The Ultimate Guide to Removing Waterproof Makeup

While it may be all fun and games when it comes to applying your makeup for a night out, it’s not as fun when the time comes to remove it all—especially if you’re sporting a waterproof formula. Of course, there are a wide range of makeup remover formulas available from towelettes to micellar water. And sometimes, makeup remover alone won’t do the job for stubborn waterproof mascara that just doesn’t want to budge. To give you a hand, we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to removing stubborn, waterproof makeup into a step-by-step tutorial below.

Step #1: Use a Makeup Remover

You’ve probably already figured this part out, but to start your waterproof makeup removal process you want to use a makeup remover with a formula specifically for waterproof makeup. Here are some of our favorite waterproof makeup removers from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands:

L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types

This waterproof makeup remover completely cleanses the skin, leaving it hydrated and purified. It’s powered by gentle micelles that cluster together to surround and lift away impurities and makeup, so there’s no need for rinsing or harsh rubbing. 

L’Oréal Paris Micellar Cleansing Water Complete Cleanser Waterproof - All Skin Types, $9.99 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes Waterproof

This makeup remover offers the all-in-1 cleansing and makeup removing power of micellar water in a wipe form. The micelles in these makeup-removing wipes capture and lift away dirt, oil and even waterproof makeup without the need for harsh rubbing. Your skin will be left feeling clean and soft. 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes Waterproof, $6.99 MSRP

NYX Professional Makeup Be Gone! Makeup Remover Wipes

These gentle cleansing wipes remove makeup—including waterproof mascara—with ease. The formula is carefully engineered to leave your skin feeling clean and ready for your next makeup application. 

NYX Professional Makeup Be Gone! Makeup Remover Wipes, $5 MSRP

Urban Decay Meltdown Makeup Remover Dissolving Spray

This dissolving spray is formulated to easily remove even stubborn waterproof makeup. It contains non-irritating, nourishing ingredients to leave skin clean and refreshed.

Urban Decay Meltdown Makeup Remover Dissolving Spray, $26 MSRP

Lancôme Eau Fraîche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water

This refreshing cleansing water instantly removes face, lip and eye makeup in one easy step. With gentle micellar technology and soothing Rose de France, the formula lifts and removes makeup and impurities—including waterproof and long-wear formulas—without the need to rinse.

Lancôme Eau Fraîche Douceur Micellar Cleansing Water, $62 MSRP

Editor’s note: In a pinch and don’t have a waterproof makeup remover on hand? You can use coconut oil to remove your makeup!

Step #2: Wash Your Face

Even after using some of the best waterproof makeup removers, it’s good to ensure your skin is completely clear of any traces of makeup and impurities by using a facial cleanser. Here are three different facial cleansers—from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands—to try.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser

This daily clay cleanser is formulated with three pure clays and red algae to exfoliate and refine rough, clogged pores. The cleanser will remove everyday impurities such as dirt, oil and pollution without over-drying your skin.

L’Oréal Paris Pure-Clay Exfoliate & Refine Cleanser, $6.99 MSRP

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser

This refreshing gel contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid in its formula to effectively removes excess oil, dirt, and makeup. The cleanser gently foams to deeply cleanse.

CeraVe Foaming Facial Cleanser, $13.99 MSRP

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser

This daily cleanser is formulated for normal to dry skin. It gently removes face and eye makeup, dirt, and impurities while helping to restore skin comfort. 

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Facial Cleanser, $14.99 MSRP

Step #3: Use an Exfoliating Scrub

Want to really, truly be rid of any and all traces of makeup? Complete your waterproof makeup removal skin care routine with a face scrub. Check out three of our favorite face scrubs from the L’Oreal portfolio of brands below:

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub

This smoothing exfoliating scrub effectively cleanses pores and exfoliates to hydrate, soften, and improve skin texture.

SkinCeuticals Micro-Exfoliating Scrub, $30 MSRP 

Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Natural Action Exfoliator

This exfoliating scrub transforms into an oil then milk upon contact with skin. It gently removes dead skin cells and impurities during rinsing, leaving skin smoother, softer, purified, and brightened.

Yves Saint Laurent Top Secrets Natural Action Exfoliator, $44.00 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Invigorating Daily Scrub

This gel scrub deeply cleanses and polishes to refine pores. The peppermint-infused formula instantly energizes skin for a healthy look.

Garnier SkinActive Clean+ Invigorating Daily Scrub, $7.99 MSRP