How to Remove Waterproof Makeup?

There are not a few cosmetic products in the world, as the aesthetic market is one of the most competitive there is, in addition to having the support of its own research branch, which uses modern technology, discoveries regarding the properties of countless substances, as well as knowledge about the anatomy of the skin, to create and design every day more and more elements, whose efficacy always exceeds that of its predecessors.

This is also the case with makeup, which allows us to find in any beauty store, not only some of very long duration, others made from one hundred percent natural materials and more than, for example, are immune to contact with certain elements that have always been enemies of an ideal makeup work, such as water, to which specialists respond with one word: Waterproof.

Indeed, translated as “Waterproof,” it gives us an idea of the most basic purpose of its design. However, this also represents a question for those who do not consider themselves experts in cosmetics. If we usually remove this substance from our skin using liquid, but this presentation is immune to water, then, how can we eliminate makeup once applied to the skin?

If you have ever thought about trying a disposable and effective product to remove makeup residues, you can learn about Makeup remover wipes, are they a good option?

About waterproof makeup

As most of you must know, makeup is that conjunction of substances, made with different bases, such as creams, powders, grease, or gel, that we apply to our face for various reasons, most of aesthetic nature, such as covering scars and imperfections, leveling skin tone, adding brightness and beauty; or simply to embellish our face a bit, according to fashion trends, as long as we like it and feel comfortable.

However, this substance poses certain problems when remaining on our face, as it has no type of adhesive or adherent, which would be harmful to the skin. For example, makeup can smudge or come off if rubbed with some pressure, it can lose its color or, unfortunately, it can be altered when in contact with any liquid, whether in small or large quantities, and even our own sweat.

To avoid this last problem, waterproof makeup was designed, a word that simply translates from English as “waterproof,” giving a quite obvious meaning to its name. It is a substance that, due to its characteristics, is not affected by the contact of liquids, but instead prevents their passage to the skin, thereby eliminating the risk of being removed or even altered.

Of course, this is not achieved thanks to some miracle or magical substance, but it is an advantage of its composition, obtained thanks to the use, as the main base of its elaboration, of micronized powders, glycerin, and fine waxes that are fixed on the skin, creating a kind of uniform film, totally compatible with water, that does not remove a single drop of makeup.

This not only ensures that, for example, the sweat from our pores passes through the makeup, to the outside, slides over it, and falls without dragging the substance or ruining our image in the slightest, but with the use of those that present the best quality, it is even possible to swim a little in a pool, sunbathe for hours or take a relaxing bath in a bathtub, without fear that at the end we end up with only formless stains on the face.

Of course, although many people assume that, because of the function it must fulfill and the ingredients with which it is made, waterproof makeup can be dangerous for our skin, the truth is that its composition contains a large number of ingredients that are rather beneficial, that protect against external elements such as sunlight and impurities, while creating a microporosity to let air pass through and the tissue to breathe, preventing distension.

Ideal products for removal

It is a common mistake to think that the correct way to remove makeup is to scrub the face with water and soap, as well as to use wet wipes and rub applying pressure. This will only create tension and elongation of the tissue that can cause imperfections, so makeup removal must be done using products specifically designed for this function, even if it is our waterproof protagonist.

Therefore, it is worth noting that there are articles specifically designed to eliminate this type of makeup, as well as others that take advantage of having a slightly thicker texture, to contain micro particles of high porosity, that remove all impurities, sebum, and traces of pollution from the skin surface. There are also those made based on alcohol, very effective but with the disadvantage of drying the skin, so they must be applied with caution.

Take a look at Discover the 5 Best current eye makeup removers

Biphase Cleanser

This is the most in-demand product for this job, as it works based on two combined actives, one of an oily or greasy texture, which allows the removal of impurities from the deepest pores and most difficult to reach lines; in addition to another aqueous textured agent, completely liquid and with immediate absorption, which is responsible for conducting the substance more effectively across the face surface.

You can acquire a sample in any cosmetic store, made with natural ingredients or synthesized through hydrolysis processes, to reduce its density, which allows not only better absorption by the skin but also the possibility of adding other properties and nutrients to the mix. Similarly, it is possible to make a homemade biphase cleanser, based on the combination of rosehip oil and rose water.

Micellar Water

An item whose popularity grows and grows every day, thanks to the contrast between the simplicity of its formula and its powerful efficacy, micellar water, though based on pure demineralized water, possesses a potent active capable of removing any type of makeup, even that which is denoted to be waterproof. This agent, known as micelles, is a small molecule with two poles, which gives its name to the incredible product.

These micelles have two poles that allow them to fulfill their task, one hydrophilic, which keeps the molecule on the water’s surface, preventing the rupture of the liquid’s superficial tension, thanks to its surfactant capacity, while the other, lipophilic in nature, adheres to its volume all kinds of impurities, pollution, sebum, and any external agent that remains on the face surface, such as the makeup.

Makeup Remover Gel

Given the water resistance of the facial embellisher we take today as the protagonist, one could think that any remover or cleanser with a texture different from liquid could be effective, as long as it has the actives and specific properties for that function. This is true but only to a specific point since the base of any makeup remover is almost always liquid.

When it comes to reducing its molecular density, a gel product can be obtained, whose absorption capacity passes through any layer of makeup, reaching the skin surface and thus allowing the removal of it, not by dissolving it, as in the case of other products, but by eliminating the natural adhesion that keeps it on the skin, allowing it to be removed with any little cloth or dry towel.

Makeup Remover Foam

The same principle of any element to remove makeup, whether based on alcohol, water, or oil, can improve its potency and acquire a foamy consistency, as long as its form is treated with the right surfactants. This allows, as mentioned before, that the remover and cleaner actives remain on the substance’s surface, turning the liquid into just a medium for its action.

Thus, it is not the water that is responsible for the makeup removal, so only a small amount is needed, treated with surfactants, to obtain a product whose texture is similar to shaving foam, which is applied on the face and then, after letting it act, is removed with any wipe, piece of cloth, or cotton, along with the makeup and impurities, without any resistance.

Proper application of makeup remover

Although most of the products to be used are in liquid form, with higher levels of thickness, such as foams, creams, and gels; or lower ones, in the case of micellar water, cleansing milks, and other makeup removers, these will not simply be thrown on the skin, so we must consider the use of a medium through which to apply them to the face, which in some cases can be simply the fingertips.

However, it is recommended to opt for softer means, such as cotton discs, dry wipes, cloths or makeup remover gloves, or cosmetic sponges for the same purpose. These are moistened and impregnated with the makeup remover, without the need to soak them completely, so that they can carry it to the face surface, with the advantage of a semi-porous texture, ideal for the removal process of the already detached and diluted makeup.

The first step is to remove it from the most delicate areas, where the highest density and the most vivid colors are also usually used, whether it is waterproof makeup, powder, or any other. First, the lips, with firm but not too much pressure, to prevent spilling a bit of the substance (in case we wet the medium through which we are applying it) and entering our mouth.

Then in the area around the eyes, which includes the corner of the eye socket, right over the cheekbone, up to the eyebrows; being the place where the finest, most elastic thin, and delicate skin of all the face is found. Therefore, to avoid distensions that could cause wrinkles, crow’s feet, and bags under the eyes, as well as minor discomforts in the sight by applying too much pressure, we must take into account a specific method.

It is recommended to leave, for example, the cotton disc impregnated with makeup remover on the right eyelid, for at least 10 seconds, so that the substance takes effect and dissolves the makeup. After this, we proceed to rub gently downwards, taking the residues and impurities towards the outside, where the eyelashes are, to facilitate their removal. The same procedure must be repeated on the lower eyelids.

Once this delicate step is done, where we must be careful to avoid long-term consequences, such as the aforementioned imperfections, we proceed to remove the eyebrow liner, if used. From here we can rub and apply a bit more pressure, so we simply place the cotton on the inner part of the eyebrows, on the septum, and proceed to move it towards the outside to remove all residues.

Finally, the rest of the skin can be cleaned in the most comfortable way, however, studies carried out by specialists assure that in order not to alter the dermal structure, as well as to not create distension and imperfections, especially on the forehead, a specific method can be used, with a series of steps and movements that follow the natural shape of the face and the own tension of the skin and facial muscle tissue.

To use this technique, which rather could be presented as a small trick, given its ease, we take our medium, in this case, the cotton disc we give as an example (previously impregnated with the preferred makeup remover), place it between the eyebrows and proceed to rub downwards, towards the tip of the nose, applying pressure to the sides, where grease usually accumulates. With this movement, we clean all impurities in a single pass.

After that, we place the cotton in the center of the forehead and proceed to clean, rubbing in a spiral that gradually opens outwards, resulting in a rotating movement that might well represent part of a good facial massage. This helps not only to maintain the natural tension of the dermis but also to regulate blood flow, increasing the amount that reaches the cells and oxygenating them to stimulate them in the elimination of oxidation and the production of collagen.

This same step can be applied to the cheeks and chin, starting from the center of each of these parts of the face, performing a circular movement that will be widening and then rinsing, in case the makeup is too dense, with another pass of a new clean cotton moistened in the cleansing emulsion to clean and remove any residue.

Finally, the case of women who like to apply a bit of foundation, powder, glitter, or any type of makeup on the neck and cleavage area, although it is not very common when using this waterproof presentation. Here the removal of this is much simpler, since only a little of the embellisher is usually applied, in addition to the fact that they are parts of the body where the skin is more toned and firm, so they can clean it freely.

Skin care after makeup removal

This should never be the only action we perform during a nightly facial care and beauty routine, as, although it is necessary not to go to bed with makeup on the face, it is insufficient in terms of skin health. Also, due to the resistance of this waterproof type, there are often traces of it that enter the pores and clog them, although in very small amounts.

However, to prevent these from accumulating over time, which could cause from pimples, blackheads, and acne problems to more visible and permanent imperfections, such as wrinkles, expression lines, spots, and different marks, it is necessary to perform a deeper facial cleaning, using cleaners specifically designed for this job. These are capable of removing any residue left by the makeup remover, as well as all types of impurities and the sebum resulting from oilier skins.

After this, if we seek to prevent or reduce the appearance of imperfections caused by the passage of the years, as well as those caused by premature aging that appears due to lack of skin care, we must use a moisturizing cream, with emollients and actives that help keep the dermis nourished and hydrated, not only on its most superficial layers but also in the lower ones, to which we can reach with the use of serum or other cosmetic articles.

You can apply all these products with a simple reusable item. If you want to know it, we invite you to read Makeup remover sponges, how are they used?

Last but not least, for those looking for a more detailed routine, that protects the skin from the long-term damage caused by the sun, impurities and continuous use of makeup (yes, believe it or not, this can cause side effects to our skin, which is why makeup removal is always recommended), we cannot forget a recurring application of anti-aging cream, preferably with antioxidants and vitamins, that provides all the necessary properties for the best facial care.