough to feel what's coming off, and you'll end up pulling off eyelashes as well," says Schultz. Eyelash regrowth can take anywhere from several weeks to half a year.
Condition Your Lashes
Once all makeup is removed, you can apply a lash conditioner to your lashes. "This can help to moisturize your lashes and continue to help them grow longer, thicker, and fuller," says Dorn. "Only apply lash conditioner to clean lashes and not over mascara."
Inform Your Doctor of Excess Lash Loss
There are many reasons you might be losing your eyelashes—like stress, allergic reactions, health conditions, or sleep masks. Or your mascara removal may be the culprit. "It could be the result of heavy rubbing, but it could also be a sign of an autoimmune disease, like alopecia," notes Zeichner. If removing your mascara more gently doesn't solve the problem, reach out to your doctor for more guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to remove mascara?
Water-soluble mascara can be removed with micellar water or a gentle makeup remover, and sometimes even a good cleanse with soap and water. Waterproof mascara requires a stronger removal agent. Oil-based makeup removers such as balms and cleansing oils are better at breaking down the formula of these mascaras.
Can I use Vaseline to remove mascara?
Yes, Vaseline can be used to remove mascara and other makeup, but a product specifically formulated for removing makeup, or mascara, is better suited for the job. As an occlusive product, Vaseline might cause more harm than good for oily or combination skin types, so if you must use it to remove makeup, use a very small amount.
What happens if you don't properly remove mascara?
If mascara is not properly removed, it can cause potential damage to your skin and eyes. Flakes of mascara can break off and irritate the eye, causing redness and possible infection. Leftover makeup, or makeup that's been left on too long, can also cause breakouts on the skin.
Related: Ask a Beauty Editor: What Is the Best Way to Remove Makeup Without Aging Your Skin?
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