How to Remove Waterproof Eyeliner: Tips and Techniques

Waterproof eyeliner is a long-lasting beauty product formulated to stay on your skin if your eyelids get wet. It consists of polymers and waxes that resist moisture and prevent the eyeliner from coming off during wear. As smudge-proof makeup, waterproof eyeliners are less likely to smear than regular eyeliners when you sweat, cry, or swim.

Follow these steps to remove your eyeliner with makeup removers. You can also use this process to remove other types of waterproof eye makeup, including waterproof mascara and eye shadow.

1. 1. Select a makeup remover. Choose a makeup remover that suits your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for a makeup remover with hydrating and moisturizing properties, such as a milk-based or cream makeup remover. For combination skin, makeup artists suggest using micellar water, a gentle product made of purified water and glycerin. Opt for micellar cleansing water or a gel-based remover if you have oily skin.
2. 2. Soak a cotton ball or pad. After selecting your eye makeup remover, soak a cotton pad with the product. Apply three to four drops of the product, soaking the entire cloth or cotton ball.
3. 3. Press the pad against your eyes. Gently press the saturated cotton pad against your closed eyelids, holding the pad in place for twenty seconds. The product will loosen the waterproof makeup and gently break down its adhesive properties.
4. 4. Wipe off the eyeliner. Avoid tugging and pulling the cotton pad against your sensitive eye area. Since the skin surrounding your eyes is delicate, use soft, upward motions to wipe off any remaining eyeliner. If removing a cat-eye liquid eyeliner look, position your cotton pad at the inner corner of your eye and gently move the pad across the top of your eyelid toward the outer edge of your eyelid.
5. 5. Use a cotton swab (optional). To remove any lingering eyeliner on your waterline, wet a cotton swab and dab the tip along your lower lash line. Your waterline rests on delicate skin, so using a cotton swab is a gentle and precise way to remove eye makeup.
6. 6. Cleanse your skin. Using a gentle cleanser, wash your face to remove any lingering dirt and makeup on your skin. Massage the face wash into your skin, using circular motions to melt and remove product buildup. Try a double cleanse to remove any stubborn eyeliner pigments lingering on your skin.
7. 7. Rinse and dry your face. Wash your face with warm water and gently pat dry with a reusable cloth. Finish your skincare routine with lotion and eye cream.

If you are out of makeup remover or makeup wipes, have sensitive skin, or are prone to eye irritation, you have other options to wash off your waterproof makeup. Follow this tutorial to remove eyeliner without makeup remover:

1. 1. Choose an eyeliner remover. Coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and petroleum jelly are everyday household products you can use as a DIY makeup remover. They loosen and break down cosmetics, helping to dissolve the adhesive chemicals in waterproof eye makeup. If you have dry skin, opt for a cleansing oil like coconut or olive oil, and for combination or oily skin, use jojoba oil or petroleum jelly to remove your waterproof makeup.
2. 2. Apply the product. Dispense a pea-sized amount of the product and apply the oil or petroleum jelly to your eye area. With gentle, circular motions, massage the area for ten seconds or until the liquid liner melts off.
3. 3. Rinse and dry your face. Apply your favorite face wash to cleanse your skin and finish removing your makeup. Using warm water, wash your skin, and gently dry your face with a clean towel before finishing your skincare routine.

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