HOW TO REMOVE MASCARA (EVEN STUBBORN WATERPROOF MASCARA!)

Heavy mascara in a smokey-eye look? Perfect. Light mascara in a natural palette? Love it. Last night’s mascara dried onto your lashes and smudged under your eyes? Not ideal. We know mascara can be stubborn to remove sometimes, but your lashes will definitely thank you for getting it all off at the end of the day, so we’ve put together a quick guide on how to remove your mascara without taking your lashes off with it.

1. Check if it’s waterproof mascara

Waterproof mascara, such as Lancôme’s Monsieur Big Mascara, is designed to have greater sticking power. That’s great if you find yourself stuck in a sudden downpour or tearing up at a wedding, but it does mean you have to put extra effort into removing it once you get home. Non-waterproof mascara, like Lancôme’s Hypnôse Mascara or Lash Idôle Mascara, might come off more easily with just a dampened cotton pad – although it can still be advisable to invest in eye makeup removers or additional products to ensure you’re treating your eyes gently and not scrubbing too hard. More on this a little further on in the article!

2. Always remove mascara before bed

The longer you leave your mascara on, the harder it can be to take off, particularly as it can begin to dry out. You also risk irritating your eyes if you leave it on overnight and you may find that your makeup gets into your eyes or onto your bedding and pillows.

3. Technique matters

Remember that your eyes are a sensitive part of your body and, while it might be tempting to scrub off stuck mascara, it’s important to treat them gently. You should always be extra-careful when choosing products that are going to go around your eyes and look for options that allow you to wipe your makeup off easily. Not only can rubbing too hard irritate your eyes, but you also risk pulling out lashes and causing redness and dry skin.

4. Use micellar water

Micellar water is often used as a cleanser because of its unique chemical structure. It’s a special type of water that has tiny balls of oil that attract the debris from the surface of your skin. This makes it perfect for removing makeup gently and gives you the extra oomph you need to get rid of particularly stubborn mascaras. Simply apply your micellar water solution onto a cotton pad and apply as needed.

6. Apply eye makeup remover

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with an eye makeup remover. A small splash on a cotton pad can be a quick and easy way to get rid of excess products. Make sure you shop around for one that’s best suited to your skin type. For example, our Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover is specially formulated for sensitive eyes and even contact-lens-wearers, and it’s designed to leave a non-oily feel afterwards.

7. Don’t forget about your lash care products!

Remember, it’s not just mascara you have to think about. Pre-mascara conditioners such as Cils Booster Revitalising Lash Serum can be great for making your lashes look thicker and stronger. It’s sure to leave your lashes feeling nourished, protected, and conditioned after use.

Whatever your look, the most important thing is to be as gentle as possible when removing your makeup. That way, you can get rid of your mascara without doing any damage to your lashes.