How to Remove Waterproof Mascara

Through swim, sweat, and tears, waterproof mascaras keep lashes fluffy, curled, and voluminous. But long-wear, waterproof products do come with one drawback – they can be stubborn to remove.

Knowing how to take off waterproof mascara might seem straightforward, but it takes a little more finesse than standard makeup removal to get this type of product to budge.

Read on as take you through our step-by-step guide on how to remove waterproof mascara in a way that’s gentle on the eyes while getting rid of every last trace of product.

What makes a mascara waterproof?

Waterproof mascaras are made up of binding agents like silicones, waxes, and polymers that help product adhere to lashes. When you coat your lashes with a waterproof mascara, it creates a water-resistant film that repels water, which means you can get your lashes wet without your mascara running or smudging.

But with all these benefits, some waterproof mascaras can appear clumpy on the lashes – especially if applied with a heavy hand. However, with the right formulas – like YSL’s Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof – you can still enjoy fluttery, fanned out lashes alongside waterproof hold.

Our Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara is another prime example of a performance-proof formula. Enriched with beeswax, carnauba wax, and film-forming polymers, Lash Clash Waterproof Mascara creates a water-resistant barrier, while delivering up to +200% volume instantly, up to +400% buildable volume, and up to 48-hour wear.

How to remove waterproof mascara in 6 steps

Since waterproof mascaras are designed to withstand water, you’ll need to take special care when removing this product from your lashes.

Overzealous rubbing can cause discomfort around the delicate skin of the eyes and potentially damage the lashes. So, it’s important to use effective makeup removal products, gentle motions, and the right aftercare to keep your lashes – and eyes – in top condition.

Read on for our step-by-step advice on how to take off waterproof mascara.

1. Opt for a bi-phase or oil-based makeup remover

There is no surefire method for how to remove mascara without makeup remover.

While a double cleanse may suffice for a standard mascara, water-based cleansers are no match for a waterproof mascara. Instead, you’ll need to use an oil-based cleanser or a bi-phase makeup remover to break down waterproof formulas.

We recommend our Top Secrets Bi-Phase: an eye and lip makeup remover that combines an oil-based phase and a water-based phase to effectively dissolve waterproof products. The oily phase removes impurities, while the watery phase delivers a cleansing effect.

“The secret to removing waterproof mascara isn’t force – it’s finesse,” says YSL Beauty National Makeup Artist Bianca Downward. “So let the Top Secrets Bi-Phase Remover do the work for you. A gentle sweep melts away even the most stubborn formula, leaving lashes soft, clean, and ready for tomorrow’s look.”

2. Moisten a cotton pad with makeup remover and press to your eyes

Opt for a clean cotton pad – preferably a soft, reusable one – to remove waterproof mascara. This is going to be much gentler on the eyes than your fingers or an abrasive towel, while still working effectively along the upper and lower lash line.

First, moisten a cotton pad with makeup remover – although don’t saturate it, as this can waste product. Then, gently press the cotton pad against your eyelids to allow the formula to dissolve onto the eye.

3. Use gentle downward wiping motions

Tugging and pulling the eye can lead to redness, puffiness, and discomfort around the eye – and even eyelash breakage. So, if you want to master the technique for how to take off waterproof mascara, our cardinal rule is to use a gentle touch.

Apply your makeup remover using soft, downward wiping motions, sweeping product along the base of the upper lash line. Start in the inner corner of the eye and move outwards. You can repeat a similar motion for the lower lash line, sliding the cotton pad gently along the edges of your eye.

4. Clean up any residue

Even with a careful, thorough touch, it’s still easy to miss leftover product when you’re learning how to remove waterproof mascara. Moisten a second clean cotton pad with makeup remover and run it over the base of your lashes on the eyelid and the undereye to eliminate any residue from the first sweep.

5. Cleanse your skin as normal

Now that you’ve thoroughly removed your waterproof mascara, you can cleanse your skin as normal. This will help get rid of any lingering product and other debris from the skin.

We recommend the Top Secrets Pro Removers Toning & Cleansing Micellar Water. It’s a cleanser-toner hybrid that leaves skin supple, moisturised, and radiant, and is ideal for full-face cleansing – especially around the eyes.

6. Apply an under-eye serum

After cleansing, deliver an extra dose of nourishment to the undereye area with the Pure Shots Eye Reboot Concentrate.

Formulated with energising moonlight cactus flower from Morocco and 1% caffeine, this cream-to-serum eye concentrate melts seamlessly into the skin, brightening the area and imparting a dose of moisture. Eyes appear instantly more awake, with dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines visibly diminished.

Now that you know how to remove waterproof mascara, perfect the other stages of your eye makeup routine with our beginners guide to eyeliner.