My makeup remover doesn't remove waterproof mascara: what should I do?

You’ve rubbed, insisted, re-rubbed... and yet, your waterproof mascara is still clinging to your lashes as if nothing happened.

👉 Don’t panic: you might not be doing it wrong, but perhaps you’re using the wrong product.

In this article, we explain why some makeup removers don't work on waterproof makeup, and which natural (and effective) products to use instead.

To go further, also discover our complete guide to natural makeup removal, with simple and truly practical tips for clean skin without a greasy film.

Why is waterproof mascara difficult to remove?

Waterproof makeup is designed to resist water, humidity, perspiration, tears... and therefore also classic micellar water, cleansing gels, or makeup remover wipes.

Result:

• Products that are too gentle are not enough,
• Products that are too aggressive can irritate the eyes or eyelashes,
• And you end up rubbing, which weakens the delicate skin around the eyes.

What you need? A fatty substance capable of dissolving the waxes and polymers contained in waterproof makeup.

3-in-1 Bi-Phase • Repairing - €16.90

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3-in-1 Bi-Phase • Purifying - €16.90

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3-in-1 Bi-Phase • Nourishing - €16.90

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What you need: a natural bi-phase makeup remover

The most effective AND gentle solution is the bi-phase makeup remover.

It combines an aqueous phase (hydrosol) and an oily phase (vegetable oils). It is the latter that dissolves waterproof mascara in a few seconds.

💡 At SENZA, our bi-phases are 100% natural, preservative-free, and formulated with French vegetable oils that remove even waterproof makeup, while taking care of the eye contour.

Which bi-phase to choose for your skin type?

👀 All our SENZA bi-phases are effective on eyes and waterproof makeup. Here are our recommendations:

• Dry or sensitive skin:

  👉 Nourishing Bi-phase – olive oil, sweet almond, carrot, rose geranium

• Reactive skin:

  👉 Hydrating Bi-phase – hemp, chamomile, daisy

• Combination to oily skin:

  👉 Purifying Bi-phase – hazelnut, lavender, dandelion

• Tired skin:

  👉 Repairing Bi-phase – plum, St. John's wort, cornflower

🧴 A few drops on a washable cotton pad, leave it on for a few seconds on the lashes, or massage directly with your fingers to loosen the makeup without pulling out your lashes! Gently wipe: the mascara comes off effortlessly.

What if you don't like the oily texture?

If you are bothered by the greasy sensation, try double cleansing:

1. Apply the bi-phase to a cotton pad to remove waterproof mascara or gently massage with your fingers.
2. Then cleanse your face with a cold-process soap, for a 100% clean feeling, without tightness.

🧼 Recommended soaps:

• Cream Soap: fragrance-free, super gentle for the eyes
• Olive Soap: soothing and nourishing
• Aloe Vera Soap: if you have very dry skin or need to repair it.

Tip for removing waterproof mascara: what not to do

❌ Avoid:

• Micellar water alone: it doesn't effectively remove waterproof products
• Repeated rubbing: it breaks lashes and irritates the eye area
• Mineral oils or petrochemical balms: occlusive, with no skin benefits

✅ Prefer:

• A natural bi-phase,
• Or a pure vegetable oil such as plum oil (fine, dry, makeup-removing, and antioxidant),
• And a complementary gentle cleansing if you wear makeup every day.

Which natural makeup remover to choose according to your needs?

Need	Best option
Light makeup	Gentle cold-process soap
Waterproof makeup	Bi-phase + soap (double cleansing)
Sensitive skin / made-up eyes	Bi-phase
Minimalist routine	Cold-process soap
Complete skincare routine	Bi-phase + soap (double cleansing)

SENZA: plants, oils, nothing else!

An ultra-simple formula that respects the skin

Each SENZA natural bi-phase makeup remover contains only two essential ingredients:

• An organic vegetable oil (such as olive, hazelnut, or plum) to gently dissolve makeup, even waterproof

• An organic hydrosol (lavender, geranium, chamomile, etc.) to cleanse, soothe, and rebalance the skin

No surfactants, zero added fragrance, no aggressive preservatives: just the essentials for clean, protected skin.

Bonus: a formula that cares for as well as cleanses your skin

Unlike micellar waters or classic makeup removers, our natural bi-phases offer much more than just cleansing:

• They nourish the skin deeply

• Repair weakened epidermis

• Hydrate without leaving a greasy film

• And regulate sebum according to your skin's needs

All gently, without aggressing. Even sensitive eyes and reactive skin love them.

Double cleansing: the ally for clean skin

This two-step approach provides complete and respectful skin cleansing:

• Oil phase: to remove makeup, excess sebum, and oily particles (pollution, sunscreens).

• Water phase: to gently purify dust, perspiration, and water-soluble impurities.

💧 Result: clean, comfortable skin, ready to receive its treatments.

The winning duo: natural bi-phase + cold-process soap. A simple, sensory, and ultra-effective routine.

3-in-1 Bi-Phase • Repairing - €16.90

DISCOVER

3-in-1 Bi-Phase • Purifying - €16.90

DISCOVER

3-in-1 Bi-Phase • Nourishing - €16.90

DISCOVER

How to use a bi-phase for makeup removal?

1. Shake the bottle well to homogenize the two phases

2. Pour a few drops onto a washable cotton pad

3. Gently cleanse the face and eyes, without rubbing

4. If necessary, complete with a soothing hydrosol

5. Then apply your usual night care

In summary, how to remove your waterproof mascara?

👉 Waterproof mascara requires an oil-based makeup remover to be removed without damaging the skin or lashes.

👉 The best natural and effective option: the bi-phase makeup remover based on organic vegetable oils.

👉 At SENZA, our bi-phases are ultra-effective on waterproof makeup, without mineral oil or preservatives.

👉 And if needed, double cleansing with our cold-process soaps ensures a clean, soft, and pure result.

🛒 Discover SENZA bi-phase makeup removers

🧼 See cold-process soaps

FAQ – Makeup removal and waterproof mascara

Why doesn't my waterproof mascara come off?

Because it's designed to be water-resistant. You need an oil-based product (oil or bi-phase) to dissolve it effectively.

Do SENZA bi-phases remove waterproof makeup?

Yes, all our bi-phases are rich in makeup-removing vegetable oils and are effective even on waterproof makeup.

Can I use a pure vegetable oil?

Yes, plum oil or hazelnut oil can be sufficient. But bi-phases are more practical, and the aqueous phase helps to pick up impurities on the cotton pad and provides an additional toning effect.

Should I rinse after using a bi-phase?

Not necessarily. But if you don't like the feeling of a film, you can do a gentle cleanse with a cold-process soap.

What is the best SENZA product for made-up eyes?

👉 Repairing Bi-phase if your eyes are sensitive,

👉 Nourishing Bi-phase for complete skincare action,

👉 + Cream Soap as a complement if you like double cleansing.

To go further:

What is the difference between a hydrosol and a floral water?