EYE MAKEUP REMOVAL: Solving Stubborn EYELINER MASCARA Residue

"Hello, I have a question about removing my eye makeup. I cant get the mascara and eyeliner off not matter what i do. I use pretty much any line of makeup I use does the same thing. I know that you have a foam cleanser, but it does it remove all the makeup by itself? I can't use the oil b/c it gets in my eyes and stays there even after using foam. Do you have any suggestions????"

A TWO FOLD EYE PROBLEM

Ahhhh, I've had many cases like this. This is a 2-fold problem which required some compromise from my patients. First is understanding EYE MAKEUP FORMULATION and second is an EYELID SKIN BARRIER HEALTH problem. 

EYE MAKEUP FORMULATION

Eyeliner and mascara formulas contain oils, lipids and things that help them "stay on" the eye area. By definition, like needs to remove like. Like it or not, my patients have to learn how to incorporate CLEANSING OILS for removing eye makeup. There is no way around it. 

EYELID SKIN BARRIER HEALTH

My patients that "cannot" use oil based products end up using foam cleansers thinking they are gentle. Foam cleansers are gentle, but they are primarily surfactants - soaps that strip the EYELID SKIN BARRIER. Over time, the eyelid skin barrier loses its natural oil on the topmost layer. This is also true for eyelashes. Eyelashes have oil glands that keep them oily and moist.

When the eyelid skin and the eyelashes lose its natural oil due to over-use of surfactants - mascara and eyeliner just stick MORE. This creates a vicious cycle. Mascara and eyeliner becomes more and more difficult to remove over time. My patients spend more time trying to remove with more surfactants, never allowing the EYELID SKIN BARRIER to repair. 

OPTION 1: Introducing the DOUBLE CLEANSE METHOD

The key to healthy EYE MAKEUP REMOVAL is a two‑step process. We call this the DOUBLE CLEANSE METHOD.  First, focus on dissolving the bulk of the eye makeup: like for like. A cleansing oil will BREAK THE MOLECULAR BONDS of mascara and eyeliner making removal easy! All the removal is done by the cleansing oil AND without changing the pH or stripping the eyelid skin barrier. Always follow with a gentle foam cleanser to wash away all the debris. Here you're washing away all that eye makeup debris, and the surfactant is now stripping away the cleansing oil, not the lipids off the EYELID SKIN BARRIER. 

OPTION 2: Double Cleanse Method MODICATION

For my patients that are really turned off my using straight up CLEANSING OIL, I have them do this instead. It's a nice compromise. On a large cotton round pad, create a custom emulsion of CLEANSING OIL and FOAMING CLEANSER. I suggest starting with a 25% cleansing oil and 75% foaming cleanser ratio. Some trial and error may be required to find the best ratio. Some of my patients need just 1 drop of the cleansing oil. Others like a 50/50 ratio. This ratio will also change as the eyelid skin barrier is allowed to repair over time. 

WHY I LOVE THIS DUO

OIL: Rosemary Eyelid & Eyelash Cleansing Oil

A limited ingredient formula cleansing oil that supports eyelash health and eyelid skin barrier health. Vegan, Cruelty Free, Clean Formula.

FOAM: superGLA® Eyelid & Eyelash Foaming Cleanser

A gentle cleanser formulated with fatty acids specifically chosen for dry eyes, dry eyelid skin and eyelid skin barrier health. Made with a naturally derived non-GMO preservative system fortified with eyelid skin conditioning benefits. Vegan, Cruelty Free, Clean Formula.

 SHOP THE DUO HERE

My patients do not like to compromise, but they are also open to trying new things. Give it a shot, your EYELID SKIN BARRIER will thank you in about 28 days when it's fully repaired itself. 

Hi, I’m Dr. Tanya Gill, optometrist and founder of We Love Eyes. I started We Love Eyes in 2014 while trying to help one of my (stubborn) patients with contact lens discomfort. In 2016, I had 3 products. Fast forward to today - We Love Eyes has almost 30 SKUs. It’s been an amazing journey. Explore my life’s work at weloveeyes.com. Check out my EYE MAKEUP + REMOVAL section to find healthy eye care products for your eye problem. I also have a ton of content at TIKTOK. See the profile page and see the playlist EYE MAKEUP REMOVAL. xo

MORE BLOGS:

• What is the Double Cleanse Method for Eyes? - here
• Double Cleanse Eyelids for a Healthy Eyelid Skin Barrier - here
• Why Use Rosemary Cleansing Oil by We Love Eyes to Clean Your Eyelids & Eyelashes? - here

• Revolutionize Your Dry Eye Care Routine with SuperGLA™: The Ultimate Eyelid and Eyelash Cleanser - here

• EYE MAKEUP REMOVAL

• EYELINER MASCARA removal

• DOUBLE CLEANSE METHOD

• EYELID SKIN BARRIER HEALTH

• gentle eye makeup remover

• foaming eyelid cleanser

• We Love Eyes makeup tips

• Dr. Tanya Gill eye care

• prevent eyelid irritation

• nighttime eyelid routine