How to Remove Eye Makeup Gently

The best way to remove eye makeup is slowly. The skin around the eyes is the thinnest on the face, and the lashes are easily pulled out. Rubbing with a dry wipe leaves makeup behind and irritates both. A soaked pad, held still for a few seconds, does the work for you.

Why it matters

• Mascara left on overnight dries the lashes and makes them brittle.
• Flakes of old makeup can fall into the eyes and irritate them.
• Leftover makeup and oil can block the tiny glands along the eyelid edge.
• Rubbing stretches delicate skin and can worsen irritation.

Choose a remover

For sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers, choose a fragrance-free product labeled as suitable for the eye area. Take lenses out before you begin.

The press-and-hold method

1. Wash your hands.
2. Soak a cotton pad, or a reusable pad, with remover. It should be wet but not dripping.
3. Close one eye and press the pad gently over the lid and lashes.
4. Hold for 10 to 20 seconds. This gives the remover time to dissolve the makeup. Hold longer for waterproof mascara.
5. Wipe downward in the direction of the lashes, then gently outward across the lid.
6. Fold the pad to a clean side and repeat until it comes away clean.
7. Clean the lash line. Look up and run a damp cotton swab along the roots of the lower lashes, then close the eye and do the same along the upper lashes.
8. Cleanse your whole face with your usual cleanser to remove residue.
9. Pat dry and apply your eye cream or moisturizer.

Using a balm or oil

1. With dry hands, massage a small amount over your closed eyes with your ring fingers, using light circles.
2. Add a little water and massage again. The product turns milky.
3. Rinse with lukewarm water, keeping your eyes closed.
4. Follow with a gentle cleanser if the product directs it.

Micellar Water vs Cleansing Balm: Key Differences compares micellar water and cleansing balm.

Removing specific products

• Waterproof mascara: a dual-phase remover or an oil-based cleanser, with a longer hold. Do not tug.
• Tubing mascara: warm water and gentle pressure. The "tubes" slide off the lashes.
• Glitter: press a piece of low-tack tape lightly on the lid to lift loose particles first, then use an oil-based remover.
• Long-wear liquid liner: hold a soaked cotton swab on the line for a few seconds, then wipe.
• Lash glue: soak with oil-based remover before peeling. See How to Apply and Remove False Lashes.

What to avoid

• Rubbing back and forth.
• Dry makeup wipes used alone. They drag on the skin and leave residue. If you use a wipe, press and hold it, then rinse your face.
• Soap or foaming face wash rubbed into the eyes.
• Petroleum jelly or kitchen oils if you are prone to blocked glands or wear lenses.
• Removers that sting. Change to a different one.

Pads and cloths

Flat cotton pads shed less than cotton pads balls. Reusable cloth pads work well if they are washed after each use. See Reusable Makeup Remover Pads: Materials and Care.

If your eyes are often irritated

Redness, itching, crusting at the lash roots or frequent styes can have several causes, including makeup that is not fully removed, an old product or an allergy. Replace your mascara, stop wearing eye makeup for a few days and see a doctor or optician if it does not settle.

Eye makeup removal is the first step of the evening routine in Nighttime Skincare Routine: What to Apply and When. To prevent mascara problems in the first place, see How to Apply Mascara Without Clumps. For long-wearing lip color, see How to Remove Long-Lasting Lipstick.

Related on ArniSun

• Micellar Water vs Cleansing Balm: Key Differences
• Nighttime Skincare Routine: What to Apply and When
• How to Apply Mascara Without Clumps
• Reusable Makeup Remover Pads: Materials and Care
• How to Remove Long-Lasting Lipstick

Sources and further reading

• US Food and Drug Administration: Eye cosmetic safety
• American Academy of Dermatology: Face washing 101