Experts Explain the Right Way to Remove Waterproof Mascara (2025)

I’ll never forget the first time I tried to remove waterproof mascara and was momentarily struck with the fear that maybe this mascara was simply stuck on my lashes forever. My experience with ferocious rubbing and washing to remove waterproof mascara is not unique, though. For years, many of us have accepted the fate that removing waterproof mascara products is destined to be tiresome and irritating every time. But, have you ever considered that maybe you’re just not removing the budge-proof product correctly?

Whether you’re heading to the beach, an emotional wedding day or just out and about on your average sweaty summer day, there are tons of reasons to opt for waterproof mascara. But for girlies with sensitive eyes like me, the removal process alone can be enough to turn you away. If you want to fully embrace the waterproof mascara trend for summer while maintaining eye health, we tapped makeup artists for the best tips for removing waterproof mascara safely, quickly and efficiently.

Featured Experts

• Sandy Linter is a celebrity makeup artist
• D’Andre Michael is a celebrity makeup artist

What are the best tips and products for removing waterproof mascara?

“Waterproof mascara is created to resist the effects of water, making it impermeable so water cannot penetrate or seep through it,” Michael explains. “It is able to withstand being submersed in water or can be immersed in water without running or smudging.” So, what does that mean for when you hop in the shower with the intention of removing your mascara? Since water and soap alone can’t remove waterproof mascara, the trick is to remove your waterproof mascara before cleansing your face, specifically using eye-makeup removing products and oil-based cleansing products.

“One product I recommend for removing waterproof mascara is CHANEL’s Démaquillant des Yeux Intense ($42),” says Linter. “It removes mascara quickly, and you don’t use much product.” For a more budget-friendly option, Linter recommends a classic micellar water like Garnier’s Micellar Cleansing Water ($12). “Saturate a cotton round with micellar water, hold it against the eyelid for a few seconds and swipe and you should be good to go.” No scrubbing, rubbing or irritation necessary!

BUY NOW – $42

BUY NOW – $12