Buying guide for Best eye makeup removers
Written by Melissa Nott
Updated June 2023
Cosmetic companies have formulated amazing long-wear eye makeup and waterproof mascara that stays put throughout your active day. When it’s time to wind down, however, these budge-proof products are notoriously difficult to take off. You don’t want to rub your eyelids raw or your eyelashes (or precious extensions!) off in the process. Fortunately, there are eye makeup removers that get the job done without the collateral damage.
Eyelid skin is super delicate, and our eyes are sensitive, so finding an eye makeup remover that is gentle and safe is a must. There are plenty of eye makeup removers on the market that are carefully formulated to remove tough makeup without stinging or irritating the eyes. Which ones have been tested by ophthalmologists? What’s best for waterproof mascara?
We’ll help you sort through your concerns and inform you of what to keep an eye out for (wink wink) when choosing a product.
Saturate a cotton pad or cotton ball with eye makeup remover cleansers and oils. Then, gently wipe the eye area to remove makeup.
Eye makeup remover types
Cleansers
The most common type of eye makeup remover, these typically come in three- to six-ounce bottles and are used with a cotton pad or ball to swab the eye area. Some cleansers leave a residue behind, which can be rinsed off with water.
Lotions
If you want to hydrate as you remove your eye makeup, lotions designed to remove eye makeup are creamier than cleansers and tend to be moisturizing. Many of them are oil-free.
Oil
These removers solubilize water-resistant makeup, breaking it down without tons of rubbing. They also work to moisturize the eye area. Oil cleansers tend to leave behind a greasy residue, which can be removed with a clean cotton swab.
Micellar water
This is gaining popularity as a gentle, alcohol-free makeup remover. “Micelles” are tiny cleansing-oil molecules that attract dirt without stripping the skin of moisture. Safe to use on the eye area, micellar water is generally marketed as an all-over face cleanser and makeup remover.
Scrubs
Dermatologists recommend scrubs for people with eyelid conditions. Did you know eyelash dandruff is a thing? Lid scrubs remove any lingering particles of makeup and also help with crustiness or flakiness due to medical conditions.
Pads
Ideal while traveling or for those with limited storage space, pads eliminate the need for a separate cotton pad or ball to remove makeup. They come pre-soaked in remover solution and are a convenient way to swipe away makeup at the end of a long day. Eye makeup remover pads come in 30- to 120-count containers.
All-in-one
This style of makeup removers works not just on the eye area but on other areas too, like the lip or whole face. They come in different forms: liquid, disposable wipes/towelettes, and makeup remover cloths.
Features
With all the makeup removers on the market, you can afford to be choosy and find one with features that suit your individual needs.
Gentle/sensitive
If you have sensitive or irritation-prone skin, there are plenty of eye makeup removers that are formulated to be extra gentle. Look for ones that are free from parabens, fragrance, alcohol, and preservatives — all of which are potential skin irritants.
Oil-free
Most cleanser eye makeup removers are formulated as oil-free. They dissolve quickly and leave less residue than removers containing oil. They are also safer for contact lens wearers.
Longwear and waterproof makeup
Though a high-quality eye makeup remover should do the trick on stubborn waterproof and longwear makeup, some are specifically targeted for it.
Botanical extracts
Some eye makeup removers come with plant-derived extracts to soothe or hydrate the skin, like cornflower, cucumber, or chamomile. Though they may carry a scent, they often are labeled fragrance free and tend to be more natural and less irritating than chemical-based cleansers.
Eye makeup remover prices
Makeup can be expensive, but the removal process doesn’t have to be — though eye makeup removers certainly can get up there in price.
For drugstore brands of cleansers or pads, you can expect to pay as little as $4 and up to $12.
Micellar water, which comes in larger quantities than cleansers (typically about 13 ounces), can be purchased from $10 to $20 a bottle. Scrubs also fall into this mid-price range.
Eye makeup remover oils and solutions from major cosmetic lines are priced between $20 and $30.
Products using natural, botanical ingredients range widely, from as low as $6 to as high as $30.
Tips
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Coconut oil is a popular natural solution for removing eye makeup. Just be sure not to get it in your eyes.
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Shake eye makeup removers labeled “dual action,” “dual phase,” or “double action” before use. These are typically a hybrid of water and oil removers.
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Remove your eye makeup before washing your face to prevent your mascara, eyeliner, or other products from running into your eyes. Washing your face afterward will also eliminate any lingering residue from the remover.
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If you have skin too sensitive for products, consider an eye makeup remover cloth which only requires water to work. Dampen the washcloth-like cloth and “erase” eye makeup with friction alone.
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Always keep your eyes closed when removing makeup using an eye makeup remover.
Eye makeup remover works on eyebrow pencil and mascara, too. Use your eye makeup remover all the way up to your eyebrows.
FAQ
Q. I wear contact lenses. Is it safe for me to use an eye makeup remover?
A. Yes. Certain eye makeup removers are labeled safe for use with contact lenses. Look for ones that are ophthalmologist approved. It’s best to remove contact lenses before wiping away makeup, even with a gentle remover, to minimize the chance of contaminating or damaging the lenses. Avoid oil-based cleansers and oil eye makeup removers altogether.
Q. How important is it to remove eye makeup before going to bed? Sometimes I’m just too darned tired.
A. We hear you! You’ve had a long day, and the process of taking off your day face — or date face — can be, well, a process. However, there is a risk of eye infection and ingrown eyelashes if you don’t properly remove all traces of mascara and eyeliner from your lids. Consider all-in-one makeup remover disposable wipes that are safe for both face and eye use. With a few swipes, you can remove everything from eyes to lips and then rest assured that you’ve taken care of your skin and health.
