Mascara is a beauty essential many people love, but it can be difficult to remove. Whether you've run out of your favorite store-bought makeup remover or want to take a more natural approach to cosmetics, it is possible to get regular and waterproof mascara off without racing to the drugstore before they close up shop.
5 Ways to Remove Mascara Without Makeup Remover
As wonderful as it is, mascara can cause your eyelashes to become dry, stiff, and brittle, and in some cases, may lead to lash loss over time. Because of this, it's important to focus on removing it properly. While there are many types of makeup removers at the drugstore, more people are turning to at-home alternatives. From things in your pantry to medicine cabinet staples, these are some of the ways to take off mascara without makeup remover.
Milk or Yogurt
It may not be the first ingredient that comes to mind, but dairy products like milk and yogurt have been found to effectively remove eyeliner and mascara. Milk can be used to hydrate the skin and remove stubborn products. All you need is a cotton ball and either whole milk or plain yogurt.
- Start by dipping a cotton ball into the milk (or yogurt).
- Lightly swipe the cotton pad across the eye area.
- Continue until all mascara has been removed.
- Thoroughly rinse with lukewarm water.
Baby Wipes
Maybe you've gotten used to taking off cosmetics with (admittedly not eco-friendly) handy makeup-removing wipes. These are so popular because they're quick, easy, and made for travel.
An alternative you might have on hand is baby wipes. These can be used instead of a traditional wipe, as they tend to be gentler and more suitable for sensitive skin. Plus, using baby wipes is often more affordable, where you can get more bang for your buck.
- Take one baby wipe out of the packaging and adjust the size. (Since these can be larger than a regular makeup wipe, you may want to cut/tear it in half or fold it a few times.)
- Gently wipe the cloth over the mascara.
- Rub in circular motions to remove all leftover product.
- Throw away the cloth once you've finished removing the mascara.
Vaseline
Another option is Vaseline or petroleum jelly. This hidden gem is likely sitting in your medicine cabinet already - and it has the ability to transform your evening routine.
Not only does StyleCraze call it the best eye makeup remover, but it's also affordable, hydrating, and efficient. If that wasn't enough, using this to remove mascara can actually make your eyelashes appear thicker as time goes on.
- Dab a cotton swab into the Vaseline.
- Run the swab along the lash line and on the eyelashes to break up the product.
- Use a cotton pad or washcloth to wipe it away.
- Wash your face as normal.
Related: Makeup Magic: What Clear Mascara Does & 4 Brands to Try
Cold Cream
Over the years, there have been many uses for cold creams, ranging from a foundation primer to a lip balm and body lotion. One unexpected way to put this vintage classic to use is to let your cold cream double as a makeup remover. An Allure article found that the combination of ingredients worked well to remove makeup and calm inflamed skin.
- Dab a small amount of cold cream onto your fingers.
- Close your eyes and carefully rub the cream over the eyelashes.
- Wipe away the product with a wet washcloth.
- Remove any excess water by dabbing a dry towel over the area.
Baby Lotion
Anyone with sensitive skin or concerns about irritation should reach for baby lotion when cleaning off their mascara. It's an excellent alternative to traditional removers, which can often be harsh and drying.
To remove makeup with items you have lying around (or can pick up for a reasonable price), reach for a bottle of Johnson's Baby Lotion. It's designed to be gentle on the skin, which lets you remove your mascara without unwanted irritation.
- Rub a small amount of lotion between your fingertips.
- Apply directly to the eyelashes.
- Move your fingers in circular motions to break up the mascara.
- Wipe off with a cotton pad or washcloth before cleansing your face.
How to Remove Waterproof Mascara Without Makeup Remover
When it comes to removing waterproof mascara, you might need to break out the big guns. Just like with eye makeup remover, oils or oil-based mixtures are the most effective at breaking down these long-lasting formulas. Plus, they add more moisture to your lashes, which is important since waterproof mascara can make them drier and more prone to breakage. Stick with these natural oils if you don't have traditional makeup remover at the ready.
Coconut Oil
From cooking to household tasks and beauty routines, coconut oil is a multi-talented ingredient if there ever was one. You most likely already have a jar of coconut oil somewhere in your house.
Medical Daily discusses the importance of natural oils in your skincare routine since they can cleanse the skin without being overly drying, which makes coconut oil a natural makeup-removing option.
- Scoop out a small amount of coconut oil and heat it up in your fingers until it becomes liquefied.
- Rub it onto a cotton pad.
- Close your eyes and press the cotton pad onto your eyelashes. Wait for 20-30 seconds for the product to dissolve.
- Slowly wipe away the waterproof mascara and rinse with lukewarm water.
Witch Hazel and Almond Oil
If coconut oil isn't your thing, witch hazel and almond oil work together to remove difficult eye makeup, waterproof mascara included! Well-known actress and lifestyle blogger Julianne Hough dubbed this her favorite all-natural eye makeup remover. This concoction easily removes waterproof makeup, doesn't sting or irritate the eyes, and can be stored for up to six months.
- Mix two tablespoons of witch hazel, two tablespoons of almond oil, and two tablespoons of water (preferably filtered) in a container.
- Shake the bottle well and apply the mixture to a cotton pad.
- Close your eyes and swipe the cotton pad over your eyelashes.
- Gently wipe away and rinse with lukewarm water.
What If You Have Lash Extensions?
While you can wear mascara with certain lash extensions, you shouldn't remove it with anything other than lash soap. Anything else might degrade the lashes or glue and may irritate your eyes. Keep your extensions safe by only cleaning them with the appropriate cleansers.
Must-Have Mascara Removal Tips
With plenty of removal options to consider, you're almost ready to say "so long" to today's makeup and "hello" to bedtime. Before you wrap things up, keep these tips in mind.
- If you struggle to remove waterproof mascara along the lash line, use a Q-Tip. It'll give you extra precision.
- Never scrub at your eyelashes. Be gentle! Otherwise, it can lead to eye irritation or even eyelash breakage.
- Be careful when you use cotton pads or wipes as too much force can pull out your eyelashes.
- If you find any mascara remover to be too harsh, moisten the cotton pad with warm water before you apply the removal ingredient.
Yesterday's Mascara Is a Thing of the Past
Removing your makeup doesn't have to be a painstaking process. There are many products and ingredients that can do the job just as effectively — and often more affordably — than store-bought alternatives. There's no need to carry yesterday's mascara around with you like a dead weight. Instead, clean up last night's mess with these surefire alternatives.
