How to Remove Eye Makeup in 6 Easy Steps

Stubborn eye makeup—especially waterproof formulas—can be difficult to get off your delicate eye skin. Here are some common mistakes made when removing beauty products around your eyes:

1. 1. Excessive scrubbing: The skin around your eyes is the most delicate and sensitive skin on your face, and extensive scrubbing motions can cause premature aging and irritation. Instead of scrubbing when removing eye makeup, use gentle circular motions and allow the makeup remover or facial cleanser to do its job.
2. 2. Not waiting long enough for removers to work: Your face wash or cleansing water needs time to sit on your skin and break down your eye makeup (especially waterproof mascara and eyeliner). When removing eye makeup, let the makeup remover sit on your skin for at least ten seconds before you gently wipe it away.
3. 3. Using harsh skincare products: You may think if a product is tingling on your skin, that’s a sign that it’s working. However, tingly products often mean your skin has negatively reacted to the active ingredients, and irritation or breakouts may result. Opt for makeup removers that do not burn or sting when you apply them.

While removing your eye makeup is important, you want to ensure your method isn’t damaging your skin. Here’s a step-by-step guide to remove your eye makeup after a long day:

1. 1. Wash your hands. Before removing your makeup, wash your hands to avoid getting any dirt or bacteria in your eyes.
2. 2. Prep your makeup remover. Apply your favorite eye makeup remover to a clean cotton ball, cotton swab, cotton pad, or soft washcloth. There are many different types of makeup removers, including cleansing oil products (like mineral oil, baby oil, or coconut oil), water-based products (like oil-free micellar water), and facial cleansers specific to removing eye makeup. Prepackaged makeup wipes or alcohol-based makeup remover pads are convenient but not suitable for delicate skin areas. If you have sensitive eyes or skin, consider consulting a dermatologist or other skincare professional about which makeup remover is best for you.
3. 3. Gently apply the makeup remover. Press your cotton ball or washcloth to your closed eye and let it sit on your skin for at least ten seconds. This allows the product to break down your eye makeup without painful or damaging scrubbing motions. If you wear waterproof makeup, you may need to wait even longer or dab extra cleanser around the area.
4. 4. Swipe in a gentle downward motion. Once the product begins to break down your eye makeup, use gentle downward sweeps to remove the product from your face. Be extra careful when removing the product from your lash line to avoid getting the cleansing balm in your eyes.
5. 5. Repeat as needed. Repeat this process until your eye is completely free of makeup.
6. 6. Rinse. Do a full rinse of your eye area, especially the inner corner, to make sure you cleared all residue or leftover traces of makeup. Continue with the rest of your skincare routine, and finish off by applying moisturizing or hydrating products like eye cream to avoid irritation or dryness after your rinse.

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