The Best Eye Makeup Removers (For Even the Most Stubborn Makeup)

So that double cleanse and super-strong micellar water aren’t winning the battle against your waterproof mascara or the smoky eye you recently mastered? While that’s awesome news for your makeup look, it’s not as hot for your skincare.

Even the best makeup remover needs to work extra hard when it comes to melting away eye makeup, which is why it’s a great idea to invest in an eye makeup remover. Lots of specially formulated eye makeup removers are especially effective when it comes to providing additional skin care benefits, like decreasing the appearance of fine lines or even plumping up your eyelashes.

We’re here to make your life a little easier by offering you our roundup of the best eye makeup removers, from liquids to balms (and waterproof eye makeup removers, too!). Even better: the first four products are fan favorites and come straight from IPSY reviews.

1. CLINIQUE Take the Day Off™ Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes, & Lips

Take the day off with no extra effort or the risk of waking up with eyeliner smudges on your face. This special makeup remover attacks even the most stubborn waterproof formulas without irritating sensitive skin or turning your eyes red. People who wear contact lenses swear by it, but it’s also pretty effective at melting away super-matte stay-put lip color. One Ipster says, “LOVE THIS! Works wonders on anything and doesn't feel oily on your face afterwards,” and another Ipster concurs, “Feels great. No residue.”

2. HEY HONEY Come Undone Face & Eye Daily Makeup Remover

This 100% natural makeup remover begins as a gel and gradually turns into a milky cleansing lotion that hydrates skin as it washes away makeup. Just massage it lightly over your eye area to dissolve your makeup, then wipe away the residue with a moist towel. One Ipster says it “removed my makeup with ease and didn't leave me feeling oily. Great product!” and another Ipster insists that it “gets off even the toughest makeup!”

3. FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm

This best-selling makeup remover and face cleanser removes makeup and impurities while gently exfoliating your skin. A combo of sunflower and ginger root oils attacks even the most long-lasting waterproof makeup without stripping your skin, moringa extract removes dirt and grime, and papain, a natural enzyme found in papaya, gently exfoliates and leaves you glowing. The balm gradually transforms into a silky oil and a milky lather, making it a luxe and indulgent part of your nighttime routine.

One Ipster says, “I always have trouble getting ALL the makeup off my face...with this I have no problems at all—miracle product,” and @TwoStrains calls it “literally the best makeup remover I have ever used.”

4. KLORANE Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover

Sensitive eyes will love the all-natural hero ingredient in this eye makeup remover, soothing cornflower, which instantly gets rid of eye makeup without burning or leaving behind a greasy residue. Did we also mention that it neutralizes the drying effects of waterproof mascara and hydrates and boosts your lashes? One Ipster says, “Literally could not get enough of this. I fell in love with the first use. Felt so soothing on my face, and removed all makeup!” And another Ipster says, “Love this! Works just right and didn’t irritate my skin or eyes.”

5. M•A•C Cleanse Off Oil

Removing a long-wearing smoky eye can be almost as awesome as putting it on. This powerful cleansing oil gives thick eye makeup the side-eye and takes it off without a problem. It’s formulated with olive fruit, evening primrose, and jojoba seed oil that glide onto skin and loosen up makeup, dirt, and excess oil—rinsing it all away. Just add water to emulsify the formula into a liquid lotion. The oil is dermatologist- and ophtalmologist-tested, and it’s great for an assortment of skin types.

6. ANDALOU NATURALS Lash + Lid Make-Up Remover

This gentle eye makeup remover was designed for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. A blend of fruit stem cell complex and vitamin C nourish and condition lashes and brows, and the moisturizing formula leaves skin silky-smooth without leaving behind any oily residue or traces of last night’s party.

7. ABSOLUTE NEW YORK Waterproof Eye & Lip Makeup Remover

This oil-free, cruelty-free liquid eye makeup remover was designed to remove makeup that lasts through the day and night. Go to sleep happy and assured that you won’t wake up with your eyeshadow decorating your pillowcase. Just saturate a cotton pad with the liquid and gently swipe it from your inner to outer eye.

8. ESTÉE LAUDER Take It Away: Gentle Eye and Lip LongWear Makeup Remover

This dermatologist-tested makeup remover soothes skin and lifts away makeup with the light sweep of a cotton pad. Botanical ingredients like aloe vera leave skin feeling supple and soft, and are gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. This is a real winner when it comes to melting away long-wear shadows and liners without greasing up your eyes.

9. FIRST AID BEAUTY Pure Skin Conditioning Eye Makeup Remover

This fragrance-free eye makeup remover is formulated with panthenol and silk proteins, which will hydrate the delicate skin around your eyes while making lashes and brows silky and fortified. Vitamin E and chamomile water also soothe and calm skin, leaving you bright-eyed, balanced, and ready for bed.

10. BEAUTYGARDE Lash + Brow Shampoo

Shampoo your lashes and brows with this special oil-free gel, which comes with an antimicrobial charcoal brush head. The unique product was designed to deep-clean your lashes and get into the crevices without pulling or tearing—which is awesome if you have lash extensions. But you can go it one further by using it to take off your liner and eyeshadow, because it was made for sensitive eyes and skin.

11. OFRA COSMETICS Instant Eye Makeup Remover

You want clean skin, and you want it now! This non-stinging hypoallergenic eye makeup remover is great for sensitive eyes and skin, and it’ll help you take off the glam while maintaining your glow.

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