Eye Makeup

Discover How To Remove Waterproof Eyeliner With a Gentle Touch!

How to remove waterproof eyeliner effectively is a mystery for many. Shying away from makeup only because removing it is a hassle? It isn’t that hard, after all!


Written by Tripti Mohan

On Oct 24, 2023 – 7 minutes read

How To Remove Waterproof Eyeliner

Gone are the days when eyeliners smudge when you rub your eyes or wash away when you break a sweat. Waterproof eyeliner and other eye makeup products are a blessing for many of us who used to struggle to maintain our look while sweating, crying, or dancing in the rain! However, now the struggle has shifted towards removing it. The latest products are so water-resistant that a simple face wash with soap and water isn’t enough to cleanse it thoroughly. So, then, how to remove waterproof eyeliner? Here are some simple and effective ways for you. 

How To Remove Waterproof Eyeliner?

Waterproof eyeliners and other makeup products are made of specific polymers and waxes that prevent smudging or wearing off while in contact with water. These polymers could be greasy and difficult to clean. Many products are available in the market to help you remove your eye makeup. If you don’t want to use any of them, there are ways to remove waterproof eyeliner without makeup removers. Check out both ways and choose the way that suits you best.

Remove Waterproof Eyeliner

How To Remove Waterproof Eyeliner With Makeup Remover?

1. Using Oil Based Makeup Removers

Makeup removers have components that help break down the stubborn formula of the cosmetic. Oil-based makeup removers(1) are the best to remove waterproof eyeliner. 

  • Use a cotton pad or clean cotton cloth to apply a little makeup remover on your eyes.
  • Dab softly or allow the cotton pad to be on the eyeliner-applied area for a few seconds. This helps to break down the makeup.
  • Wipe your eyes gently from side to side or in rotation.
  • You may have to repeat the process once more.
  • Wash your face with a water-based cleanser.

Do not forget to moisturize your face after cleaning off the waterproof eyeliner thoroughly. You can also use the double cleanse away method, in this process face is cleaned twice. First with an oil-based makeup remover and then with a water-based cleanser.

2. Using Micellar Water

Are you sure you won’t be able to remove your waterproof eyeliner with only water? Use micellar water instead. Micellar water is a very gentle solution with a mild concentration of soap or detergent. It feels just like water.

How To Remove Waterproof Eyeliner With Makeup Remover
  • Let a cotton pad or ball saturate in the micellar water.
  • Use it to dab your eyes with micellar water. 
  • Place it over your eyes for 15-20 seconds.
  • Gently wipe.
  • You might have to repeat the process a few times until the eyeliner is all gone.
  • You need not use water and soap to clean your face after this step if you are using micellar water already.

3. Using Wet Wipes

Wet wipes are convenient and act like cotton cloth and micellar water. You can carry them everywhere and leave them on your bedside for a quick cleansing. But ensure the wet wipe isn’t too soapy and is preferably not fragrant.

  • You don’t need an additional cotton ball; use the facial wet wipe to clean your eyes well.
  • Wash off your face with a gentle cleanser and apply moisturizer.

Do you prefer using one of the above methods to remove your waterproof eyeliner? We suggest you don’t do it always if you use eye makeup daily. At least once a week, a little home treatment with some natural oil is healthier and can rejuvenate your skin. Read on to find out how to remove waterproof eyeliner without makeup remover.

How To Remove Waterproof Eyeliner Without Makeup Remover

Using cosmetic makeup removers is not the only way to remove eye makeup. Wondering how to remove waterproof eyeliner without makeup remover at home?  Here are some easy steps for you.

  • Disintegrate the cosmetics using coconut, olive, jojoba, baby oil, or petroleum jelly. You may also combine two or more of the oils in small quantities. 
  • Leave the oil on and around your closed eyes for a while. This breaks down the makeup to some extent.
  • Use a clean cloth to remove the oil and not-so-stubborn eyeliner. 
  • Wash your face with a hydrating face cleanser and apply a moisturizer that suits your skin type.

Petroleum jelly is usually found to be the most effective compared to the other options.

Do’s And Don’ts Of Removing Waterproof Eyeliner

Your eyes and the skin surrounding it are very delicate and sensitive. Therefore, take special care while choosing makeup products to apply to your eyes and remove the makeup. Here are some do’s and don’ts.

Do’s Of Removing Waterproof Eyeliner

  • Use a clean cotton ball, pad, cloth, or swab to clean the eye. You can also use a cotton swab to clean the water line. Unhygienic material can cause irritation to your skin.
  • Understand your skin type and use makeup products depending on it. For instance, someone with oily skin using oil-based products would only make things worse.
  • Hydrate and moisturize skin well according to your skin type.
  • Be mindful of the makeup products that you use.

Don’ts Of Removing Waterproof Eyeliner

Don’ts Of Removing Waterproof Eyeliner
  • Don’t apply too much makeup removal cream or solution. Use only a few drops or a very minute quantity.
  • Don’t sleep over with your eye makeup on. We know that sometimes it is just too much to take the time to remove the makeup before going to bed. But not cleaning all makeup thoroughly before sleeping can damage your skin. At least keep facial wet wipes handy near your bed to clean your makeup properly before sleeping.
  • Don’t rub and scrub your eyes too hard. This can lead to redness and irritation of the skin and eyes. Repeating harsh cleansing routines can also wear the skin around your eyes. Whatever you do- be gentle.
  • Don’t let makeup, makeup removal products, or soap enter your eyes. Always remember that you are dealing with a very important and sensitive body part. If any product goes inside your eye, wash it thoroughly and immediately with lots of water.

How To Make It Easy To Remove Waterproof Eyeliner

Removing the waterproof eyeliner is important at the end of every day or before changing into a different look for an evening party. However, many people often leave the makeup on their faces until the next day because it looks like a hassle. How to remove waterproof eyeliner easily?

The simple answer is to use the right products. Choose products that suit your skin type. If a product takes harsh rubs and scrubs to be removed, even with a cosmetic makeup remover, it is most likely not suited for you. Choose a product that can be easily cleaned with any options mentioned here. If you do not want to use a makeup remover, petroleum jelly is the most effective option to remove waterproof eyeliner.

Many people opt for permanent eyeliner to enjoy the convenience of long-lasting, beautifully defined eyes without the need for daily makeup application and removal.

If we haven’t said it enough already, here it is again- Be gentle!

Skincare After Removing Waterproof Eyeliner

A regular skincare routine at night can save your facial skin a lot of damage that occurs during the day due to makeup and exposure to dust and sun. If you are not into extensive skin care, apply some moisturizer after wiping the waterproof makeup products and washing your face. Using a hydrating face mask at the end of the day can also rejuvenate your skin cells. For your eyes, cut two slices of cool cucumber and place them on your eyes for at least 15 minutes as you take a rest. This easy step can work magic for your skin health and eyes!

Additional tip: Use a hydrating eye drop if your eyes feel too dry.

Conclusion

Have you been hesitant to use waterproof eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, etc., only because it is a hassle to remove it? Now you know that it isn’t after all. You can easily remove waterproof eyeliner using makeup remover, micellar water, or facial wet wipes. You may also use coconut oil, jojoba, or baby oil to remove the makeup at home. Petroleum jelly is the best if you are not looking for a cosmetic solution.

Experiment with your looks without any second thought. Go with a simple look or a smoky look for your eyes. Let’s see some glitz and glam!

FAQ

1. What is the easiest way to remove waterproof eyeliner?

The easiest way to remove waterproof eyeliner is to use a waterproof eye makeup remover. They are specially meant for this job and are therefore quick and effective.

2. Can you remove waterproof eyeliner without soap and water?

Yes, you can use a makeup remover or petroleum jelly to wipe away the waterproof eyeliner entirely. However, washing your face with soap and water after removing the eyeliner will cleanse your face properly.

3. Does coconut oil remove waterproof eyeliner?

Yes, coconut oil can remove waterproof eyeliner. Just apply it to the eye area and leave it there for a while before wiping and washing it away.

4. Can I remove waterproof makeup with water?

No, you cannot remove waterproof makeup with water. If yours does get removed, understand that your waterproof eyeliner is not serving its purpose. Get a new product!

  1. National Library of Medicine. (n.d). Development and efficacy assessments of tea seed oil makeup remover. [Online] Available at:

    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27988044/

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Tripthi

Tripti is your go-to guide for all things skin and hair. She is a trusted beauty consultant who offers personalized recommendations and expert tips to enhance your natural beauty.

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