How to Remove Eye Makeup

Co-authored by Luca Buzas

Last Updated: May 13, 2021 References

Our eyes are one of the most sensitive parts of our body. The last thing you want to do is to get a whole bunch of makeup or soap in them and regret that $8 you spent on that new eyeshadow you didn't really need anyway. We'll start with the baby shampoo method and then move on to all the products in your bathroom cabinet that can get the job done, too -- without forking over the cash for a fancy eye-makeup remover.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Baby Shampoo

1
Use baby shampoo. Think it's just for bathing little ones? The "tear free" baby shampoo is a great way to remove mascara (even waterproof), eyeshadow and eyeliner. Eye makeup removers can get pretty pricey (especially if you wear eye makeup frequently), so this is an affordable and pain-free way to remove makeup. Without the burning!^{[1]
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- Coconut oil will also work as a makeup remover! It's hydrating and great for sensitive skin.^{[2]
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  Expert Source
  
  Luca Buzas
  Makeup Artist & Wardrobe Stylist
  Expert Interview. 21 June 2019.}
2
Wet the area of your eyes with some warm tap water. Alternatively, you can dab some shampoo on a cotton ball and wipe it over your eyelids. Using cotton balls ensures that this process is a little more mess free.^{[3]
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- If you'd like to only remove some of your makeup (you smudged it or made a mistake, for example), use a Q-tip! Just dab on some shampoo (or whatever you have at your disposal) on the necessary area. Then wipe it off with the other end of the Q-tip. Voila!
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3
Apply a small amount of baby shampoo and massage it. Some foam will most likely appear. Keep your eyes closed so nothing gets in them. Even if it is "tear free" you don't want to take any risks!^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Opthamologists
Professional medical organization focused on advocating for public health and supporting sight-related research
Go to source}
4
Wash it off with lukewarm water. Just like you would any cleanser, grab your washcloth and gently wipe off the baby shampoo. Tada! Then gently wipe your face dry with a cloth towel.
- If baby shampoo doesn't work for you or you don't have any on hand, try the methods discussed below!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Using Alternative Methods

1
Use your moisturizer or a gentle soap or cleanser. Unless you plastered your face with glue, odds are your moisturizer, cold cream, or facial cleanser can take your makeup off just as effectively as any legitimate makeup remover can. Just close your eyes, rub gently over the area, and wipe off with a cloth. You're already washing your face, so why not?^{[5]
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- Don't worry about it stinging your eyes -- unless you're using a cleanser that isn't mild (has salicylic acid in it, for example), you should be fine, so long as you keep your eyes closed.
- After you've cleansed, dab your face and eyes with a towel to dry off.
2
Make your own! Feeling like a child of the earth? Then you can make your own eye makeup remover! Pretty much any oil works, but olive, mineral, or almond work best.
- Try combining 2 ounces of witch hazel with 2 ounces of olive oil for an easy homemade makeup remover. Give the concoction a shake, dab some on a cotton ball or cloth, and wipe across the area. Then go over the area once more with a dry cloth or cotton ball.^{[6]
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- Witch hazel is good for wrinkles! The smell isn't great, but it sure can make your skin smooth!
3
Be wary of petroleum jelly and oils. Some people swear by Vaseline (petroleum jelly) or using oils (mineral or baby oil, specifically) to remove their makeup, but you may not want to take their word for it. It can create a film around the eyes, blocking pores, and creating little bumps called milia. If you have anything else available, go for it first.
4
Use baby wipes. If you're looking for a mess-free, can't-possibly-sting method, baby wipes are the way to go. All you have to do is grab one, wipe it across your eye (closed, of course!), and the makeup comes right off. Keep some by your bed and you don't even have to get out of it to clean your face at night!^{[7]
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- Makeup remover comes in wipe form too!
5
Spring for a legitimate makeup remover. If you have very sensitive skin and neither baby shampoo nor cheap makeup remover works for you, you may need to invest in a good makeup remover. They are expensive, but if you use it reasonably it will last for a long time. There are dozens of products out there. Choose a brand you trust you won't regret it.

Community Q&A

Question

Can I use baby shampoo to get mascara off, or is it just for everything above the eyelashes?

Community Answer

It would be better to use cooking oil or a fatty nourishing cream if you do not have a professional remover.
Question

My mom doesn't let me wear makeup, but when I go to school I put on eyeliner and mascara anyway. I need to get it off at the end of the day so that my mom doesn't know, so will the baby wipes work?

Community Answer

Yes, baby wipes will work, but if your friends have makeup wipes, ask to use these.
Question

Will I get bad acne if I don't remove my makeup?

Community Answer

You might. Some people are more susceptible to acne than others. It's important to take off your makeup every night before you go to bed. Make sure you choose oil-free makeup that won't add oils to your skin and lead to more acne.

Warnings

Some people are very allergic to petroleum jelly near the eyes, so be careful.

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Helpful 66 Not Helpful 17
Don't use normal or non-"tear free" shampoos because they will cause stinging. If you don't have a choice, when you wash off the shampoo, dry your eyes with a towel.

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Helpful 57 Not Helpful 17
Do not rub too hard when removing the petroleum jelly as irritation may occur.

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Helpful 58 Not Helpful 20
Do one eye at a time. Please do not try to put petroleum jelly on both eyes and then try to wipe it off

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Helpful 64 Not Helpful 23
As tempting as it is, do not pull the cotton pad out to the sides of the face. This will increase ageing and reduce elasticity; always wipe towards your nose.

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Do not use baby wipes near your eyes they could sting them, make them irritable, and they could end up red and swollen if it contains alcohol.

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