How to Remove Eyeliner

Co-authored by Nini Efia Yang

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Using Eye Makeup Remover

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]
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Research source} 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]
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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]
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- 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]
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  Research source} Then gently erase the mistakes.
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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.^{[5]
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- This give the makeup remover time to break down the eyeliner so it will come off quickly and easily.
4
Wipe off the eyeliner with downward strokes. Be careful not to scrub or tug on your skin.^{[6]
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Research source} Flip the pad over to the clean side and repeat.
- Follow up by washing your face with your usual cleanser.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Makeup Removing Wipes

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.^{[7]
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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.^{[8]
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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.^{[9]
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Finished.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Using Petroleum Jelly

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.^{[10]
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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.^{[11]
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- Use another, clean cotton swab if you don't get all your eyeliner off with the first one.
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.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Natural Oils

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.^{[12]
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- 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
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.^{[13]
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Wait ten seconds, then use a cotton pad to wipe the oil off with downward strokes.^{[14]
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Research source} 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.^{[15]
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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.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How do you get eyeliner off without makeup remover?

Nini Efia Yang
Makeup Artist
Nini Efia Yang is the Owner of Nini's Epiphany, a San Francisco Bay Area makeup and hair studio. Specializing in bridal makeup with almost 10 years of experience, her work has been featured in Ceremony Magazine, They So Loved, and Wedding Window.

Nini Efia Yang

Makeup Artist

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Oil-based cleansers can be very effective. I like to use oil-based products to clean around the eye area because they're very gentle. I use an oil-based face wash so I don't have to use multiple products. When you put it on your hands, it looks like an oil, but when you rub your hands together, it will lather up. However, you shouldn't use oil-based cleansers if you have individual eyelash extensions, because they'll dissolve the glue that holds the extensions in place.
Question

What is the easiest type of eyeliner to use? (Liquid, pencil, etc.)

Community Answer

If you're a beginner, a pencil eyeliner would be a great option for you. Liquid eyeliner is a little trickier and can get messy.
Question

Can coconut oil harm my eyes?

Community Answer

No, coconut oil is completely natural. It's great for the skin and eyelids. Try not to get it in your eyes, though, as it could irritate them.

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.

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If your hands begin to shake, stop removing the eyeliner. It's possible that you may stab yourself in the eye.

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Make sure to follow your makeup removal with some moisturizer.^{[17]
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Always take your makeup off before going to bed, or you will risk acne breakouts and clogged pores.^{[18]
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