Waterproof eyeliner is a great invention. It is long-lasting and smear-resistant and stays in place all day long. But there comes a time when you must remove it, and here lies the catch. How do you remove eyeliner from skin?
There are a few effective options when it comes to removing eyeliner from skin. These are:
- Eye makeup remover
- Makeup wipes
- Micellar water
- Petroleum jelly
- Natural oils
Read on to find out more.
Is Eyeliner Bad For Your Skin?
If you’re wondering whether eyeliner is bad for your skin, remember that it is specially designed for sensitive eye areas.
Manufacturers have a legal responsibility to ensure that products are safe to use in a customary way or in accordance with label instructions.
That being said, if you have sensitive eyes, look for products that are hypoallergenic.
It is also important to remove your eyeliner before bed. Not doing so could result in eye irritation.
And generally speaking, you should not leave makeup on your skin overnight.
Doing so can impede the skin’s natural renewal process while you sleep.
This can result in dull skin, build-up, bacterial infections, and even premature aging.
Also Read: How To Wear Eyeliner Without Foundation
Does Eyeliner Stain Skin?
Most quality eyeliner brands should not stain the skin if you remove your makeup at night following one of the cleansing methods below.
Always be sure to remove your makeup before bed thoroughly, as not doing so can irritate your eyes and impede the natural skin renewal process that occurs while you sleep.
How To Remove Eyeliner From Skin
There are a few effective methods for removing eyeliner from skin. There are some general rules to follow, however, for each method:
- Don’t wash your face before removing your eyeliner: this will cause the eyeliner to smear all over your face.
- Instead, wash your face after removing makeup. This will ensure your skin is squeaky clean and free of product build-up and impurities.
- Cotton pads are better for removing eye makeup than cotton balls. Cotton balls may leave behind fibers which can get stuck in your eye.
- Don’t pull or tug on the skin too much when removing eye makeup. The skin around the eye is delicate, and rough treatment can cause wrinkles to form.
1. Eye Makeup Remover
Unlike traditional makeup remover, eye makeup remover is specially formulated for use around sensitive eye areas.
How To Use:
- Soak a cotton pad with the product.
- Close your eye.
- Press the cotton pad against your eyelid for 20 seconds. This allows the makeup remover time to break down the eyeliner, making it easier to remove. You can wiggle the pad slightly to help get the product between your lashes.
- Gently wipe away the eyeliner with downward strokes. Be careful not to tug or scrub on the skin.
2. Makeup Wipes
Makeup wipes are a convenient option for removing makeup in one go. They are easy to pop in your bag while traveling and for use on the go.
If you’re planning to use them to remove eye makeup, look for wipes that are specially formulated for use around the eyes.
Choose wipes that are alcohol and fragrance-free.
How To Use:
- Close your eye.
- Gently wipe along the upper lid from the inner corner to the outer corner.
- Repeat for the lower eyelid.
- To wipe along the base of the eyelashes, use the edge of the wipe.
- Change to a new corner of the wipe for each eye, so cross-contamination doesn’t occur.
3. Micellar Water
Micellar water is a gentle yet effective cleanser that is suitable for all skin types. Many brands of micellar water can also be used to remove waterproof eye makeup.
How To Use:
- Soak a cotton pad with micellar water.
- Close your eye.
- Press the cotton pad against your eyelid for 20 seconds. This will allow the micellar water to break down the eyeliner. You can wiggle the pad slightly to help get the product between your lashes.
- Gently wipe away the eyeliner with downward strokes. Be careful not to tug or scrub on the skin.
4. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is an excellent moisturizer for dry skin. It can also help heal minor skin injuries, such as cuts. But did you know you can also use it to remove eye makeup?
Petroleum jelly is safe for use around the eyes, but always purchase 100% petroleum jelly from a reputable brand.
Crude petroleum jelly can contain potentially dangerous contaminants.
How To Use:
- Swipe a cotton swab in some petroleum jelly. There should be enough so that there is a thin layer of petroleum jelly on the swab, and not a big glob that could fall off.
- Close your eye.
- Run the swab along the base of your eyelashes, then wait a few seconds. Then remove the petroleum jelly and eyeliner with the clean end of the swab. If you don’t get it all off first time, use another clean cotton swab.
- Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. If you get any petroleum jelly in your eyes, rinse with warm water. It may cause your vision to blur temporarily.
5. Natural Oils
Natural oils are a gentle and highly effective way of removing waterproof eyeliner. Natural oils will dissolve and break down waterproof eyeliner so it can be easily wiped away.
You could use:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Jojoba oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Argan oil
- Shea butter
Be sure to use an oil that is cold-pressed and unrefined for the highest quality oil.
How To Use:
- Close your eye.
- Use your fingertips to gently massage the oil over the eyelid. Be sure to run your finger along the lash line to remove the eyeliner.
- Wait ten seconds.
- Use a cotton pad to gently wipe away the oil and makeup with downward strokes.
- Wash your face to remove all traces of oil and eyeliner.
How to Remove Eyeliner from Your Waterline
If you struggle to remove eyeliner from your waterline, the best method is to use a Q-tip. Dip the Q-tip in an oil-based eye-makeup remover, which will help to break the eyeliner down quickly.
How To Correct Eye Makeup Mistakes
Again, a Q-tip is your savior here!
If you have accidentally drawn a shaky line or flicked your wing too far, a Q-tip dipped in micellar water is the simplest method to correct it.
It’s best to avoid an oil-based eye-makeup remover for correcting simple mistakes, as you don’t want to get oil in the rest of your eye makeup.