Waterproof mascara is very practical. It doesn't run all day long and gives you a divine look from morning to night. But it is also known to be tenacious... How to avoid eyelash breakage when removing makeup? Follow the guide.

A timeless essential in the makeup bag, mascara comes in different forms including waterproof, ideal for keeping eye makeup all day long. Guaranteed to not smudge, it is our best friend in summer against sweat and water from the pool and the sea, but it can also quickly become annoying if we do not know how to remove it properly.

How to best define waterproof mascara?

To understand why you need to remove your makeup carefully, you first need to understand what waterproof mascara is. It is a type of mascara designed to resist water and humidity. It is formulated with hydrophobic ingredients that make it resistant to water and tears, but also to sweat. This makes it a number 1 choice for occasions when you sweat easily (very hot days), when you are exposed to water (swimming, a day at the beach or an event near water), or when you risk having tears in your eyes (a wedding for example). With it, you can be sure that there are no more mascara marks and panda eyes.

Unlike regular mascaras, waterproof formulas tend to contain more waxes and polymers to create that water- and weather-resistant formula. However, due to their durable nature, waterproof mascaras are often harder to remove than traditional mascaras... so it's necessary to use a makeup remover specifically designed for waterproof mascaras or a radical makeup remover oil to effectively remove mascara without damaging your lashes.

Be careful, as with any cosmetic product, it is important to take precautions and use waterproof mascara sparingly, because excessive or prolonged use can dry out the eyelashes and make them fragile...

Which makeup remover should I choose to remove waterproof mascara?

How to remove makeup when wearing waterproof mascara? Since it is designed to resist water, this type of mascara is much more difficult to remove than classic mascara. To remove it without the risk of damaging your eyelashes, you need to use a special makeup remover.

Makeup remover oil

Makeup remover oils are super effective at removing resistant mascara and waterproof makeup, because the fatty substances are able to dissolve the water-resistant ingredients. Simply apply a few drops of makeup remover oil to a cotton pad or directly to your fingers, then gently massage the eye area to carefully remove the mascara. Makeup remover oils are gentle on the skin and can also help moisturize the eyelashes. If you are too lazy to buy an oil specifically for mascara, know that a vegetable oil (walnut oil, almond oil, olive oil) will do the trick very well, nothing beats natural products for taking care of your skin.

Two-phase makeup remover

Bi-phase makeup removers are oil-based products that also contain a water component. They are specially designed to remove waterproof products and are therefore very effective at removing mascara. Shake the bottle well to mix the two phases, then apply the product to a reusable cotton pad before gently passing it over the eyelashes.

Waterproof makeup remover wipes

A little less of a fan of the concept because wipes have been aggressive and irritating to the skin for a very long time, but the world of beauty being what it is, the formulations are now gentler and respectful of the skin barrier. The wipes are impregnated with an effective makeup remover solution and can be used to remove stubborn mascara from eyelashes but also eye shadow and lip inks. It's the practical solution for removing makeup when you're on the go.

Taking care of your eyelashes after each application of waterproof mascara

It is important to make it a habit, especially if you frequently use waterproof mascara. Just like hair and eyebrows, eyelashes need to be maintained to avoid breakage. After being made up with waterproof mascara, eyelashes need to be pampered. This formulation, more aggressive than classic mascaras, can slightly damage the eyelash. It will be necessary to nourish and moisturize it accordingly to avoid breakage. How to do it? By simply administering a special nourishing eyelash serum and letting the eyelashes rest from all makeup for at least 24 hours.