The 8 Best Eye Makeup Removers That Will Remove Your Makeup + Care For Your Skin
So that double cleanse and super-strong BIODERMA 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 routine. Not properly removing your makeup may even be causing your breakouts or overly oily skin. Consider those makeup remover wipes a thing of the past!
Even the best makeup remover needs to work extra hard when it comes to melting away stubborn makeup, which is why it’s a great idea to invest in a non-irritating eye makeup remover. Lots of eye makeup removers and oil cleansers 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 water-based liquids to nourishing balms (and waterproof eye makeup removers, too!). Even better, you can score most of these at your local drugstore, on Amazon, or ULTA!
1. CLINIQUE Take the Day Off™ Makeup Remover for Lids, Lashes, & Lips
Take all traces of makeup 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 types of makeup 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 off 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 percent 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, 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!” while another Ipster insists that it “gets off even the toughest makeup!”
3. FARMACY Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
This best-selling fragrance-free makeup remover and face cleanser removes makeup and impurities while gently exfoliating your skin. Sunflower and ginger root oils attack 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. This bi-phase balm gradually transforms into a silky oil with 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 oil-based eye makeup remover—soothing cornflower. It 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, and rinses it all away. Just add water to emulsify the formula into a liquid lotion. The oil is dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-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 as well as vitamin C nourish and condition lashes and brows, and the moisturizing formula leaves skin feeling silky-smooth without any oily residue or traces of last night’s party.
7. BEAUTYGARDE Lash + Brow Shampoo
Shampoo your lashes and brows with this special oil-free eye makeup remover 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. Use this on its own or with a cotton pad to soak your makeup off.
8. 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 (we’re looking at you, contact lens wearers!) and skin, and it’ll help you take off the glam while maintaining your glow.
Love learning about new ways to cleanse your skin? Perhaps you’re looking for a new hyaluronic acid serum for your routine! Take the Beauty Quiz now to get started. And don’t forget to check us out on Instagram and Twitter @IPSY.