In a Few Minutes Your Eyes Will Be Clear
There are several occasions where waterproof mascara is essential, like weddings, funerals, and workouts. A quality waterproof mascara will not run with tears or sweat, and can stand up to humidity.
However, it can be difficult to remove without damaging your lashes. Before you put on your no-smudge mascara, learn what makes it work well, how to take it off properly without harming your lashes, ,and which makeup removers are most effective .
How Waterproof Mascara Works
Waterproof mascaras are designed to resist water, but this is achieved through the use of different chemicals and compounds. Some of these ingredients may not be desirable, depending on their effects on your eyes, skin, and body.
Film Ingredients
Film Formers are a popular waterproofing ingredient commonly added to mascara formulations.
These chemicals are synthetic and include acrylates, silicones, and polymers. A film former works by creating a watertight cover over the surface of your lashes that prevents water from intruding.
Film formers can also be added to other types of cosmetics such as brow gels and foundations..
Silicones
Silicones make your lashes look smooth by creating a waterproof barrier. However, they can also lead to allergic reactions and eye sensitivity.
Polymers
Polymers are chemicals made of gigantic molecules. Thanks to these enormous molecules, a polymer can coat your lashes while defending them against water and perspiration. Even thoughpolymers are merely water-resistant as opposed to waterproof, they do have staying power and will last much longer than regular mascara.
However, keep in mind that polymers do eventually fade away. So if you’re going to be spending time in the pool or at the beach, it’s best to use a waterproof mascara instead of one with polymers.
Dimethicone
Dimethicone is another type of polymer that contains large molecules. Your skin cannot absorb these molecules easily, which means Dimethicone leaves a slippery surface where it’s applied. This also causes water to bead and roll away from the area.
While dimethicone can irritate skin, it’s also harmful for the environment. Dimethicone does not break down naturally, so it will stay in water supplies and potentially impact fish populations negatively.
Waxes
If you want a waterproof mascara that is safer than those made with chemicals, choose one made with wax. Plant-based waxes coat the lashes and create a barrier that repels water. These types of mascaras work in the same way they do for plants, by protecting their leaves from moisture.
Is It Harder to Remove Waterproof Mascara?
Since regular mascara is removed more easily than waterproof mascara, it’s essential that you cleanse your lashes correctly if you want to avoid damaging them.
If you use a waterproof film former, silicone, or polymer on your lashes, removal becomes even more difficult. To remove these products correctly and without damage, scrubbing must be avoided altogether.
Step By Step to Remove Waterproof Mascara
You can remove waterproof mascara by using a makeup remover with enough power to break down the chemical bonds that hold it in place. However, you don’t need to use a chemical-based makeup remover; any strong one will do the job.
Find the Best Remover
Waterproof mascara can be stubborn and difficult to remove, but by using a natural oil like coconut oil, you can clean your face without any threat to your skin or eyes.
You could also look for makeup wipes that contain organic raw coconut oil; these are perfect for keeping next to your bed so you’re never tempted to sleep with makeup on.
Coconut Oil + Tissue
Use a cotton pad, not a cotton ball, to remove waterproof mascara with raw coconut cream. This is because cotton balls can leave fibers attached to your lashes that end up in your eyes.
Gently heat a small amount of raw, organic coconut cream between your fingers. Then, spread it over your lashes in a circular motion to loosen the mascara. Finally, using a cotton pad or tissue, wipe the mascara away from your lashes.
Depending on the original lash formula, you may need to apply another coat of coconut cream to remove all residue.
Don’t Be Too Rough: Avoid Scrubbing
When you want to take your mascara off at the end of the day, never scrub or rub harshly at your lashes. You could yank them out by accident, and also cause redness and itching around your eyes. Be extra careful not to get any product in your eyes, either.
Place the Remover on Your Eyelid
If you use a coconut oil-based remover, take into consideration that holding it against your skin will make the coconut oil warm and more pliable.
When using this method of removing mascara, whether it be with a wipe or cream, let the product sit on your lashes for just a few seconds before wiping it away.
This provides time for the bonds between your mascara to begin to dissolve, so when you do wipe it off, there is little to no resistance!
Gently Massage the Lash Line
Gently massaging your makeup remover in a downward direction will never cause you to rub your lashes harshly, which can remove mascara. Instead of heading upwards or backwards, go down when using a cotton ball or pad with makeup remover on it.
It’ll be easier than you think because even though the majority of mascara is applied to the inside lashes, going from back to front will still get everything off.
Don’t Open Your Eyes
Be careful when removing your mascara. Even if your makeup remover is gentle, the chemicals in your mascara may not be.
To avoid any discomfort, keep your eyes closed when removing it. Also, splash lukewarm water on your lashes afterwards to make sure all product has been removed from both your lashes and eye area.
Use a Q-tip
Get rid of stubborn mascara by using a Q-tip with coconut cream instead of scrubbing.
Roll the Q-tip over any areas of your lashes or lash line that still have product stuck to them. If the Q-tip is too loosely wrapped, the fibers may get caught in your lashes, so it’s better to use one that is tightly wound.
Maybe You Need Double Cleanse
If you want to, use your favorite skin cleanser on your lashes after removing mascara; this ensures all the makeup has been removed. It isn’t necessary to do this though as it can also strip too much of your natural oils.
Raw coconut cream works great as an alternative face wash because its antimicrobial properties help remove dirt and oil while still being gentle on the skin.
What to Look for When Shopping For a Makeup Remover
You don’t need to add more toxins to your skin. Find a makeup remover that is safe for you and the environment.
The purest, most natural ingredients.
Natural ingredients are necessary to help us maintain our skin’s health. One of nature’s best gifts is coconut cream, which effortlessly removes makeup, surface oil, and dirt–leaving your skin feeling refreshed.
Non-Toxic Formula
Even waterproof mascara that’s difficult to remove can come off easily with a delicate makeup remover. Coconut oil wipes are powerfully effective, but they won’t make your skin dry or irritated.
Cosmetics That Haven’t Been Tested on Animals
Beauty should be joyful, not harmful. When you choose clean and natural makeup removers, you protect yourself and the environment.
Ingredients To Avoid
If you’re looking for the cleanest possible makeup removers, check out this list of ingredients that good natural makeup-removing products will never have.
Alcohol
Alcohol is a drying agent that will dehydrate your lashes and cause the skin around your eyes to dry out.
Petroleum
To avoid oil-based makeup removers, check the product label for petroleum or any of its derivatives, such as mineral oil and paraffin.
Half-refined petroleum, the majority in the U.S., contains harmful chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These carcinogens are dangerous for both people and nature.
Synthetic Fragrance
In the United States, companies are not legally required to list all of the ingredients used to produce a product’s scent.
This means that your makeup wipes could potentially contain dangerous toxins, even if you don’t see them listed on the label. If you see “synthetic fragrance” on an ingredient list, it’s best to avoid those products altogether.
Don’t Let Waterproof Mascara Ruin Your Day!
You’re going to want a good waterproof mascara for those days you cry, sweat, or go on a tropical vacation. But don’t forget that you’ll need a gentle, plant-based remover for when it’s time to take it off.
Choose the safest, most natural makeup removing products for your waterproof makeup removal.