Removing mascara might not sound like a significant issue but removing it improperly can irritate the eyes and break the lashes. Removing it correctly and with the right product will keep your lashes healthy and strong, whether it’s waterproof mascara or the usual everyday mascara type.
In this blog, we are going to teach you how to remove mascara without damaging lashes or sensitive skin around the eyes.
Why Is Mascara Removal Important?
Mascara coats your lashes with pigment, waxes, and oils for added length, depth, and fullness. With this in mind, when you come to get it off at the end of the day, it’s not easy on those lashes.
When Mascara Isn’t removed Properly
- Lash Breakage: Constant tugging or pulling can lead to broken lashes.
- Eye Irritation: The small particles of the mascara may irritate your eyes and might cause redness and other complications.
- Premature Aging: The skin around your eyes is sensitive, and constant rubbing may lead to wrinkles.
- Eye Infections: When left overnight, bacteria accumulate, which may lead to infections, such as conjunctivitis, also referred to as pink eye.
How to Remove Mascara Step by Step
Wondering how you should remove your mascara safely without damaging your eyes or causing an infection? Don’t worry, here are some of the easy steps you can follow to remove mascara easily:
Step 1: Select the Proper Remover
Not all makeup removers are made equal, and using the wrong one makes mascara removal unnecessarily tough. Here is a break-down of what options are available for removal:
- Oil-Based Removers: Use these if your mascara is waterproof. This is because oils break down the waxy (waterproof) type of makeup. Coconut or olive oil, as well as virtually any other oil-based makeup remover, can work.
- Micellar Water: For normal mascara, the gentler micellar water will be more gentle as tiny molecules of oil dissolved in the water attract and dissolve makeup without oil residue.
- Balm: This is great for people who want something like a pure indulgence and hydrating experience that dissolves all forms of tough mascara.
- Dual Phase Removers: Oil and water mixed. Shake before use because the oil dissolves makeup and water cleans all residue off. Nothing is like this at work with waterproof mascara.
Step 2: Prepare Your Skin
Lubricate your eye area by letting lukewarm water run through your eyes to soften the mascara just enough. This will reduce the scrubbing you will have to do further into the process.
Step 3: Use a Cotton Pad or Soft Material Cloth
You can use a soft cotton pad, cotton ball, or microfiber cloth. These are gentle on the skin and do not irritate the skin at all. Avoid using rough washcloths or tissue paper as they tend to tug on the skin and cause irritation.
Step 4: Soak and Hold
Apply it to a cotton pad and do not begin rubbing right away. You gently push the pad on the closed eyelid for around 20-30 seconds. Allow the product to break down the mascara for a bit. Be patient because this step loosens up the formula, and you will find it much easier to wipe off.
Step 5: Wipe Gently
Now, gently wipe the pad in the direction of your lash growth. Never rub in a side-to-side motion because this makes you likely to break or lose your lashes. Repeat this process until most of the mascara is gone.
Step 6: Clean Up Any Leftovers
Sometimes, some stubborn mascara remains clinging to the bottom of your lashes or the lower lash line. Use some makeup remover again and dip a cotton swab in so you can run it gently along the lash line to get rid of everything without rubbing or scrubbing.
Step 7: Double Cleanse
Even after removing makeup with a remover, a gentle face wash is a must because it washes away any leftover makeup and oil that could interfere with your moisturizer. Choose a hydrating or moisturizing cleanser that will treat your skin after the elimination process.
Step 8: Moisturize
Mascara may dry out your lashes and the sensitive skin around your eyes. So, right after cleaning, apply a moisturizing eye cream to keep your skin hydrated. You can also use lash serum or apply natural oils like castor oil to condition your lashes to promote healthy growth.
Homemade Removers for Mascara
If you are short on time or prefer natural remedies, several household items can be used to remove mascara effectively:
- Coconut Oil: This is one of the best natural alternatives for dissolving waterproof mascara. Heat a small amount between your fingers and gently massage it onto your lashes then use a cotton pad to wipe it off.
- Aloe Vera & Witch Hazel: Use equal amounts of aloe vera gel along with witch hazel. This is one of the soothing and gentle makeup removers. The aloe hydrates, while the witch hazel cleanses.
- Sweet Almond Oil: This oil is rich in vitamins and nutrients for healthy lash and skin health. Like coconut oil, it can dissolve makeup, allowing your lashes to condition in the process.
The Bottom Line
The health of your lashes and the general skin around your eyes depends on good removal of mascara. Using gentle products with patience, along with knowing how to apply mascara correctly, can give you long & strong lashes.
