How to Remove Waterproof Makeup

Waterproof makeup can be a great option for days when you know you’ll be in for a long haul and don’t want to have to worry about touchups every so often. It’s especially useful during wedding season when you might be outside for hours—and experiencing major waterworks.

The only downside: Waterproof makeup can be difficult to remove once you’re back home. Truth is, most of us probably don’t give all that much thought to how we’ll remove waterproof makeup at the end of the day when we’re applying it. But that doesn’t mean you should go to sleep in a full face, though. Doing that can lead to clogged pores, which can lead to breakouts (gasp!), since makeup can mix with the dirt and oil that’s built up on your skin during the day while you snooze. Yikes.

The good news is that removing waterproof makeup isn’t as impossible as you thought. Here are three ways we recommend to do so—using micellar water, makeup removing towelettes, and traditional waterproof eye makeup remover. The best part: None of these options involve harsh scrubbing, something you definitely want to avoid, especially when it comes to your delicate eye area!

How to Use Micellar Water to Remove Waterproof Makeup

Micellar water is a gentle cleansing option that can also be used to remove makeup—yes, even the waterproof kind. The L'Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof All Skin Types is powered by tiny micelles—oil molecules—that act like a magnet to help lift dirt, oil, and makeup off the skin. It removes makeup, including waterproof, cleans dirt and impurities, and intensely purifies—no rinsing or harsh rubbing required! It can be used on your face, lips, and eyes and is suitable for all skin types—even sensitive skin.

How to use the L'Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof All Skin Types: Saturate a cotton pad with the micellar water and wipe the pad over your face until your skin is completely clean. You can also use it to remove waterproof eye makeup. Hold the pad over closed eyes for a few seconds and then gently wipe to remove. You don’t have to follow up with any rinsing.

How to Use Makeup Removing Towelettes to Remove Waterproof Makeup

We get it: When you’re exhausted after a long day, the last thing you want to do is stand in front of your bathroom mirror scrubbing your face until you get every little last bit of waterproof mascara off. It doesn’t have to be that way. Stash a pack of the L'Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ Makeup Removing Towelettes, All Skin Types by your nightstand for easy access. These ultra-soft, alcohol-free makeup removing towelettes gently cleanse and remove all traces of makeup, even waterproof mascara and long-wear makeup.

How to use the L'Oréal Paris Ideal Clean™ Makeup Removing Towelettes, All Skin Types: All you have to do it take a towelette out of the packet and wipe away! Just make sure you close the pack afterwards so the other wipes don’t dry out. Follow up with moisturizer—keep your fave close to your bed as well so you can easily find it. Need a recommendation? Try the L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Oily Skin or L'Oréal Paris Hydra Genius Daily Liquid Care for Normal/Dry Skin, which are formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe water to help provide long-lasting hydration.

Traditional Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

Are you a fan of traditional eye makeup remover? Look no further than the L'Oréal Paris Clean Artiste Waterproof & Long Wearing Eye Makeup Remover. This double-action formula gently and easily removes waterproof and long-wearing makeup without leaving any greasy residue. It’s suitable for all skin types—even sensitive skin.

How to use the L'Oréal Paris Clean Artiste Waterproof & Long Wearing Eye Makeup Remover: Dip a cotton ball into the makeup remover, close your eyes, and gently sweep the cotton ball across your lids. Of course, do this gently!