Hello everyone, Nima here.

As the founder of UKLASH, one of the questions I hear most often is: “How do you get waterproof mascara off without damaging lashes?”

On one hand, the best waterproof mascara can be a lifesaver. It stays put through long workdays, summer holidays, weddings, gym sessions, even the occasional tear. Whether you’re choosing a bold black or a softer brown waterproof mascara, these formulas are designed to go the distance.
On the other hand, taking it off at night can be tricky if you don’t have a good routine setup. Customers tell me about scrubbing with cotton pads and tugging at lashes, and this is all due to improper removal, which can weaken or damage your natural lashes over time.

In this guide, I’m going to be breaking down the perfect routine for how to remove waterproof mascara safely and gently, as well as how to remove our new waterproof Tubing Mascara!

Wearing any mascara shouldn’t need to compromise your natural lash journey, so here’s how to protect your lash health no matter which one you choose.

How Waterproof Mascara Works

To understand how to remove waterproof mascara safely, it helps to know how these formulas actually work.

Classic waterproof mascaras are made with a combination of waxes, silicones, and polymers. Together, these ingredients form a protective film that shields lashes from water, sweat, humidity, and even tears. That’s why waterproof mascara is so dependable for long days, holidays, or special events; it’s designed to stay put no matter what.

The flip side is that those same waxes and silicones make the product stubborn to break down if you’re not removing them properly. A regular face wash or basic micellar water might leave behind residue, or worse, it makes you rub at your lashes until they feel sore. Over time, that kind of tugging can lead to thinning lashes or even lash fallout.

So what’s the solution? The right remover. Look for oil-based cleansers or dual-phase micellar waters specifically designed for waterproof makeup. Oils dissolve waxes and silicones far more effectively than water-based cleansers alone. By soaking a cotton pad (or reusable round) in one of these removers and holding it gently over your lashes for 20–30 seconds, you allow the formula to do the hard work for you, meaning no harsh scrubbing, and no unnecessary stress on your lashes.

Best Types of Cleansers for Waterproof Mascara

If you love the staying power of waterproof mascara, the key to keeping your lashes healthy isn’t avoiding it, it’s using the right remover. Not all cleansers are created equal, and some are much more effective (and gentle) than others. Here are the ones I recommend:

1. Oil-Based Cleansers
These are the gold standard for breaking down waterproof formulas. Oils dissolve the waxes and silicones in classic waterproof mascaras quickly and effectively, meaning you don’t have to rub or tug. You can find them in liquid, balm, or gel-to-oil formats.

2. Dual-Phase Micellar Waters
These removers combine purified water with a light oil layer. You shake the bottle before use, and the two phases work together to lift away waterproof mascara without harsh scrubbing. They’re a great choice if you prefer a lighter texture than a full oil cleanser.

3. Cleansing Balms
Balms melt into an oil when warmed between your fingers, making them both effective and soothing. They’re particularly good if you wear waterproof mascara daily and want a remover that doubles as skincare.

4. Micellar Water
For lightweight waterproof mascaras, like the UKLASH Volume Boost Mascara, or water-resistant mascaras such as the UKLASH Lengthening Mascara, use a classic Micellar Water for gentle removal 

How Tubing Mascara Works

Customers often ask me “What is a tubing mascara, and how can a tubing mascara be waterproof?” The answer lies in its clever polymer technology. Tubing mascaras are made with polymer-based formulas that form tiny “tubes” around each lash rather than coating them with wax. These tubes, like those in the UKLASH Tubing Mascara, are also waterproof, resisting sweat, tears, or cool water. Instead of needing oil to dissolve the product, the tubes are heat-and-pressure activated for removal. Warm water softens the bond, and light pressure helps the tubes slide off whole, doing minimal damage to your lashes.

How to Get Waterproof Mascara Off The UKLASH Way

Here’s the simple step-by-step approach we recommend to our community to help remove your mascara safely without causing any unnecessary damage to your lashes:

1. Use the Right Remover
Your remover will differ depending on what mascara you’re using. For lightweight waterproof and water-resistant mascaras, such as our Volume Boost and Lengthening Mascara, use a Micellar Water. Opt for an oil-based cleanser or a dual-phase micellar water if you’re removing other waterproof mascaras, or if removing a Tubing Mascara, just use warm water!

2. Soak, Don’t Scrub
Saturate a cotton pad (or reusable round) with remover if removing classic waterproof mascara, or just dampen your fingers with warm water if removing Tubing Mascara. Hold gently against your closed eye for 20–30 seconds. This allows the formula to soften the mascara before you wipe.

3. Sweep Downwards
Once the mascara loosens, swipe downwards along your lashes. Avoid side-to-side rubbing, which encourages breakage. Think of it as lifting mascara off, not scrubbing it away.

4. Double Cleanse
Follow up with a gentle face cleanser like our UKLASH Micellar Water to remove any residue. This step also ensures your skin stays clear and refreshed.

5. Condition & Protect
After cleansing, apply a Lash Serum. Just as your hair needs conditioner after shampoo, your lashes benefit from daily nourishment. A strengthening serum encourages resilience and healthy growth, especially if you wear waterproof formulas often.

Which Mascara Is Right For Me?

Volume Boost Mascara

• Wand: Curved bristle wand
• Formula: Waterproof, volumising
• Shade: Black
• Removal: Cleanser

Lengthening Mascara

• Wand: Curved silicone wand
• Formula: Water-resistant, lengthening
• Shade: Black
• Removal: Cleanser

Tubing Mascara

• Wand: Pine-cone silicone wand
• Formula: Waterproof, defining
• Shades: Black & Brown
• Removal: Warm water

Extra Lash Care Tips From Me

• Always remove mascara before bed. Sleeping in it can cause brittleness and breakage.
• Avoid aggressive rubbing. Both your lashes and the delicate skin around your eyes will thank you.
• Stick to nourishing formulas. A lash serum is the best long-term investment in lash health.
  

Mascara is meant to give confidence, not stress. But I know from countless conversations that removing it can be frustrating if you're not sure of the right method.
The good news is that once you know, you can enjoy the benefits of both waterproof and tubing mascaras without compromising lash health!
So next time you find yourself wondering, “how do you get waterproof mascara off?”, remember: the secret is patience, the right remover, and consistent care. Pair that with a strengthening lash serum, and your natural lashes will stay as healthy and full as possible.

Here at UKLASH, everything we create is designed with your lash health in mind. Strong, beautiful lashes shouldn’t come at the cost of damage, and with the right habits, they never have to.