How to get mascara off under your eyes?

Author: Prof. Rosamond Wolf DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, October 30, 2025

Using a cleansing oil to remove your makeup is a great solution, especially if the skin around your eyes tends to lack moisture more than the rest of your skin (which it typically does). Cleansing oils work much in the same way that coconut oil does; by sliding your mascara off your lashes.

How do you remove mascara from under your eyes?

One way to remove mascara smudges under the eye without ruining your makeup_alt is to use a cotton swab or a small makeup_alt brush dipped in micellar water . Gently dab the smudge until it lifts off , being careful not to rub or smear it .

What to do when mascara gets under your eye?

Flush with Water: Rinse your eye gently with clean, lukewarm water or saline solution. You can do this by leaning over a sink and letting water run into your eye or using an eye wash station if available. Blink Frequently: Blinking can help flush out the mascara naturally.

How to get rid of mascara stains under eyes without makeup remover?

Pure Vaseline. It removes all your mascara and eyeliner and eyeshadow. Just get some on your finger and rub both eyes with it Then get a piece of toilet paper or cotton round and wipe It off. Everything comes right off. No water no scrubbing. I've been doing it for 40 years.

What removes eye makeup from around the eyes?

Makeup remover (use anything that doesn't irritate your eyes; you can also use cold cream, cleansing lotion/balm, petroleum jelly (commonly known as Vaseline), or oils, such as mineral oil, olive oil, or coconut oil, but patch test to make sure it doesn't break you out or irritate your skin/eyes)

This will STOP Your Mascara from Smudging!

How do you clean under eye makeup?

Select a gentle, hypoallergenic eye makeup remover and avoid comedogenic oils to help prevent clogged pores and acne. Use a micellar makeup remover for a gentle rub without tugging the skin. Finish with a face wash to remove any remaining traces of makeup.

What can I use instead of eye makeup remover?

Alternative ways to remove makeup include using cleansing oil, cleansing balm, vaseline, moisturizer, or micellar water. Double cleansing is another effective skincare technique. Lukewarm water and gentle soap may also remove makeup from the skin.

How does Vaseline remove mascara?

Well, because Vaseline is petroleum-based. Therefore it can pretty much dissolve almost any kind of makeup gently, making it super easy to just wipe it right off. There you have it. Vaseline is also apparently excellent for removing waterproof mascara and eyelash glue.

What is the best thing to take off mascara?

Water-soluble mascara can gently be removed with micellar water. However, if you need to remove waterproof mascara, micellar cleansing wipes or special eye makeup removers are a good choice. They effortlessly and gently remove eye shadow, eyeliner and waterproof makeup from your skin and eyelashes.

How to get eye makeup off without a remover?

You can always turn to plain water to remove your makeup (including your eye makeup). It'll take longer, and you might not get as smooth and clean of a finish if you don't use some kind of oil or cleanser, but it will come off. Simply use a washcloth or cotton round and wet it with warm water.

What mascara doesn't smudge under eyes?

More Smudge-Proof Mascaras I Love
  • e.l.f. Lash Xtndr Tubing Mascara. $7 at Amazon $7 at Ulta $7 at Target.
  • Charlotte Tilbury Volumizing and Curling Mascara. $35 at Amazon $29 $15 at Sephora $29 at Ulta.
  • Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. View on Thrivecausemetics.com.
  • Maybelline Washable Mascara.

What happens if mascara gets behind your eye?

Failing to remove mascara and eye makeup from the eyes can lead to concretions, solid masses that form underneath the eyelids after material accumulation. The masses can erode the cornea, cause eye pain and irritation, and, left untreated, may lead to blindness.

How do you get rid of under eye puffs?

Lifestyle and home remedies
  1. Use a cool compress. Wet a clean washcloth with cool water. ...
  2. Cut down on fluids before bedtime and limit salt in your diet. ...
  3. Don't smoke. ...
  4. Get enough sleep. ...
  5. Sleep with your head slightly raised. ...
  6. Reduce allergy symptoms. ...
  7. Use cosmetics.

How to fix mascara under eye?

Here are 6 simple tricks to prevent mascara from smudging.
  1. Cleanse Your Face (and Lashes)
  2. Apply a Primer.
  3. Use a Tri-Locking Mascara.
  4. Lightly Dust Under the Eyes — Never Bake.
  5. (Occasionally) Wipe Your Undereyes.
  6. Apply Mascara Correctly.

What is the best eye makeup remover?

  • Best Budget. e.l.f Cosmetics Cleansing Balm. PHOTO: Amazon. $11 at Amazon $19 at Ulta $11 at Target. ...
  • Best for Mascara. Lancôme Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover. PHOTO: Nordstrom. ...
  • Best for Eyeshadow. Clinique Makeup Remover. PHOTO: Sephora. ...
  • Best Multitasking. Fenty Skin Melt Awf Jelly Oil Makeup-Melting Cleanser. PHOTO: Sephora.

How do you remove mascara without damaging your eyes?

Don't rub and tug at your lashes to get the mascara off, which can damage and irritate the delicate skin around your eyes. Instead, hold the saturated cotton wool over your eyes for at least 10 seconds to give the remover enough time to fully break down and dissolve the mascara. Step 3: Sweep it all away.

Can I sleep with mascara on?

“It can cause eye irritation, infections, and clogged hair follicles, which may result in styes. Mascara and eyeliner can transfer to your pillow, leading to further contamination and irritation,” Dr. Joel Kopelman, facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, tells Sleepopolis.

What mascara removes easily with water?

3 Mascaras that can be removed with water
  • Bobbi Brown Intensifying Long-Wear Mascara. This claims to give 16-hour wear, but thankfully I haven't had the chance to have mascara on my lashes for 16 long hours. ...
  • Estée Lauder Double Wear Zero-Smudge Lengthening Mascara. ...
  • Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara.

What is the best thing to use to remove mascara?

Water-soluble mascara can be removed with micellar water or a gentle makeup remover, and sometimes even a good cleanse with soap and water. Waterproof mascara requires a stronger removal agent. Oil-based makeup removers such as balms and cleansing oils are better at breaking down the formula of these mascaras.

What is the Vaseline mascara trick?

The hack is simple: Apply Vaseline or a lip balm to your eyelash curler, curl your lashes, and while you're holding the curler in place, use a clean spoolie to brush your lashes upward. According to TikTok, the Vaseline will help keep your lashes curled for much longer than a typical mascara application.

What is the best natural makeup remover?

Coconut oil may be the most versatile product in your beauty stash. We've found that the natural oil works as a moisturizer, hair treatment, cooking ingredient, and effective makeup remover. Just massage it into your skin like a cleansing balm and rinse with warm water, wiping the excess with a wet washcloth.

What removes eye makeup from around eyes?

Vaseline is a very effective makeup remover. It's lubricating, soothing to skin and helps makeup slide off without unnecessary tugging and pulling. Baby shampoo is an inexpensive and ophthalmologist-recommended product for washing eyelids and the area around the eyes.

How do dermatologists recommend removing makeup?

While micellar water is often a better choice for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin, oil-based cleansers are better at removing heavy or full faces of makeup. Many people rotate between the two depending on their particular concerns that day.

What should females use to remove eye makeup?

Use a gentle makeup remover and a soft cloth or pad. After-Removal Care: Consider using a hydrating eye cream to help repair and protect the skin around your eyes after removing makeup.

Previous article
What makes a face look more feminine?
Next article
What hair levels are considered blonde?