I get it, waterproof mascara is like your bestie at a pool party, but when it’s time to take it off, suddenly, it’s more like a clingy ex who won’t leave. Waterproof mascara is STRONG, OK? And that’s awesome when you need your lashes to stay perfect through rain, sweat, or full-on crying sessions (because we’ve all been there). But by the end of the day, when you’re face-to-face with the bathroom mirror, rubbing your lashes like:
“GUESS I’ll JUST HAVE TO LIVE WITH THESE LASHES ON FOREVER NOW.”
…you realize maybe this relationship isn’t so sweet anymore.
We all know that makeup remover is the obvious go-to for ditching super-stubborn waterproof mascara, but maybe you ran out, or you’re just trying to avoid buying yet ANOTHER product for your skin. Been there! So let me hit you with some easy, fun-to-do hacks for removing waterproof mascara when you don’t have makeup remover. (Consider this my way of saving you from scrubbing your lashes off like a psycho.)
1. Coconut Oil is Bae
Coconut oil is like that friend who can do it all: moisturize your hair, skin, and even take off makeup. So of course, when your waterproof mascara is trying to act slick, coconut oil is ready to swoop in and save the day.
How to use it?
- Scoop up a smidge of coconut oil (you don’t need a lot) and rub it between your fingertips.
- Close your eyes, and gently rub the oil on your lashes. It’ll start to break down the mascara, loosening its grip.
- Use a soft cotton pad or a tissue to wipe everything off. If you feel like your eyeliner and mascara are still there holding hands, gently rub again.
- Wash your face after because nobody wants to be an oil slick, right?
Trust me, your lashes will thank you because coconut oil not only cleanses, but ALSO moisturizes like it was meant to. But if coconut oil is not your thing (or you ran out because it’s literally good for everything), don’t sweat; I’ve got more tricks.
2. Aloe Vera Gel & Baby Oil Mix
Now don’t side-eye me if you never thought of baby oil past diaper-changing days. Baby oil is, like, so underrated for removing makeup and paired with aloe vera gel? That’s a whole vibe. Here’s how you can mix these two to make a winning combo for your lashes.
Let’s go DIY:
- Mix one part baby oil and one part aloe vera gel (use that 100% aloe vera gel from the drugstore that’s basically magic in a bottle).
- Dab a little of that mix onto a cotton ball, and just press it against your lashes for a few seconds before gently wiping it.
- Repeat until your lashes are free (because ain’t nobody got time for half-done jobs).
This mix does wonders because the aloe vera soothes—so no irritated eyes after. Plus, your eyelashes get soft and conditioned. So win-win!
3. Olive Oil—Not Just For The Kitchen 😏
Olive oil isn’t just that thing you drench your pasta in; if you’re in a pinch, it can easily replace makeup remover. It’s actually heavy-duty for waterproof mascara AND super conditioning for your lashes. Olive oil = lash goals. Bonus: It’s cheap and multitasks in your life.
Quick Tutorial:
- Grab a cotton round (or tissue, whatever you’ve got on hand), dab a little olive oil onto it, and press it gently on your lashes.
- Let it sit for a few seconds to work its magic. Seriously, this patience will pay off (you’re welcome).
- Gently wipe off the mascara. No scrubbing is necessary. If scrubbing is happening, pause girl; you’re doing it wrong.
Then, wipe off any oily residue with a damp washcloth or splash your face with warm water.
Mascara struggles? Olive oil to the rescue!
4. Petroleum Jelly = Always A Classic
OK, I know, I know. I can see your side-eye across the screen; does anyone even USE petroleum jelly anymore? Well, yeah, fam! Because I’m telling you, Vaseline totally works for breaking down waterproof mascara. And with that glossy lash finish? You low-key feel like you’re about to walk a runway.
Slay those lashes (safely):
- Pull out that jar of Vaseline that’s been hiding in your bathroom cabinet for YEARS (seriously, that stuff lasts forever).
- Apply a small amount onto your lashes—just massage it with your fingertips while eyes closed. The petroleum jelly will slowly melt away the mascara like magic.
- Use a damp cotton round or warm cloth to wipe everything off when you’re done.
This stuff is no joke for being multi-purpose—cheap and effective all day.
5. Milk & Honey Cleanse (Yes, You Read That Right)
Alright, hear me out before you come for me with the weirdness. Milk and honey aren’t just for sipping on when you’re feeling all cozy. They’re actually natural cleansers that have been around since Cleopatra was doing makeup on fleek. Wild, huh?
Here’s How You Do It:
- Mix one tablespoon of milk and a half tablespoon of honey in a small bowl and stir it until it’s uniform.
- Take a cotton pad, soak it in the mixture, and press it on your lashes like you would with makeup remover. Give it a few nice pats.
- Gently wipe and rinse it off with lukewarm water.
You get smooth, clean lashes PLUS added nourishment. That sounds pretty bougie to me for something you probably already have in your kitchen. (And bonus: It’s all-natural & non-irritating.)
6. Micellar Water (Just Had To Mention It)
I know this one’s not exactly a secret, but in case you’re new to the micellar water trend (where have you BEEN), let me give you the lowdown. Micellar water is basically that thing you didn’t know you needed. It’s not makeup remover per se (so I’m not breaking my rules by mentioning it), but it does a killer job of taking off waterproof mascara.
And it doesn’t even need rinsing! (Though, if you like rinsing after, by all means, go for it.) It literally pulls dirt and makeup from your skin like a magnet, and YES, your lashes count.
How To Use It:
- Just take a cotton pad soaked in micellar water, press it on your lashes, wait for a few seconds for the water to do its work, and wipe it away. Simple!
Micellar water is suuuuper gentle, even for sensitive babes, so like…what are you waiting for?
7. Steam It Out
Okay, okay! Maybe you have NONE of the above options handy. I got you—hold off on that dramatic sigh of frustration (girl, I feel you), because this method is all about using just water: Hot water, specifically. The good news is that steam can loosen tough mascara, just to make any oil/coconut oil/other stuff you’re using work better.
How:
- Boil some water—careful not to go burning your face, K?
- When the water’s piping hot, lean your face over the steam (make sure to keep your face far enough so you’re not burning yourself) and let the steam hit those lashes for a minute or two.
- The steam softens your mascara, making it wayyy easier to remove afterward. Follow it with some coconut oil or Vaseline, and you’re good to go!
So yeah, no gimmicks, no fancy techniques, just straight-up honesty over removing that stubborn mascara when you’re out of makeup remover. Your lashes will still be cute, and you’ll have spent NO extra cash.
Now that you’ve got your hands on all this great knowledge, throw away those excuses for not taking off your waterproof mascara, OK? Because we all know nothing good comes from going to bed with mascara still clinging to your lashes. Think of your skin, your future glittery makeup looks, and your trusty pillows that really don’t appreciate any leftover mascara stains.
Byeeee waterproof mascara struggle!
