How Do I Safely Remove Waterproof Mascara?

If we snuck a look at the contents of your makeup bag, we’re willing to bet we’d find a waterproof mascara in there. This lash-lengthening favorite is practically a must-have, especially if you’re looking to keep touch-ups to a minimum. But all that longevity comes with a price — namely, that waterproof mascara can be tricky to remove, especially without damaging your lashes.

Because waterproof mascaras contain a high concentration of waxes, they can’t be dissolved completely with water-based cleansers. Instead, you’ll want to use an oil-based product, like a cleansing balm. There are plenty of options on the market, but the best formulas are those that dissolve makeup without leaving behind a heavy, greasy film. TikTok’s (unofficial) queen of cleansing balms, MaggieA, hails the Elemis Pro-Collagen Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm as one of her favorite formulas. We’re in total agreement — though if you’re looking for a more wallet-friendly option, the E.l.f. Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm is also an excellent pick.

If you’ve never used a cleansing balm before, it’s super straightforward. Simply scoop a little bit out, then massage it over your (dry!) face to dissolve your makeup. (It should go without saying, but just in case: Make sure your eyes are tightly closed while you do this.) Once your makeup has begun to melt, add a bit of lukewarm water to help emulsify the balm. When wet, the balm should transform into a fluid, almost milky cleanser that rinses away easily with water, taking your waterproof mascara with it. Just be careful not to rub too hard on your delicate lashes — with an oil-based formula, you won’t need to anyway. 

You can then proceed with your skin care routine as usual — though if you want a more thorough cleanse, we suggest washing your face again, this time with a water-based cleanser. The second cleanse should help to remove any lingering impurities and leave your skin feeling fresh and clean.