Find out how you can apply and remove your waterproof mascara without damaging your eyelashes.
If you are like us or 99% of women around the world, you would clearly know which makeup product is your favourite. No makeup product is loved as much as mascara. A mascara adds volume to your eyelashes and completely changes your overall look.

You will be amazed to know that most women go for an only-mascara look on every day to work. Even if you apply mascara and a lip tint, you are completely ready for work.
Mascara is one of the most sold products around the world. A majority of people go for waterproof mascara. This is because it can withstand anything. From seat to water to tears, you can trust this mascara to stay in all kinds of situations. However, for some people, waterproof mascara is quite a hassle. There have been complaints of dehydrated lashes and discomfort while mascara removal.
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For us, as long as you know how to apply and remove your waterproof mascara, it is one of the best things you can own. In this article, we have helped you find out the easy application and removal of waterproof mascara.
We can’t run away from the fact that waterproof mascara causes immense dryness on lashes. It dehydrates your lashes by creating a strong wall between moisture and your lashes. Dehydrated lashes are weak and brittle. They tend to break easily. To avoid that, apply a lash primer on your lashes before the application of mascara. Don’t wait for the primer to dry. Apply your mascara when the primer is still wet.
When applying mascara, start with the base of your lashes and slowly move towards the end of your lash tips. Use a firm grip but apply with precision and care. You do not want any mascara on your face, do you?
Waterproof mascara is all fun and games until you need to remove it. To attain a mascara-free face without breaking any eyelashes is a big challenge. Since waterproof mascara can stand humidity, rainy days and tears, it is not easy to remove it from your eyelashes.
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It does sound tricky but we are here to guide you. Read ahead to understand different tricks that can help you remove your stubborn mascara.
Since removing waterproof mascara isn’t an easy job, you do require something intense and super-effective to deal with it. Makeup often requires something a little more intense. Eye-makeup removers with oil based formulas work quite well with mascara removal. Besides, these formulas also fill your lashes with much-needed moisture.
To remove all your mascara in a single go, follow the steps below.
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This step-by-step process will not only help you save your eyelashes but will also remove all the mascara in one go without you looking like a homeless raccoon.
We know the above process is enough to get rid of all the mascara but what about lash aftercare? After this removal method, apply an eye serum or a lash mask to protect your lashes from falling and strengthening their bond with your eyes.
Now that you know how easy it is to apply and remove mascara, do not hesitate to spend your money on waterproof mascara. It doesn’t spread and stays on your eyes for as long as you want. Also, it makes you look beautiful!
Frequently Asked Questions
Start at the base of your lashes and wiggle the wand slightly as you move upward toward the tips. Always apply a lash primer first while it’s still wet. This prevents clumping and gives the mascara something to grip without drying out your lashes.
Yes, always. Waterproof mascara creates a moisture barrier that dehydrates lashes over time. A lash primer applied before the mascara (while still wet) acts as a protective coat, keeping your lashes hydrated and preventing brittleness and breakage.
Two thin coats are ideal. Apply the first coat from root to tip, let it set for 30 seconds, then apply the second coat. More than two coats increases the risk of flaking and makes removal significantly harder.
Yes, but use a small, precision wand or a cotton bud dipped in mascara for lower lashes. Waterproof formulas are especially good for lower lashes since they resist smudging under the eye throughout the day.
A good waterproof mascara can last 12-16 hours without smudging, flaking, or running, even through sweat, humidity, or tears. This makes it ideal for long workdays, weddings, or outdoor events.
The easiest method is using an oil-based makeup remover mixed with coconut oil or baby oil. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture, hold it gently against your closed eye for 30 seconds, then slide it downward. This dissolves the formula without tugging or pulling your lashes.
Regular micellar water is often not strong enough for waterproof formulas. You need a bi-phase or oil-infused micellar water specifically designed for eye makeup. Shake it well before use and allow it to sit on the lashes for at least 20-30 seconds before wiping.
Never rub or scrub. Always press, hold, and gently slide downward. Use an oil-based remover on a cotton pad, hold it against the eye for 30 seconds to break down the formula, then use a clean cotton bud to clean residue from the corners and underside of lashes.
Yes. Coconut oil is one of the most gentle and effective natural options for removing waterproof mascara. Its fatty acid composition breaks down the waterproof film without irritating the eyes. It also conditions your lashes after removal.
Absolutely. Baby oil is a dermatologist-approved, gentle option for removing stubborn eye makeup, including waterproof mascara. Mix it with your regular makeup remover for a more powerful, yet gentle solution.
Waterproof mascara itself doesn’t directly cause lash loss; improper removal does. Rubbing and pulling dry mascara off the lashes breaks them at the root. Always use an oil-based remover and allow it to dissolve the product before wiping.
Apply an eye serum or a lash conditioning mask after removal. Waterproof formulas dry out the lashes, so replenishing moisture after every use keeps lashes strong, prevents breakage, and supports healthy regrowth over time.
Waterproof mascara is safe when used correctly and removed gently. The concern arises when it is removed harshly or worn continuously without proper lash aftercare. Using a primer before application and an oil-based remover at the end of the day significantly reduces any risk.
Regular mascara uses a water-based formula that is easier to remove but smudges with moisture. Waterproof mascara uses waxes and silicones that repel water, sweat, and tears. Waterproof mascara holds curl better and lasts significantly longer, but requires an oil-based remover.
You can, but make sure you follow a strict removal routine every night using an oil-based cleanser, and use a lash serum regularly to maintain lash health. Wearing it every day without proper aftercare can lead to dry, brittle lashes over time.
Filed under: Makeup & Hair, Tips and Myths
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