How to Remove Makeup Without Makeup Remover (Mascara Too)

How to remove makeup without makeup remover comes down to one idea: dissolve it, don't scrub it. You probably already own something that does the dissolving, whether that's a tub of petroleum jelly, a bottle of plain oil or simply your face wash.

Why makeup doesn't just rinse off

Most everyday makeup comes off with a gentle cleanser. Waterproof formulas are different. Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Dr. Amy Kassouf puts it plainly: "You need a lipid, a type of fat, to remove waterproof mascara." Water and soap slide right over it.

That's why the double cleanse exists. Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Dr. Jane Wu explains that it means "cleansing your face twice, first with an oil-based product," and that the oil step is "helpful when it comes to removing waterproof makeup and sunscreen." If you wore waterproof mascara or a long-wear look sealed with a waterproof setting spray, plan on that oil step tonight.

Skipping removal isn't a great plan either. The American Academy of Dermatology says "Even non-comedogenic makeup can cause acne if you sleep in it," and the American Academy of Ophthalmology warns that "If not removed properly, eye makeup can cause irritation."

What you can use instead of makeup remover

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) backs the first one directly: "Vaseline is a very effective makeup remover." It says the jelly "helps makeup slide off without unnecessary tugging and pulling." The AAO also calls baby shampoo "an inexpensive and ophthalmologist-recommended product for washing eyelids."

For oils, Cleveland Clinic says "A dab of olive oil on a cotton ball or washcloth can also remove waterproof mascara," and Dr. Wu says "you can use a bit of coconut oil as a makeup remover." Both come with a catch (step 2).

If you only have lotion, dermatologist Dr. Nicole Lee told NBC Select that lotion on a cotton ball for eye makeup "cleanses without irritation while moisturizing" the lids.

How to remove makeup without makeup remover, step by step

1. Start with clean hands and dry skin

Wash your hands, and keep your face dry for now. Oil grips makeup best on dry skin, which is why Cleveland Clinic's double-cleansing steps start by massaging the oil product into dry skin.

2. Melt eye makeup with petroleum jelly or a little oil

Put a thin layer of petroleum jelly, or a few drops of plain oil, on a cotton pad or your fingertip. Close your eye and smooth it over your lid and lashes. A little goes a long way; you want a sheen, not a glob.

Two cautions. First, keep it out of your eyes; the AAO says "Whatever eye makeup remover you use, avoid getting it in your eyes." Second, oils can clog pores. Dr. Kassouf says "Any type of facial oil product may cause clogged pores and pimples," and advises: "Don't use olive oil on your face or other acne-prone areas if your skin is already oily." If you've never put a particular oil on your face, try it on a small patch of skin first.

3. How to take off mascara without makeup remover: press, then wipe

This is the step people rush. Hold the cotton pad against your closed eye for several seconds before you move it. Dermatologist Dr. Alexandra Bowles told Shop TODAY that pressing the pad on "for several seconds before wiping" dissolves makeup "without the need for rubbing."

Then wipe down and outward, in the direction your lashes grow. Flip to a clean side of the pad and repeat until the pad comes away clear. The AAD says to "Avoid scrubbing your face, even when removing makeup," and the AAO asks you to "Be gentle with your eyelashes and the delicate areas around your eyes." If you've just curled your lashes with an eyelash curler, they'll thank you for not tugging.

4. How to remove eyeliner without makeup remover: use a cotton swab

Eyeliner and the last bits of mascara hide right at the lash line. Dip a cotton swab in your jelly or oil and run it along the base of your lashes. The AAO's tip is to "Brush a clean cotton swab along the base of the eyelashes to remove all makeup remnants." Use a fresh swab for each eye.

5. Wash your face with your regular gentle cleanser

Now cleanse your whole face. The AAD's face-washing advice is "a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser that does not contain alcohol," lukewarm water, and your fingertips. A cream cleanser such as CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser, our gentle pick in best skincare products for dry skin, is one the brand says "removes dirt, oil, and even makeup."

If makeup still shows on your towel, wash a second time. That's the double cleanse. Dr. Wu recommends a water-based cleanser after coconut oil "to reduce the risk of clogged pores and milia," and Cleveland Clinic suggests the same after olive oil.

A warm, damp washcloth can lift off oil, but press rather than rub: the AAD notes a washcloth or "anything other than your fingertips can irritate your skin."

6. Rinse your eyelids well and pat dry

The AAO says "Thoroughly rinse any remover off your eyelids," and its older safety tips explain why: "to avoid possible irritation of the eye or lids." Splash with lukewarm water, then pat dry with a soft towel. Follow with moisturizer if your skin feels dry, and be gentle around the eyes.

How to remove waterproof makeup without makeup remover

Waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation and waterproof setting spray all need the oil step. Do steps 2 to 4 with petroleum jelly or oil, and hold the pad on a little longer so the makeup softens before you wipe. Then double cleanse. If you have micellar water, Cleveland Clinic's Dr. Sadia Tahir notes that for very heavy or waterproof makeup "you may need to add in an additional oil- or water-based cleanser."

What not to use on your face

A few things show up in DIY makeup remover lists that dermatologists warn against:

• Rubbing alcohol and astringents. The AAD says to avoid "astringents, rubbing alcohol, and anything else that can dry out your skin."
• Harsh soaps and scrubs. Cleveland Clinic dermatologist Dr. Melissa Piliang lists harsh soaps and scrubbing among the habits behind a damaged barrier. Our skin barrier repair guide explains why gentle wins.
• Exfoliating scrubs near your eyes. The AAO says "don't use them around your eyes."
• Heavy oils on acne-prone skin. Use the smallest amount, keep it to your eyes, and cleanse afterward.
• Wipes as the only step. Dr. Lee told NBC Select, "Think of wipes as a first step, not a final cleanse."
• Washing over and over. Dr. Wu warns that "Overwashing can lead to dryness, irritation and the breakdown of the skin barrier." Two gentle washes is plenty.

Picks that help

For next time, these are designed for the job.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof

Best for: a no-rinse option that handles waterproof makeup. Drugstore.

• Garnier says this bi-phase formula removes "Waterproof makeup, long-wear lipstick, waterproof mascara," and calls it "oil-free, alcohol-free, fragrance-free." It's dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, according to the brand.
• NBC Select named it best for waterproof makeup. Garnier's own directions match step 3: hold the pad over closed eyes for 10 to 15 seconds before wiping.
• Keep in mind: shake it first so the two layers mix.

Check price on Amazon

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Best for: sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Drugstore.

• Neutrogena says the dual-phase formula takes off "even waterproof mascara—without any greasy residue," and that it's "ophthalmologist tested so it's safe for contact lens wearers."
• It's oil-free, which fits the AAD's advice to "Use an oil-free makeup remover" if you're acne-prone. Shop TODAY named it best for sensitive eyes.
• Keep in mind: the brand's directions say to rinse with warm water afterward.

Check price on Amazon

e.l.f. SKIN Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Best for: the oil step of a double cleanse, on a budget. Drugstore.

• e.l.f. says the solid balm "melts into a luxurious oil, then transforms into a nourishing, milky texture that rinses off clean." Key ingredients are hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides, and the brand lists it for dry, oily and combination skin.
• NBC Select included it as an alternative to wipes.
• Keep in mind: we didn't find a fragrance-free statement on the brand page. Follow it with your regular cleanser.

Check price on Amazon

The Original MakeUp Eraser

Best for: taking off makeup with warm water when you're out of everything. Mid-range.

• The brand says its fiber cloth removes makeup "with JUST WATER," including "waterproof mascara, long-wear foundation, matte liquid lipstick, and tinted SPF," and that it's safe around the eyes.
• NBC Select says "its short fibers lift away makeup, oil and dirt," and that it's machine washable.
• Keep in mind: the long-fiber side is for exfoliating, so keep that side away from your eyes. The brand still suggests following with your regular cleanser.

Check price on Amazon

If your eyes stay red, sore or itchy after removing makeup, see an eye doctor.

FAQs

How do you get mascara off without makeup remover?

Use a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a few drops of plain oil on a cotton pad. Press it on your closed eye for several seconds, then wipe down and out. Finish at the lash line with a cotton swab, then wash your face. The AAO says Vaseline helps makeup "slide off without unnecessary tugging and pulling."

How do I remove makeup without cleanser?

Use the oil or jelly step, then rinse with lukewarm water and wipe again with a clean damp cloth. Micellar water works without rinsing if you have it. Baby shampoo is an AAO-recommended eyelid wash. Wash with a proper cleanser as soon as you can, especially after oils.

Is a DIY or homemade makeup remover safe?

Simple ones are, with care. Petroleum jelly, a plain oil or lotion all come recommended by doctors or dermatologists for loosening makeup. Skip recipes with rubbing alcohol or astringents, which the AAD says dry out skin, and keep everything out of your eyes.

What's the best makeup remover substitute for acne-prone skin?

Your gentle cleanser, used twice, or micellar water. Oils are the riskiest choice: Cleveland Clinic calls coconut oil "highly comedogenic" and warns that any facial oil "may cause clogged pores and pimples." If you need oil for waterproof mascara, keep it to the lashes and cleanse afterward.

What is the best makeup remover?

It depends on your makeup. A cleansing balm or oil followed by a gentle cleanser handles heavy and waterproof makeup. Micellar water suits lighter makeup. For eyes, the AAD recommends an oil-free remover if you're acne-prone. Our four picks above cover each type.

Do I need a sensitive eye makeup remover?

If your eyes sting, water or you wear contacts, a remover made for sensitive eyes is worth it. Look for "ophthalmologist tested" on the label, as on the Neutrogena and Garnier picks. Whatever you use, the AAO says to rinse it off your lids completely.

Is it bad to sleep in makeup just once?

Try not to, even once. The AAD's rule is "Remove your makeup before you go to bed. No exceptions." The AAO describes a woman who slept in mascara for more than 25 years and developed "uncomfortable black lumps underneath her eyelids."

Dissolve, press, wipe gently, then wash: that's how to get makeup off tonight, no remover needed.