How To Remove Liquid Eyeliner: 5 Quick & Easy Methods

Back in high school, when I wore raccoon eye makeup every day, I used to believe- ‘yesterday’s eyeliner is today’s smokey eye if I believe in myself.’ Fast forward to the present, now I have to follow a strict daily regimen or wake up looking like 15, experiencing a hormonal roller coaster all over again. At the same time, I realized how essential it is to clean makeup properly. Now, I believe ‘today’s proper cleansing can give me a clean slate for tomorrow’s makeup application.’

If we are on the same page, you must have started feeling the need to prioritize good makeup-removing habits, too. Here, you’ll learn about How To Remove Liquid Eyeliner, an excellent way to start good habits.

UNDERSTANDING LIQUID EYELINER

Liquid eyeliner differs from others not only because its texture is liquid but also because of its potent formula that is long-lasting and smudge-proof. A suitable liquid liner would be the last to budge from the eyes compared to other makeup options. But even so, effective removal techniques can clean it off quickly. There’s no need to spend half an hour or 4-6 cotton pads each time; you’re just doing it wrong.

WHY REMOVING LIQUID EYELINER PROPERLY IS CRUCIAL

Getting in bed without cleaning off eyeliner properly and then waking up the next day with black eyes automatically can make one feel down. You’ll notice your eyes are puffier than usual and watery, too. Imagine this going on every day. Not suitable for eye health. Not to mention the potential irritation that can result from all those buildups and clogged pores; that is why proper removal is necessary.

Good job if you followed the proper instructions and successfully got every bit of eyeliner out of your eyes. But that’s not it; you must clean off the remover you used. Even micellar water, too. A good foaming cleanser as a second step is a must. Please read further to learn about proper removal techniques.

COMMON MISTAKES in REMOVING LIQUID EYELINER

Remember, just somehow getting rid of eyeliner should not be your goal. You might be making many mistakes unintentionally that are causing irritation, puffiness, premature aging, etc. Read these following points so you can be mindful from next-

1. Using makeup wipes: Do not use makeup wipes. They are bad for the skin, bad for the environment, and inefficient, too. Popular brands like Body Shop stopped making them. Messes up the pH value of the skin.
2. Using only bar soap and water: Too harsh. It’s good for getting gunk off of skin-like- hands. Too drying, skin overcompensates by producing extra oil.
3. Using too little product: You should use a generous amount of product on the eye area—this way, you reduce friction, so no tugging or pulling happens. And eyeliner comes off easily, too.
4. Not using the right cleansing product: You must choose the right product carefully depending on your makeup-wearing habits. What type of makeup you use, how much you wear, the type of your skin, your personal preferences, everything should be considered while choosing a product—more on Choosing the Right Method if you’re interested.
5. Not being gentle enough: It’s the eye area we are discussing. This skin is prone to wrinkles. Be as gentle as possible. If, by doing so, your makeup doesn’t come off, it is time to try out other methods.

HOW TO REMOVE LIQUID EYELINER (Five Effective Methods)

METHOD 1: USING MAKEUP REMOVERS

All types of products specifically branded and marketed as a “makeup up removing product” or “makeup removing solution” are all makeup removers. Micellar water, cleansing oils, balms, lotions, and milk are all makeup removers. So it’s up to you what type you go for.

Spoiler ahead-

The most preferred makeup remover is a cleansing oil. It works like a charm, no matter how matte your liquid liner is.

METHOD 2: OIL-BASED CLEANSING

Cleansing oils, balms, lotions, and milk all fall under oil-based cleansers and are hands down the best options. Here’s why-

1. Your makeup is oil-based, which is why water slips right on top of it. Oil-based cleanser mixes with your makeup so that it’s easier to rinse off.
2. Regular oils are a pain to wash off, but oil cleansers usually have emulsifiers that help wash off the oil much more quickly.
3. No rubbing or tugging occurs.
4. It doesn’t dry out in the process of removing makeup.
5. A minimal amount is needed.
6. It can be used with clean, bare hands.
7. It becomes a milky consistency once it comes in touch with water to break down your liquid eyeliner more.
8. Effectively removes every bit of eyeliner without leaving any vestiges.

So, are you curious enough to know the things you need to remove your liquid eyeliner?

Here you go – with the steps you have to follow as well. 

THINGS YOU NEED – 

1. Any cleansing oil/balm/lotion/milk of your choice.
2. Your own hands.
3. Q-tips
4. Cotton pads
5. A Foaming Cleanser.

STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW – 

1st STEP: One drop of oil or a little scoop of balm is enough if you’re wearing a simple eyeliner style like a wing or cat eye, etc. And if the liner look is bold, one drop/scoop for each eye should do it. Slather the product around your eye generously.

2nd STEP: Wait 30-60 seconds so the eyeliner gets loose.

3rd STEP: With your eyes closed, gently massage with your clean fingers in a round motion. When I say clean fingers, I don’t mean all of them. Use one of your fingers—massage in a downward-round motion to get the lashes, too. Lastly, Look up and massage along the lower lash line.

4th STEP: Now, at this stage, if you think you need more cleansing, you can go for the second round. Now, how would you know that when your eyes are already black with all the melted eyeliner? Take a cotton pad to wipe off the oil gently, and then see if any eyeliner is still sticking to your skin or not. This step is for heavy eyeliner days. You don’t have to do it every time.

5th STEP: Take a Q-tip with your cleansing product on it. Go through the lash line or wherever your liquid liner is sticking.

6th STEP: Finally, rinse off the oil with water and then use any cleanser.

SHORTCOMINGS of OIL-BASED CLEANSING

1. It might burn if oils come in contact with the eyes, which is pretty easy. So be mindful while massaging.
2. Massaging for too long and tugging at the skin irritates the eye area. Tugging happens when you’re using too little amount of oil. All this can cause redness around the eye area.
3. Always use another face wash or foaming cleanser afterward. Otherwise, the oil in the balm/oil that successfully breaks down your makeup will also clog pores.
4. Try to avoid oil-based cleansers if you have eyelash extensions. Or choose ones that are formulated with lightweight oil that won’t weaken or break down the adhesive.

METHOD 3: MICELLAR WATER

It is a type of gentle cleansing water containing tiny micelles, which are oil molecules known for attracting and capturing dirt, oil, and makeup from the skin. It’s a popular choice indeed. Here’s why-

1. Cheaper than other makeup removers.
2. It can be used to fix eyeliner as well as remove it.
3. No options for clogged pores.
4. It is a rinse-free cleanser; you don’t necessarily have to use another foaming cleanser afterward.
5. It uses surfactants (kinder than most) for cleansing but is gentle enough to stay on the skin.
6. Often, micellar water may have some skincare benefits added to them.
7. They are generally considered safe to use with eyelash extensions.

Step-by-step guide on using micellar water to remove liquid eyeliner.:

THINGS YOU NEED – 

1. Micellar water.
2. Cotton pads.
3. Q-tips.

STEPS YOU NEED TO FOLLOW –

1st STEP: Soak one cotton pad with a generous amount of micellar water and hold it on your eyelid for up to 1 minute to really break down your eyeliner.

2nd STEP: Wipe your eyes off with gentle pressure and see if everything came off or not. You can go over your eyes several times with the same cotton pad before throwing it out.

3rd STEP: After wiping off the majority of the eye makeup, you may still feel that your lashes are not clean enough yet. For that, you can use a Q-tip soaked with micellar water and clean between the lashes.

MICELLAR WATER HACKS (Tuning micellar water into foam)

1. If you’re on TikTok, you have already seen people do this. Soak a cotton pad with micellar water like you usually would and hold the opposite side on your lips. Blow air like you’re blowing a balloon, and immediately, the foam will come out. But if you’re concerned with the fact that blowing on cotton pads means germs coming out and mixing with micellar water, then try out this next one.
2. For this, you need an empty foaming bottle. You can pour micellar water into a foaming bottle to make foam, and trust me; it works so well this way! You don’t even need cotton pads this way. Just slather the foam on top of closed eyes and use your hand or a soft bristle brush to cleanse

SHORTCOMINGS of MICELLAR WATER – 

1. A fair amount is needed to get rid of everything entirely. You might even need 4-6 cotton pads soaked with micellar water only for eyes if you’re wearing heavy makeup, which is a lot.
2. Tough to clean some pencils or gel eyeliner.
3. Too much rubbing with cotton pads leaves the eyes stinging and sore.
4. It does not always break down really oily makeup, so you are just scrubbing it off manually.

METHOD 4: WARM WATER and MAKEUP ERASER

This method is criminally underrated! You’ll get suggestions for all types of makeup removers, but rarely for a makeup eraser. Makeup eraser is a particular type of microfiber cloth that doesn’t require any kind of liquid other than water. Here are some other benefits that come along with it-

1. They are washable and reusable.
2. It has two sides, one with short fibers to erase makeup and another with long fibers for exfoliating the skin.
3. You only need warm water.
4. Does Not irritate or dry out the skin.
5. Suitable for all types of skin, even for sensitive skin!
6. Doesn’t clog pores or cause breakouts.
7. Safe for lash extensions.

Step-by-step guide on using warm water and a Makeup eraser.

Things you need:

1. A makeup eraser cloth.
2. Warm water.

Steps you need to follow:

1st STEP: Soak the cloth with warm water. You need warm water for optimal results as it helps with melting eyeliner, making it easier to wipe off.

2nd STEP: Press for some seconds and then wipe to remove all makeup.

Shortcomings of Warm Water & Makeup Eraser – 

1. Your makeup needs to be easily removable. This means you cannot use long-lasting or waterproof makeup. That way, you’ll get your makeup removed without being too aggressive,
2. Cold water won’t work as effectively as hot water.
3. It won’t get rid of sunscreen.

METHOD 5: CREAMS or LOTIONS

If you’ve researched the other methods by now, one thing we both can agree on is that they sure can be pricey. Here’s where face creams or lotions enter as a savior. More specifically, we are talking about Pond’s Cold Cream because not all creams are cheap. Here’s why you should consider using a cream/lotion:

1. It’s gentle and properly removes water-insoluble makeup.
2. It is a quarter the price of other cream cleansers.

Step-by-step guide on using gel-based creams or lotions.

Things you need:

1. Your choice of cream/lotion.
2. Cotton pad/ball.
3. Cleanser.

Steps you need to follow:

1st STEP: Take cream/lotion on your cotton pad/ball. One pump or scoop would be more than enough.

2nd STEP: Gently massage over the eyes till the liner comes off.

3rd STEP: Wash off with your cleanser/face wash.

Shortcomings of Cream and Lotion:

1. Eyeliner needs to be water soluble to come off immediately. Otherwise, it takes a while.
2. Not for removing sunscreen.
3. It is not formulated for use with eyelash extensions.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT METHOD

The most suitable method for you would be based on your makeup type. So first look at your vanity drawer and see what your makeups have in common. We are talking about the whole face here because you’re not buying any remover for eyeliner only; it’s for the whole face.

So go for oil-based cleansers if you use long-lasting, matte, no-budge, sweat-proof makeup.

Get yourself micellar water if your eyeliner is not too intense or you use light makeup in general.

A makeup eraser will be perfect if your eyes are too sensitive to use any removal product near your eyes. In that case, your makeup should be water-soluble, too.

Any face cream or lotion can be an option if you don’t have any makeup remover or can’t afford it yet. But please buy one as soon as possible.

Do not forget to wash your face afterward, even though your product has no rinse benefits added to its label. You must use a face wash at some point in the day, maybe not immediately.

ADDITIONAL TIPS for EFFECTIVE REMOVAL

We want the most long-lasting, waterproof, humidity-proof, water-resistant eyeliner out there as our liquid eyeliner. But then regret when it’s time to wash it off. Even with a double-triple cleansing session and many wipes later, you might still see eyeliner flakes around your eyes. To fix that, follow these additional tips –

1. Often, magnetic eyeliners or something that is long-lasting type won’t come off after you’re done with your removal routine. In that case, apply some castor oil and just go to sleep. You can quickly get rid of the remnants the following day. Castor oil will nourish your lashes as well as get rid of any makeup left behind.
2. If you don’t want to use cotton pads or you feel like you end up using too many of them, switch to washable wipes.
3. Oil-infused micellar water can dissolve makeups that regular micellar water can’t. So make sure you try that out if normal micellar water doesn’t work for you.
4. If you’re struggling with getting around the eyes and lashes. In that case, baby shampoo can be good at scrubbing those tough eyeliner stains away. And it’s safe, too. A gentle lid and lash scrub are sometimes essential to prevent eye infections and dry eyes.
5. If you have makeup wipes, get a Q-tip and squeeze it into them. Then, use that to wipe off anything closer to your lashes or your outer eye corner where eyeliner or lash glue might sit.
6. Q-tips dipped in petroleum jelly can get rid of waterproof eyeliner.
7. Whatever makeup-removing product you use, let it sit on top of your eyes while you work on the rest of the face.

POST-REMOVAL SKINCARE ROUTINE

We all have our own skincare ritual. So you already know what is best for you. There are no special rules to follow; just do your skincare as usual. But if you feel your eye area is extra tight or dry, use an eye cream. If you don’t have any, everyday moisturizer would do too. Using castor oil along the lashes and eye area is good, too.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

What’s the best method to remove liquid eyeliner?

ANSWER: Removing with an oil-based cleanser and washing it off with a foaming cleanser is the best and most effective method for removing eyeliner.

Can oil-based cleansers cause breakouts?

ANSWER: No. It’s just like any other cleanser. You’re just massaging it for a couple of minutes and washing it off afterward, anyway.

Can oily skin types use oil cleansers?

ANSWER: Yes. Oil cleansers are for everyone.

Can I use makeup remover wipes to remove liquid eyeliner?

ANSWER: Do not use makeup wipes on your eyes. It does not effectively remove eyeliner, and you’ll rub too much. A good option can be makeup erasers.

What are some tips for removing liquid eyeliner from the waterline?

ANSWER: You can gently swipe along the waterline with a clean Q-tip to remove eyeliner. Or a makeup eraser soaked with warm water works well, too.

Can I use coconut oil to remove eyeliner?

ANSWER: Yes, you can. Coconut oil works well with breaking down eyeliners, too. But as it is comedogenic, think before you use it because even a few minutes can clog pores if you’re too acnegenic. You can use other oils like rosehip oil instead of coconut oil.

FINAL THOUGHTS 

Many choices to remove eyeliner have been discussed; now it’s up to you what you choose. Trust me, making an effort to clean correctly will not disappoint you. Don’t question the process or shy away from buying good products; your skin will thank you. Otherwise, the drastic change in eye health and skin will show up.

Please follow the instructions given for every makeup-removal method and avoid mistakes. As it is the eye area we’re talking about, advice like you-do-you is not really applicable. What feels good to you might not be doing good to you. Your eyes might look clean from eyeliner, but it is tough if you don’t have a good routine to follow through. So, I hope you learned a lot and implement everything from now on for better results.