4 Ways To Remove Eyeliner - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Personal Care and Style
• Makeup
• Eye Makeup
• Eyeliner

How to Remove Eyeliner Download Article Co-authored by Nini Efia Yang

Last Updated: February 8, 2025 References

Download Article

• Using Eye Makeup Remover
|
• Using Makeup Removing Wipes
|
• Using Petroleum Jelly
|
• Using Natural Oils
|
• What Are Tips For Removing Makeup?
|
• Video
|
• Tips
|
• Warnings

|Show more |Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X

This article was co-authored by Nini Efia Yang. Nini Efia Yang is a Makeup Artist based in San Francisco, California. She is the Owner of Nini's Epiphany, a makeup and hair studio. Nini’s Epiphany offers makeup and hair styling services for clients, and also perform permanent brow and lash procedures. They also perform special event styling services, including features like custom lashes, bridal hairstyles, airbrush makeup, bridal makeup trials, and makeup and hair changes for receptions. The company is also known for their classes, where they teach customers in personal or group settings how to improve their makeup and hair abilities. Nini has over 10 years of experience in the industry, and specializes in bridal makeup. Her work has been featured in Ceremony Magazine, They So Loved, and Wedding Window. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 573,423 times.

Eyeliner is a great way to enhance your eyes or alter their shape. At the end of the day, however, it needs to come off, and knowing how to remove the makeup properly will help the whole process go more smoothly. Makeup remover and micellar water are the best ways to remove eyeliner. Saturate a cotton pad with the product and gently wipe your lids and eye area to remove the liner. Follow up by washing your face with your usual cleanser.

Quick Guide: Best Way to Take Off Eyeliner

Moisten a cotton ball with makeup remover or micellar water, or use pre-moistened makeup remover wipes. Gently wipe your eyelids with the cotton ball to remove the eyeliner, then wash your face as you normally would. Remove any lingering residue with a little makeup remover on a cotton ball or cotton swab.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Using Eye Makeup Remover

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1. 1 Choose a makeup remover that works with the type of eyeliner you are wearing. Use an oil-based makeup remover to dissolve waterproof eyeliner — it might seem counterintuitive to use oil as a cleanser, but it works.[1] A dual-phase makeup remover removes most eye makeup. Cleansing water is perfect for sensitive skin or eyeliner that comes off easily, like liquid liner.[2]
2. 2 Saturate a flat, cotton pad with the product. A pad is preferable to a cotton ball, which can leave behind fibers that may get stuck in your eye.[3]
   • If you are just trying to fix a small mistake, dip a cotton swab in the remover and squeeze out the excess liquid with a tissue.[4] Then gently erase the mistakes.
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3. 3 Press the pad against your eye for 20 seconds. You can wiggle the pad and add a little pressure to get between your lashes, but don't scrub.
   • This give the makeup remover time to break down the eyeliner so it will come off quickly and easily.
4. 4 Wipe off the eyeliner with downward strokes. Be careful not to scrub or tug on your skin.[5] Flip the pad over to the clean side and repeat.
   • Follow up by washing your face with your usual cleanser.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Using Makeup Removing Wipes

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1. 1 Choose a facial wipe that is alcohol- and fragrance-free. The makeup wipes designed to remove an entire face of makeup may be too harsh on the delicate skin around your eyes. Look for a wipe made specifically for use around your eyes
   • Sensitive baby wipes can sometimes be used to cleanse your face, but they're not designed to lift off makeup. Try to stick to wipes that are specifically for makeup removal for the best results.[6]
2. 2 Use the edge of the wipe to wipe along the base of your eyelashes. Wipe along the upper lid with an outward motion (from the inner corner of your eye to the outer). Then repeat underneath your lower eyelid.
   • Change to a new tip of the wipe for each eye, to prevent transferring anything from eye to eye.
   • Don't pull or tug the skin too much. This can cause wrinkles.
   • The edges of eyelids are usually neglected during makeup removal. This can be dangerous, as the eyeliner can build up over time and cause some irritation.[7]
3. 3 Rinse and wash your face with your usual cleanser. Even if you can use the wipe to remove makeup from your entire face, removing makeup is not the same as cleaning your skin. It should be a two-step process: remove your makeup first, then follow by washing your face.[8]
4. 4 Finished.
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Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Using Petroleum Jelly

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1. 1 Scoop a small amount of petroleum jelly onto a cotton swab. Use only a thin layer of jelly--it shouldn't be a big glob that is about to fall off the cotton swab.
   • Make sure you are using a trusted brand of highly refined petroleum jelly. It is a byproduct of oil refining and is found in different grades of purity. If it's not properly purified it can contain harmful toxins.[9]
2. 2 Run the swab along the base of your eyelashes. Wait a few seconds, then use the clean end to gently wipe away the eyeliner and petroleum jelly.[10]
   • Use another, clean cotton swab if you don't get all your eyeliner off with the first one.
3. 3 Wash your face with a gentle cleanser when you've removed the eyeliner. If you see any smears under or above your lashes, run a clean cotton swab over the area to remove the remaining makeup.
   • If you get any petroleum jelly in your eyes, rinse with warm water. It may cause your vision to blur temporarily.
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Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Using Natural Oils

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1. 1 Use coconut oil, olive oil, or jojoba oil to break down the eyeliner. The oils in these products will dissolve the liner so you can easily wipe it away and can also condition your lashes and moisturize the delicate skin around your eyes.[11]
   • Oils are the best option to remove waterproof eyeliner. The oil in waterproof eyeliner repels water, which is why it lasts so long, but also makes it hard to remove.
2. 2 Use your fingertips to massage the oil gently over closed eyelids. Make sure you run your finger along your lash line where you have applied the eyeliner.[12]
3. 3 Wait ten seconds, then use a cotton pad to wipe the oil off with downward strokes.[13] Never scrub your eyelid or yank on the skin. It's far too delicate, and the rough treatment will eventually show in wrinkles and fine lines.[14]
4. 4 Rinse to remove traces of oil and eyeliner. The oil isn't harmful, but it may blur your vision temporarily if you get some in your eye.
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What Are Tips For Removing Makeup?

Common Questions: Removing Eyeliner

Can you remove eyeliner with just water?

Plain water isn't the best way to remove eyeliner, but it can definitely be done! Wet a washcloth with warm water and press it on your eyes to soften up the eyeliner. Rinse the washcloth with warm water and repeat until you're removed as much of the eyeliner as possible. Go slow and be gentle![15]

Can you remove eyeliner with petroleum jelly?

Yes! Just scoop a small amount of petroleum jelly onto a cotton swab and run the swab along the base of your eyelashes. After waiting a few seconds, wipe away the eyeliner with the clean end of the swab. Follow up by washing your face with your usual cleanser.

What happens if you don't remove eyeliner?

If you don't remove eyeliner, mascara, and other eye makeup every night, you could end up with painful eye irritation, an eye infection, or a buildup of makeup particles under your eyelids (which could potentially erode your cornea and lead to blindness).[16]

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

• It's always a good idea to cleanse your face twice. First to remove the makeup and the impurities of the day, second to clean your pores and remove dead skin cells.[17] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

• Don't wash your face before removing the eyeliner; it will smear all over your face, and you will end up having to scrub it all off. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 3
• If your hands begin to shake, stop removing the eyeliner. It's possible that you may stab yourself in the eye. Thanks Helpful 16 Not Helpful 7
• Always take your makeup off before going to bed, or you will risk acne breakouts and clogged pores. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Make sure to follow your makeup removal with some moisturizer.[18] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

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References

1. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-remove-makeup-correctly-tips
2. ↑ https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
3. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-remove-makeup-correctly-tips
4. ↑ http://www.oprah.com/omagazine/Tip-for-Fixing-Eyeliner-Mistakes#ixzz3iSeemKrd
5. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
6. ↑ http://beauty.about.com/od/makeuptrickstips/qt/removemakeup.htm
7. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-remove-makeup-correctly-tips
8. ↑ https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
9. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/21/vaseline-petroleum-jelly_n_4136226.html

More References (10)

10. ↑ http://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/a6467/cotton-swab-beauty-tricks/
11. ↑ http://www.youbeauty.com/face/diy-coconut-oil-makeup-remover/
12. ↑ https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
13. ↑ https://www.birchbox.com/magazine/article/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
14. ↑ http://www.refinery29.com/how-to-remove-eye-makeup
15. ↑ https://meetalleyoop.com/blogs/news/how-to-remove-makeup-without-makeup-remover-1
16. ↑ https://vopa.org/what-happens-to-your-eyes-when-you-sleep-in-mascara/
17. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2019/nov/17/how-to-remove-makeup-properly
18. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/story/how-to-remove-makeup-correctly-tips
19. Videos provided by Jennifer Chiu

About This Article

Co-authored by: Nini Efia Yang Makeup Artist This article was co-authored by Nini Efia Yang. Nini Efia Yang is a Makeup Artist based in San Francisco, California. She is the Owner of Nini's Epiphany, a makeup and hair studio. Nini’s Epiphany offers makeup and hair styling services for clients, and also perform permanent brow and lash procedures. They also perform special event styling services, including features like custom lashes, bridal hairstyles, airbrush makeup, bridal makeup trials, and makeup and hair changes for receptions. The company is also known for their classes, where they teach customers in personal or group settings how to improve their makeup and hair abilities. Nini has over 10 years of experience in the industry, and specializes in bridal makeup. Her work has been featured in Ceremony Magazine, They So Loved, and Wedding Window. This article has been viewed 573,423 times. 11 votes - 69% Co-authors: 43 Updated: February 8, 2025 Views: 573,423 Categories: Eye Makeup | Eyeliner Article SummaryX

To remove your eyeliner, saturate a flat cotton pad with oil-based or dual-phase makeup remover. Press the pad against your eye for 20 seconds, then wipe the eyeliner off with straight, downward strokes. For a quicker alternative, replace the saturated pad with a facial wipe designed to remove makeup. When you’re finished, wash your face with whatever cleaning products you normally use. To learn how to remove eyeliner with petroleum jelly and natural oils, scroll down! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

• 

  Chyanne Pardy

  Apr 20, 2017

  "The coconut oil trick worked great for my waterproof eyeliner and now I keep a jar of it on my vanity!" Rated this article:

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Nini Efia Yang Makeup Artist 11 votes - 69% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 43 Updated: February 8, 2025 Views: 573,423

Chyanne Pardy

Apr 20, 2017

"The coconut oil trick worked great for my waterproof eyeliner and now I keep a jar of it on my vanity!" Rated this article:

Kokab Zahid

Apr 18, 2017

"This helped me because it has pictures and, most importantly, the way of explaining is fabulous."

Anonymous

Jun 23, 2016

"The part that said to use coconut oil was helpful, because I already had that at home."

Anonymous

Nov 1, 2017

"The part about putting oils on your face. I would have never thought of that!" Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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