We all agree that trying on new eye makeup looks brings all the joy and fun in contrast to taking it off, but the right makeup remover with the best-fit formula specifically for the eye makeup and waterproof mascaras and eyeliners will make your cleansing routine a lot more manageable and tedious.
Your go-to makeup cleansers/oils are more targeted at cleansing the overall face makeup like foundation, sunscreen, and dirt build-up, but they struggle with removing waterproof eye makeup products. That’s why it is recommended by beauty and skin specialists to have two area-specific makeup removers (one that targets the whole face and a separate one for the eyes.)
A separate eye makeup remover will save you from rubbing, tugging, or pulling on the delicate areas around your eyes, making the cleansing easy and less painful. So, consider adding them to your everyday skincare routine.
Finding the right makeup-removing formula is complex; picking the right eye makeup removers is no exception. Much trial and testing are required to get your holy grail products, from your skin type to sensitive eyes. And that’s why we are here for you to make this process a little less challenging. Our list contains all the options, from balms and oils to micellar water or pre-moistened ready-to-use pads for all skin types and budgets.
With our list of recommendations, removing your stubborn eye makeup will feel less of a tiring chore to you.
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Best Eye Makeup Removers
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water ($19)
Highlights
- Cult-Favorite eye makeup remover
- Removes medium-to-light eye makeup
- This micellar water is specially designed for sensitive skin and effectively removes all traces of makeup and impurities without irritating your skin
- Affordable quality micellar water: A 3-in-1 formula that cleanses, tones, and soothes the skin, making it a suitable product for those who want a simple skincare routine
- Gentle non-rinse formula: This mild micellar water leaves any oily residue on the skin
- The formulation is free from fragrances, parabens, and alcohol, making it suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Also, the formula is pH balanced, helping to maintain the skin’s natural moisture barrier.
- Easy to use: soak a cotton pad with the product and gently swipe it across your eyes in a circular motion
- For both face and eyes: It is suitable for use on the eyes and lips, making it an ideal all-in-one makeup remover
- Removes Water-proof makeup
- The product comes in various sizes, making it convenient for travel and on-the-go use
Cons
- It may not be effective in removing heavy or waterproof makeup, as claimed
- Non-eco-friendly packaging: The packaging is not recyclable
Farmacy Natural Makeup Remover ($24)
Highlights
- Framacy cleansing balm is formulated with all-natural ingredients like sunflower, ginger root oils, Moringa extract, and papayas (as an exfoliant) which gently removes all long-wear makeup and impurities from the skin.
- It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- The balm has a lightweight texture that melts into the skin, leaving it feeling refreshed and hydrated.
- Easy application: simply massage the balm onto your face and rinse it with water
- The formula is vegan, cruelty-free, and free from parabens, sulfates, and phthalates
- The packaging is eco-friendly and made from recyclable materials
- It is a multitasking skincare product that cleanses and nourishes your skin
- This cleansing balm can be used as the first step in a double cleansing routine to thoroughly remove all traces of makeup and dirt from the skin
- The balm has a pleasant scent (Fresh Lime + Bergamot) that is derived from all-natural ingredients
- Budget-effective product in terms of quality and quantity: It comes in a large jar, which lasts for a long time
Cons
- The balm can feel slightly greasy on oily/combination skin
- It may not be effective in removing waterproof mascara or long-wear eyeliner
Mario Badescu Carnation Eye Makeup Remover Oil ($7)
Highlights
- This eye makeup remover oil is specially formulated to remove even the most stubborn eye makeup, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner.
- Its gentle formula does not irritate the delicate eye area.
- The formula contains natural ingredients such as Sesame Seed Oil and Vitamin E, which nourish and condition the skin around the eyes.
- Easy application: Moisten the cotton pad with the oil and gently swipe it over the eyes to remove makeup.
- Convenient packaging: A bottle with a flip-top cap, making it easy to dispense just the right amount of product.
- It is an affordable and widely used product.
- The oil-based remover has a lightweight weight formula, leaving no greasy residue on the skin.
- It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
- The product is paraben-free.
- Travel-friendly packaging
Cons
- The scent of the product can be overwhelming for some
- The product may leave a slight oily residue on combination or oily skin types
Makeup Remover Pads by Almay ($15)
Highlights
- These pre-moistened pads by Almay are a quick and convenient way to remove eye makeup
- They have a gentle formula and are suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin
- The formula is free from parabens, phthalates, and fragrances, making it an ideal choice for sensitive skin
- The pads are infused with Aloe, Cucumber, and Green Tea extracts, which soothe and hydrate the skin
- The product is ophthalmologist tested and safe for use around the eyes
- The pads are individually wrapped, making them convenient for travel and on-the-go use
- Affordable option
- The pads are soft and gentle on the skin, reducing the risk of irritation or redness
- Effectively removes makeup, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner
- The pads are large enough to remove makeup from the entire face, making them a time-saving option
Cons
- The pads are less effective at removing heavy or full-coverage makeup
- The packaging is not eco-friendly
Neutrogena Gentle OilFree Eye Makeup Remover ($9)
Highlights
- This makeup remover has a gentle formula for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- It is oil-free and ideal for oily or combination skin
- The formula is non-greasy and does not leave any residue on the skin
- It removes all types of eye makeup, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner
- Ophthalmologist tested
- The formula is gentle and fragrance-free: it is safe for sensitive skin and does not cause stinging or burning sensations
- It is a budget-friendly high, quality drugstore product
- The formula contains aloe and cucumber extracts, which help to soothe and hydrate the delicate eye area
Cons
- Require multiple applications to remove eye makeup thoroughly
- Non-eco-friendly packaging
Tata Harper Nourishing Oil Cleanser ($88)
Highlights
- This cleanser is a fan favorite among the high-end makeup removers, made with all-natural and organic ingredients
- The formula is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which nourish and protect the skin
- The product effectively removes all makeup and impurities, leaving the skin clean and refreshed
- The formula is gentle and does not strip the skin of its natural oils, making it suitable for all skin types
- The cleanser has a silky texture that feels luxuriously soft on the skin
- It’s easy to use, massage the product onto the skin and rinse it off with water
- The elegant and sophisticated packaging makes it a great addition to any skincare routine
- The formula is synthetic fragrance-free, making it a safe option for sensitive skin
- The cleanser is cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for those who value ethical beauty products
- The product can be for multi-purposes ( facial cleanser or as a makeup remover)
Cons
- Requires more product and application to remove heavy makeup
The Original MakeUp Eraser ($17)
Highlights
- The Original Makeup Eraser is a reusable, eco-friendly alternative to traditional makeup removers, reducing waste and saving money in the long run
- The product material is an antibacterial soft polyester fabric that effectively removes all types of makeup, including waterproof makeup, with just water
- It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and is free from harsh chemicals or fragrances
- Easy to use product
- The polyester fabric is machine-washable and dries quickly: It can be reused multiple times, making it an excellent value for the price.
- Travel-friendly product: does not require additional products or cotton pads for application, making it a convenient on-the-go option
- The product is vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great choice for those who prefer clean beauty products
- Gentle formula: reduces the risk of irritation or breakouts caused by harsh makeup removers
- The product effectively removes makeup with minimal effort and saves you time in your skincare routine
- The product offers a variety of colors, making it a fun addition to your beauty routine
Cons
- Some users may find that the product does not effectively remove heavy or waterproof eye makeup, requiring them to use additional products
- Compared to some traditional jar or tube-based makeup removers, cloth-based makeup erasers may require more effort or multiple uses to remove all makeup traces thoroughly
Best Waterproof Makeup Remover
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