How to Remove Waterproof Eyeliner Without Damaging Your Eyes
Your complete guide on how to remove your waterproof eyeliner with step-by-step and gentle techniques, product breakdown, and simple tips and tricks.
I love a little bit of eyeliner for daily wear. I hate removing it, though, especially when it’s waterproof, and I’m bone-tired after a whole day of work and errands. Before I can sink into my bed, however, I need to remove the waterproof eyeliner. Otherwise, I’m risking serious bacterial infections.
Waterproof eyeliner is made of complex polymers and waxes that repel sweat, humidit and tears. The same factors that keep it in place all day also make it difficult to remove.
We’ve compiled a handy guide to help you safely and easily remove your waterproof eyeliner so you can get under the covers as soon as possible, without being rough on the delicate skin around your eyes.
Why do I need to take off my eye makeup?
It’s tempting to sleep in your eyeliner and just wash it off in your morning routine. However, there are a bunch of reasons this is a very bad idea.
- Waterproof eyeliner looks like it won’t move, but overnight, the layers can flake into tiny particles that can clog the glands on your eyelids. This can prevent the glands from releasing the oils that keep your lashes and lids healthy, causing dryness, peeling and inflammation.
- That’s not all these particles can do. The gritty eyeliner flakes can get under your lids as you sleep and spend all night scratching your delicate corneas. The result is a painful morning with irritated and puffy eyes.
- Wait, there’s more! Waterproof eyeliner particles can collect on your pillow and then transfer to your face while you sleep. They can clog pores and lead to breakouts.
- Eyeliner, especially when the product is old, can harbour bacteria. Leaving it on overnight gives this bacteria plenty of time to multiply and cause painful and unsightly (pun intended) infections such as styes.
What Products Can I Use to Remove My Waterproof Eyeliner?
Makeup Removers work by dissolving makeup, so when your eyeliner is waterproof, water-based makeup removers or cleansers simply won’t work. Here are some of the stronger remover options available and their features:
|
Makeup Remover Type |
Strength |
Skin Type |
Needs Double Cleansing |
Extra features |
|
Micellar Water |
✔ |
Oily |
No |
Light and non-greasy |
|
Bi-phase |
✔✔✔ |
All Skin Types |
No |
Must be shaken before use |
|
Balms |
✔✔✔ |
Dry |
Yes |
Sustainable, as they can be wiped with a reusable cloth |
|
Lotions |
✔✔ |
Dry and Sensative |
Yes |
Good for sensitive skin |
|
Wipes |
✔✔✔ |
All Skin Types |
No |
Convenient for travel and storage |
A Step-by-Step Removal Guide
Here’s a step-by-step guide to removing your waterproof eyeliner:
- Remove lashes and anything else glued on the eye area.
- When using a liquid remover, soak a soft cotton pad in the product and place it on your closed eye for a few seconds.
- Gently wipe the pad downwards a couple of times until the waterproof eyeliner on the upper lid has been removed.
- For a cat's eye or wing, gently wipe the pad from the inner corner to the outer corner.
- Next, wipe the under-eye area in an upward motion to remove residue and eyeliner under the eye.
- If you can still see any waterproof eyeliner in your lashes or waterline, then soak a Q-tip in the product and gently wipe it away.
a. If you’re using a balm, oil, or lotion, then gently massage the product onto your closed eyes until the makeup is erased.
b. Wash the product off with a cleanser or wipe it off with a soft cloth, cotton pad, or wipe. - Remove the rest of your makeup and continue with your usual nightly skincare routine.
Eyeliner Removal Don’ts
The thinnest skin on your body is found in and around your eyes. It’s important to make sure you’re not damaging it as a part of your regular makeup application and removal routines. Being too rough on your eyes can cause wrinkles, discoloration, and it can also make dark circles worse.
- Don’t just pick any product. Choose removers that are best suited to your skin type. Look for labels such as ‘non-comedogenic’ or ‘for sensitive skin’.
- Don’t scrub or tug! Leave the product-soaked pad on for longer to soften the makeup instead. For lotions and balms, rub the eye area in gentle circular motions for a few extra seconds.
- Avoid removers with fragrances, alcohols, animal-based oils, or parabens if you have sensitive skin or concerns about non-halal products.
FAQs
What can I do to reduce the chances of catching an eye infection from my makeup?
Don’t keep your eyeliner or makeup removal products past their Period After Opening (PAO) date. Discard them as soon as you notice any changes in texture, smell, or application. Never share your eye makeup with anyone, as this can increase the risk of infection.
Can I use DIY makeup removers to take waterproof eyeliner off?
Edible oils such as coconut, olive, and jojoba can be used as waterproof eyeliner removers since they dissolve the ingredients that keep them it place. You can also use plain petroleum jelly. Take care to use only light oils such as jojoba if you have oily skin.
Can I use my regular face makeup remover to remove waterproof eyeliner?
While face makeup remover can remove eye makeup, it is best to use especially formulated eye makeup remover for heavy eye makeup looks that use waterproof eyeliner, mascara, and eyeshadow. These are also gentler on the eyes.
How long are eye makeup removers good for?
Removers are good for their PAO or Period After Opening date and should be discarded immediately after. Do not use removers if you notice a change in their smell or texture.
Is it okay to use eye makeup remover every day?
Yes, makeup removers are safe to use every day and can be incorporated into your daily skincare routine.
Conclusion
To keep your skin fresh and free of infection, remove your waterproof eyeliner every night. There are many makeup removal products to choose from, each suited to your skin type, budget, and lifestyle. Finally, following proper technique helps prevent skin damage from harsh movements and makes removal a breeze!
Healthy Eyes Start with Premium Quality Makeup
Choose waterproof eyeliners from premium brands such as Haya Beauty. They use high-quality, non-irritating, non-toxic, and halal ingredients that are less likely to cause problems from long and regular wear.
Sources
- Indian Journal of Ophthalmology: Updates on Upper Eyelid Blepharoplasty - A review of the Blepharoplasty surgery with details on preoperative workup, the surgical procedure itself, postoperative care, and complications.