Make sure to thoroughly wash and dry your hands before using the petroleum jelly. This will help prevent any dirt or germs being transferred to your eyes.

To keep the petroleum jelly from getting into your eyes, try to close your eyes while coating your lashes. You can either apply the petroleum jelly to your other eye now, or you can wait until you’re finished, and then remove the mascara from your other eye.

To avoid getting the petroleum jelly in your eyes, wipe in a downwards motion on your lashes, moving from root to tip.

Leaving petroleum jelly on the delicate skin of your eyelids can clog your pores, leading to painful styes.

Try making your own waterproof makeup remover by mixing a little baby oil or coconut oil into your regular facial wash. Just be sure you don’t open your eyes when you’re washing your face. [6] X Research source Christin Birckhead. Makeup artist. Personal interview. 8 May 2020.

Be careful to not get the baby oil directly in your eyes. Rinse your face with warm water and a washcloth if the skin around your eyes becomes irritated. Repeat this process on your other eye.

Wash your face with a mild cleanser or wipe it with a cotton pad soaked in micellar water if your skin still feels greasy from the baby oil.

Instead of olive oil, you can also use coconut oil to remove the waterproof mascara. [11] X Research source

If you are using coconut oil, then you only need to press the pad against your eyelashes for 30 seconds.

If your makeup pad becomes muddied with too much mascara, use a new makeup pad to finish wiping the oil and mascara away. Repeat the soaking and wiping process for your other eye.

Repeat the process if any of the oil remains.

A makeup remover towel is a soft microfiber cloth that can remove makeup using water. You can purchase a makeup remover towel online with major retailers or at your local beauty supply store. If you recently purchased the makeup remover towel, then make sure to wash and air-dry the towel before using it on your face.

Dampen the cloth with more warm water if it becomes dry while wiping. [17] X Research source Repeat the process for your other eye. Use a new, dampened section of the towel to do so.

Moisturize your face if your skin seems dry or flakey from rubbing it with the towel. [19] X Research source