It is just wonderful to beautify your eyelashes with waterproof or regular mascara. It will not get washed away, even if you must be in the pool or rain.
However, the disadvantage of this product is the difficulty of getting waterproof mascara off your eyelashes. It is highly water-resistant and also gets firmly stuck around the eyelashes. You cannot remove it fully by simply washing it or using any ordinary makeup removal product.
The waterproof mascara has a water-resistant adhesive that sticks firmly on the eyelashes. If you do several touch-ups, it becomes a lot thicker and stickier.
You could risk losing a few eyelashes if you try to remove stubborn mascara incorrectly.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Trichology, it is noted that “the use of eye cosmetics for long durations is associated with the fall of lashes.” Always use a good cleanser to keep your lashes from breakage.
“The use of water for removal may be associated with a higher incidence of eyelash infections from waterproof eye cosmetics.”
But never mind! In this article, I will take you through a few simple tips on how to easily remove waterproof mascara without harming your eye area.
How to Get Off Waterproof Mascara?
The best way to remove waterproof mascara is by using an eye makeup remover.
Of course, all the good brands of such products are specifically designed to get through waterproof eyeliner and mascara. Some of the leading brands in this product category are Dior, Sephora, Clinique, Clarins, Neutrogena, and L’Oreal.
Most of these high-quality products are more expensive than the mascara itself, but it is worth investing in them for the safety of your eyes.
Procedures for using eye makeup remover:
- Soak a cotton ball in warm water and gently rub it over the eyelashes of closed eyes to soften and loosen the mascara.
- Apply the eye makeup remover on another cotton ball and gently wipe the lashes.
- Make sure the eyelashes (upper and lower) are fully wiped with the cotton ball from all sides.
- If required, use Q-tips soaked in the solvent to wipe the mascara.
- After fully wiping the eyelashes, hold the cotton ball gently pressed over the lashes for 10 seconds.
- The mascara would loosen and dissolve within 20 seconds after applying the remover solvent (Do not open the eyes!)
- Now, use a clean cotton linen or pad to wipe away every bit of mascara that is already loose and slipping off the eyelashes.
- After wiping off the mascara, look in the mirror closely to see whether any bit of mascara is still stuck on the eyelids.
- Repeat the application of makeup remover and wipe out the procedure to remove any particles of stubborn waterproof mascara that are still stuck on the eyelashes.
- After removing the mascara, wash your face, eyelids, and eye contour with a gentle face cleanser and lukewarm water.
- Lastly, use a good face moisturizer to prevent the makeup remover from drying up your skin.
Way to Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Makeup Remover
You can easily remove the waterproof mascara without the eye makeup remover. These natural methods are safe and effective. You can also save a few bucks by not buying expensive products.
Here are five alternative methods:
1. Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent natural makeup remover.
A coat of regular mascara or waterproof ones that firmly sticks to the eyelashes can be removed with olive oil.
All-natural oils can loosen the waterproof properties of makeup.
Apply the olive oil to the tips of your thumb and index finger. Rub your eyelashes between the thumb and index finger until the lashes are fully soaked in olive oil from your fingers.
You can also soak a cotton ball in olive oil and use it for applying the oil to eyelashes.
Within a few seconds, the oil penetrates the mascara’s waterproof layer; the mascara turns loose and sheds off.
You can wipe away the loosened mascara with a cotton ball or cleansing tissues. Please pay close attention to ensure that every trace of it is wiped out.
2. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil, just like olive oil, is another good solution. It is an excellent waterproof makeup eraser.
The procedures for using coconut oil on eyelashes are the same as those for olive oil we discussed before.
Coconut oil also adds shine and brightness to the lashes and moisturizes the skin.
3. Oil Blends
You can prepare a homemade mascara remover solution by mixing water, hazelnut oil, jojoba, or almond oil.
To prepare it, mix two tablespoons of hazelnut oil, two teaspoons of almond or jojoba oil, and two teaspoons of water. This solution is very soothing for the eyes without creating any kind of irritation. You can also store this solution at room temperature for up to 180 days without damaging it.
Soak a cotton pad with this oil mixture and apply it to the lashes to swipe away the waterproof mascara. Just follow the same procedures we discussed for the olive oil remedy. Note that oil-based removers tend to leave a greasy film on the eyelids.
This oil and water solution can also be used to remove other makeup.
4. Baby Shampoo
All types of shampoos are great for gently removing makeup. However, for cleaning the waterproof mascara, it is safe to use a baby shampoo that is mild and gentle.
A good-quality baby shampoo is not expected to cause eye irritation. It is usually free of added colors and fragrances.
Take a small amount of shampoo and apply it with a cotton ball. You can gently rub the lashes for a minute to wash off the mascara.
Keep the eyes closed to avoid having shampoo directly contact the retina.
Instead of shampoo, you could also use micellar water to remove your mascara.
5. Cold Cream
A good-quality cold cream can be used to remove the makeup instantly. It works great for safely removing waterproof mascara, which is difficult to remove otherwise.
Apply the cold cream with your fingers or a cotton pad, then wipe off the loosened mascara with a clean cotton ball or cleansing tissue.
After applying the cold cream to the eyelashes, could you wait a minute or two before wiping them?
It is better to avoid creams that contain petroleum jelly, as this might irritate the eyes.
The cold cream is also a good moisturizer that will keep your eyelids and eye contours hydrated and healthy.
Tricks for Removing Waterproof Mascara from Clothes
This topic may sound out of context here, yet it is a good piece of information to show you how to remove mascara stains from clothes.
Mascara stains on clothes remain firmly stuck and are not removable by just washing with water alone. However, it is easy to remove it from clothes using dishwashing detergent or dry cleaning solvent.
1. Detergent
Mix one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with 2 cups of water; soak a piece of clean cotton linen in the diluted detergent. With the detergent-soaked cloth, sponge and rub the mascara-stained area of the clothes till the stain comes off. After the stain has disappeared, wash off the detergent from the clothing with clean water.
2. Dry Cleaning Solvent
Apply a sufficient quantity of dry cleaning solvent to a small piece of clean white cotton linen, then use it to sponge the stained area of the clothing with the dry cleaning solvent. Blot until the solvent is absorbed into the stained clothing area and the stain disappears.
Way to Apply Waterproof Mascara
Eyelashes unquestionably play a significant role in a woman’s personality and sense of self. Nowadays, mascaras are a very common type of eye cosmetic.
But it’s best to use mascara occasionally or when necessary.
The FDA has previously issued warnings to companies that made exaggerated claims in their advertisements for mascara products. Latisse eyelash thickener manufacturer Allergan Inc. recently received a warning from the FDA; however, this warning is deceptive because it minimizes or avoids potential risks related to the product.
The consistent use of waterproof mascara causes eyelash loss.
According to news reports, using mascara four months past its expiration can have serious side effects. After four months, liquid eyeliners and mascara must be thrown away. Infected eyes are a serious risk for women who use contaminated mascara.
Final Thoughts
Removing waterproof mascara or stubborn makeup is easier by using any good makeup remover. Alternatively, you can use cold cream, baby shampoo, a natural oil mixture, coconut oil, or olive oil to clean the waterproof mascara from your eyelashes.
Your eyes are very delicate organs that need to be given special attention and gentle care. Do not use poor-quality removers or homemade solutions to remove the waterproof mascara.
Take the assistance of someone for easy mascara removal.
Doing it yourself by looking in a mirror can hurt your eyes if you are not careful.
Limiting mascara to special occasions when you want to have a splendid appearance is better. It is not healthy for the eyes and eyelashes to use mascara regularly. Using makeup removers on the eyelashes frequently is also unsafe for the eyes.
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