How To Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Pulling Out Your Eyelashes

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Your go-to waterproof mascara is a favorite for a reason: it was formulated to withstand sweat, tears, and your longest, most arduous days. The issue? As resilient as they are, not only can some waterproof mascaras not be good for your eye health, but they're also quite the challenge to remove without feeling like you're pulling out all of your lashes. Many struggle when it's time to take it off, and in a moment of frustration, may tug hard enough to pull lashes out, which is the last thing you want! Using a proper technique and the right products are the most important factors in removing waterproof makeup, and arguably the first step in achieving and maintaining healthy skin: the biggest skincare trend of 2025. 

Removers that aren't effective at breaking down waterproof formulas will not only leave residue on the lashes, but can also lead to issues like severe dryness and irritation. This is because when your remover isn't able to do its job, you'll likely end up rubbing and pulling at your lashes more than needed. That extra pressure can damage your lashes and the thin skin around the eyes. We mean it when we say the right products and being gentle is everything when it comes to waterproof mascara removal. With the right approach, you shouldn't have to pull and tug at your lashes, even when removing the most stubborn waterproof mascara.

When it comes to removing waterproof mascara, the first and most important step is to use products that break down the clingy ingredients while also being safe and gentle on the eyes. Removing makeup with the right products is extremely important, so much so that Dr. Sarah Sung, a board-certified dermatologist, told Allure, "Makeup removers are a cornerstone of good skin-care hygiene." And, this is especially important for the eye area, as it's much more sensitive and naturally thinner than other parts of the face. Waterproof mascara was created to have staying power and to be highly resistant to everything and anything, thus demanding a more targeted removal method.  

Oil-based removers like BANILA CO's Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm and micellar waters like Bioderma's Sensibio H2O Micellar Water are the most recommended by experts to safely and gently remove waterproof mascara. Want an even faster breakdown? Then look into products like KissMe's Speedy Mascara Remover, as it's specifically designed to break down waterproof mascara formulas. All you need to do is apply KissMe's remover from the roots up to the end of your lashes and let it sit for a few seconds before you go in and wipe it away with a cotton pad, soaked in your makeup remover of choice.

Now that you have the proper remover, it's time to start the removal process, and the key here is patience. If you're using a micellar water or oil-based formula in a liquid form, then follow our previously shared steps on removing waterproof mascara safely. Soak a cotton pad in your formula, press it gently against your closed eyelid, and hold it there for at least 10 seconds to allow it to break down the formula.

If you've opted for our writer's favorite go-to waterproof mascara remover, a gentle cleansing balm like BANILA CO's Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm, the technique is a little different. First things first, don't wet your face. You need dry hands and dry skin to apply the cleansing balm effectively. Scoop out a small amount of cleansing balm and rub it against your hands to warm it up and spread it out. Once the balm is thinned out, use your fingers to apply the balm onto your closed eyelids. Make sure to focus on the lashes and gently massage the areas where the waterproof formula tends to cling. This step will break down the stay-put formula before it's rinsed away with water.

Again, take your time during this step. Dr. Sung explained, when makeup isn't completely removed, "residue can clog pores and trigger inflammation, leading to breakouts and dull, irritated skin." Leaving behind eye makeup residue can also trigger styes and bacterial infections.

Now, it's time to add water to the process, which will emulsify the oil-based balm and create a milky texture. Gently massage the skin a bit more, and then rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Don't use water that's too hot, especially if you're prone to dry skin. You can also use a clean washcloth or towel to wipe your face instead of washing with water. If you see lingering residue on your washcloth or towel, soak a cotton swab with some micellar water and carefully go along the lines of your lash line, which should finish the job for good.

Pat your face dry with a clean towel, and don't rub your eyes. Again, rubbing your eyes can dry them out and cause irritation. Also, check the eye area again to ensure everything was removed and there is no leftover residue. Waterproof mascara formulas can really cling, so double-check the lashes and lash line. If the eye area looks good, you're ready to move on to the next step in your nighttime routine.

Now that we've discussed how to remove waterproof mascara without pulling out your eyelashes, let's talk about some things you can do to maintain strong, lush lashes. To start, apply a lash primer before wearing waterproof mascara like Lancome's Clis Booster XL Enhancing Lash & Mascara Primer. Products like these that are full of ingredients that not only lengthen your lashes but also protect them. If you wear a lot of eye makeup, you may also want to think about adding a lash serum like VieBeauti's Lash Serum to your nighttime routine to help repair and strengthen your lashes.

Also, if you don't already, try double cleansing if you wear a lot of eye makeup. While oil-based cleansers will break down and lift heavy-duty waterproof formulas, going in with a gentle foaming water-based cleanser and washing your face once more will help get rid of the rest of the residue and buildup from the product and oil-cleanser itself. Dr. Sung emphasized the importance of letting your skin rest with a clean base at night, so that it can do its best to reset and absorb all products you apply after removing and cleansing. This includes lash serums; if you have residue on your lashes, the serums won't be able to penetrate effectively.