Late night. We've all been there. Maybe you ran out, maybe you're traveling light, or maybe you just never bought one in the first place. The good news? Most makeup formulas are oil-based, which means oil-based cleansing methods break them down more effectively than soap and water alone. Skipping makeup removal might feel harmless once or twice, but making a habit of sleeping in a full face can cause real problems over time. Makeup left on overnight mixes with the oil, sweat, and environmental debris your skin collects during the day. Your skin repairs itself overnight. A layer of leftover foundation, concealer, and SPF can interfere with that process. When dead skin cells and makeup residue build up on the surface, skin starts to look flat and tired.
So, how do you remove makeup without makeup remover? Several everyday products work just as well, if not better, than a standard remover. Cleansing balms are one of the most effective ways to remove a full face of makeup. A solid balm-to-oil cleanser melts into an oil on contact with skin, then emulsifies into a milky lather when water is added. Look for a balm made with nourishing oils like Organic Coconut Oil, which is high in natural vitamin E, lauric, and caprylic acids.
How can I remove makeup without makeup remover if I have nothing in my vanity kit? Coconut oil. A small amount warmed between your palms breaks down foundation, mascara, and lipstick with minimal effort. A multitasking coconut oil cream designed for skincare takes this a step further. Made with 100% pure, unrefined Organic Raw Coconut Oil, a product formulated specifically for the face removes makeup while nourishing skin at the same time. For lighter makeup days, a gel-to-foam cleanser can handle the job alone. Gel cleansers with naturally derived surfactants dissolve excess oil, sweat, SPF, and everyday makeup without over-drying. Apply 1 to 2 pumps to damp skin, massage in circular motions, and rinse.
Micellar water contains tiny micelles (oil molecules) suspended in soft water. Saturate a cotton pad and sweep it across your face. No rinsing needed. Sometimes you don't have any cleanser on hand at all. A warm, damp washcloth removes a surprising amount of light makeup on its own. Press the cloth against your face for a few seconds to soften the makeup, then gently wipe in one direction. Both olive oil and jojoba oil work on the same principle as a cleansing balm. Running out of makeup remover doesn't mean sleeping in yesterday's face. And honestly? RMS Beauty's cleansing lineup is formulated with skin-loving clean ingredients, is KIND TO BIOME® certified, and dermatologist tested. No synthetic fragrances, no sulfates, no guesswork.
Q. Oil-based products work best. A cleansing balm, plain coconut oil, or even olive oil dissolves makeup effectively. Q. Water alone removes very little makeup, especially anything oil-based or waterproof. Q. Pure, unrefined coconut oil formulated for skincare is generally non-comedogenic. Q. An oil-based cleansing balm applied directly to closed eyes softens and dissolves waterproof formulas. Let the balm sit for a few seconds, then gently massage and rinse. Q. Double cleansing works best at night, when your skin carries a full day's worth of makeup, SPF, and environmental exposure.
Figuring out how to remove waterproof mascara without rubbing your lashes off is the bane of every nighttime skincare routine. As cosmetic chemist and president of SOS Beauty Charlene Valledor describes them, traditional waterproof mascaras are made with either water-in-oil or anhydrous formulas (a.k.a. water-free). When the waterproof mascara coats the lashes, Valledor says it will create a film that can’t be penetrated by water and can withstand sweat on the most humid days, tears for when you get overwhelmed, leisurely water activities by a pool, etc. But longwear makeup comes at a price, and in this case it means that your regular cleanser and warm water may not cut it when it’s time to wash it off. “It can actually do more harm,” says celebrity makeup artist Andrea Tiller. “[Using just soap and water] can irritate the skin around the eyes [and your lashes] when you rub aggressively to remove [ waterproof product].”
Good news: the art of removing waterproof mascara is not hard to master. You most likely already have the products you need for a thorough cleanse. Bad news: you might need to add an extra step in your skincare regimen-but it’s definitely an extra step worth adding. “The best thing to do here is remember to be patient,” says celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty. “Choose formulas that are good for the surrounding eye area as well as for your lash health.” With that, see the seven foolproof ways to remove waterproof mascara below.
Seven foolproof ways to remove waterproof mascara
Makeup Remover
An obvious choice, all experts recommend turning to a liquid makeup remover to take off your stubborn mascara. But choosing the right one is key for a thorough removal that won’t irritate your lashes or your skin. “Traditional waterproof mascaras require oil-based or bi-phase formulations that contain a good amount of oil to soften and dissolve the waterproof film around each lash,” says Valledor. Tiller recommends using something like Lancome’s Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin or the Charlotte Tilbury Take It All Off Makeup Remover which works on all skin types. For a wallet-friendlier option, she likes the Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover.
Oil-based products work best. A cleansing balm, plain coconut oil, or even olive oil dissolves makeup effectively. Water alone removes very little makeup, especially anything oil-based or waterproof. Pure, unrefined coconut oil formulated for skincare is generally non-comedogenic. An oil-based cleansing balm applied directly to closed eyes softens and dissolves waterproof formulas. Let the balm sit for a few seconds, then gently massage and rinse.
Double cleansing
Double cleansing works best at night, when your skin carries a full day's worth of makeup, SPF, and environmental exposure. The art of removing waterproof mascara is not hard to master. You most likely already have the products you need for a thorough cleanse. Bad news: you might need to add an extra step in your skincare regimen-but it’s definitely an extra step worth adding.
Makeup Wipes
Makeup wipes provide a super quick solution for removing waterproof makeup with just one swipe. Tiller likes the classic Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, which does a good job of removing these long-lasting formulas and being gentle on the skin, while Bhatty recommends Sofie Pavitt’s Micellar Cleansing Pads.
Double Cleanse
For those heavy-duty smudge-proof waterproof mascaras, using a makeup remover or wipe alone might not be enough. That’s where a double cleanse comes in. “A double cleanse is your friend when it comes to [waterproof] makeup,” says Bhatty. “It’s the most effective and protective way to remove it.” You’ll first want to use an oil-based cleanser like the Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm to break down product. Then follow with either a gel or cream-based cleanser, like the Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse Daily Clarifying Gel Cleanser or Pond’s Cold Cream Cleanser, to remove any excess.
Micellar Water
With classics such as the French girl favorite Bioderma Sensibio H2O Cleansing Micellar Water, micellar water has long been a staple for removing dirt and impurities. It also becomes quite handy when wanting to clean off makeup without irritating the skin. Bhatty says you’ll want to soak a cotton pad and gently place it on the eye for a few seconds so that it loosens up the mascara. Then you can gently wipe product off. Valledor says micellar water might not be strong enough to remove some really tough waterproof formulas, so it may be best to consider it as the first part of a double cleanse.
Pressed for gentleness: Massage, press, and avoid rubbing hard. “The less rubbing the better,” says Tiller. With makeup remover, soak soft cotton pads or soft reusable cloths with product and press them against the lashes for a couple of seconds. She explains this will dissolve the makeup so you can gently wipe it away. With your oil-based and cream cleansers, you’ll want to use circular motions with your fingers to gently roll the product off for a thorough cleanse.
Gentle waterproof mascara formulas
Half the battle in taking off waterproof mascara takes place even before you put any makeup on. Being mindful of which type of to use will help tremendously in the removal process. Bhatty recommends a tubing mascara, which contains polymers that create a tube around the lash for easy removal. Her pick is the Victoria Beckham Vast Lash Mascara, which she calls a “dream to remove,” while we love the Milk Makeup Kush High Roll Tubing Mascara for a water-resistant formula that’s also super easy to take off for even the most sensitive eyes.
