Waterproof mascara is designed to stay put. At the end of the day, that staying power can tempt you to press harder with whatever cleanser is nearest. A better first question is whether the product you are using is intended to remove that makeup from that area.
Read the remover’s directions before applying it. Products differ in where they can be used, whether they need mixing and how they should be rinsed. A routine copied from a video may not match the bottle on your bathroom shelf.
Prepare before you begin
Wash your hands, choose a clean pad or cloth suitable for the product and set the remover within reach. If you wear contact lenses, follow the relevant lens-care and cosmetic instructions instead of assuming every remover is compatible with lenses in place.
Work carefully around closed eyes as directed, without scraping at the lash line. Give the product the contact time its instructions specify; do not invent a longer soak or add more pressure to compensate for a poor match.
If pigment remains, check the makeup and remover labels again. A remover intended for ordinary face makeup may not be suitable for waterproof eye products. Avoid improvising with household solvents or applying a product near the eyes when its label excludes that use.
Keep irritation separate from stubborn makeup
Burning, pain or redness is a reason to stop, not evidence that cleansing is working. The FDA’s eye cosmetic safety guidance advises stopping products that cause irritation and consulting a health care provider if irritation persists. Follow the product’s first-aid directions if it enters the eye; significant pain or vision changes need prompt professional attention.
After removal, follow the remover’s rinse instructions and clean reusable materials according to their care directions. Keep personal eye products and applicators separate rather than sharing them.
If the same makeup consistently demands an uncomfortable removal routine, reconsider whether that formula suits your everyday needs. The most useful product is one you can both wear and remove comfortably, with instructions you can follow at the end of an ordinary day.