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Eye makeup is notoriously stubborn and difficult to remove, so you need a good, safe makeup remover in your arsenal.
The Garnier SkinActive Waterproof Micellar Cleansing Water is our top pick because it is a gentle but powerful one-step eye makeup remover that removes even the heaviest eye makeup easily.
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Look, we get it. Sometimes you're totally exhausted and the thought of washing your eye makeup off before hitting the sheets is a lot. But it's probably the most important step in your daily skincare routine, both for the sake of the delicate skin around your eyes and the longevity of your pillowcases.
That's why we researched and tested some of the most popular ophthalmologist-approved eye makeup removers on the market, and narrowed them down to the best of the best. Some important criteria: the products had to be gentle, yet powerful enough to remove eye makeup without tugging the skin (a major cause of fine lines and wrinkles); they couldn't include simple alcohols, referred to as isopropyl and ethanol, which are notoriously drying; and added fragrance was a no-go.
And while finding the best eye makeup remover for your skin type and beauty routine is 75% of the battle, the application technique is also super important. Pro tip: soak a cotton pad with liquid eye makeup remover and hold it against each eye for a few seconds before gently wiping it across your skin. This gives the formula time to loosen your makeup. With all this in mind, it's time to find your new go-to eye makeup remover.
Here are the best eye makeup removers you can buy:
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Our top pick, an all-in-one, no-rinse makeup remover that can be used on the face and lips too, is actually found in drugstores. It performs as well as — if not better than — more expensive brands and makes removing eye makeup including waterproof mascara a breeze.
Garnier SkinActive Waterproof Micellar Cleansing Water is formulated with micelles. Although it has been around for a while, micellar water is the latest trend in makeup removers. It is made up of tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules known as micelles that act like magnets, lifting away dirt, oil, and makeup without harsh rubbing, leaving skin clean and refreshed without over-drying.
The multi-purpose product can also be used as a facial wash, makeup remover, and moisturizer. This makes it the ideal addition to your beauty arsenal when you're on the go or on vacation. It comes in a handy travel size, too.
In testing, all my eye makeup, including my waterproof mascara, came off in just three swipes of a cotton pad. There was no need to rinse and no greasy residue. If like me, you have zero patience for products that don't provide instant results you'll love this one-step eye makeup remover.
Although I prefer the waterproof version for removing my eye makeup, it comes in a non-waterproof version, too.
Pros: No-rinse formula, suitable for eyes, lips, and face, free from sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, fragrance-free, no greasy residue, suitable for all skin types even sensitive skin, effective on heavy makeup and waterproof mascara
These travel-friendly eye makeup remover pads are gentle but effective. They're also very affordable. Burt's Bees Eye Makeup Remover Pads are designed specifically for eyes and are shaped to reach every corner.
The moisturizing, no-rinse formula contains 99.5% natural ingredients including kiwi extract to hydrate and nourish the skin around the eyes without leaving an oily residue. There are no harsh chemicals that might irritate your eyes and the pads are fragrance free. This makes the pads ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
In testing, I found that my eye makeup came off easily. The pads were fairly thick, well saturated, and the liquid absorbed into my skin without leaving a greasy residue. However, they didn't work as well on waterproof mascara. Still, these pads are a great beauty accessory when you're traveling or on the go.
I'm not the only one who thinks Burt's Bees Eye Makeup Remover Pads are wonderful. They are recommended by sites such as Byrdie and Total Beauty, and get great reviews on Walmart, with one happy customer saying, "I've had a hard time finding an eye makeup remover that doesn't irritate my highly sensitive eyes AND removes all the makeup easily...this stuff does it all!"
Pros: Suitable for sensitive eyes, safe for contact lens wearers, no need to rinse, No added fragrance, free of parabens, phthalates, and SLS, great for travel
Chanel's luxury eye makeup remover is a favorite with celebrities and makeup artists alike. The dual-phase formula is activated by shaking the bottle. Whereas many bi-phase eye makeup removers are silicon-based, this one is oil-based.
The light blue lower phase contains cornflower extract and rose extract to soothe and soften the vulnerable eye area. Oils in the transparent upper layer erase all types of makeup. As it's so gentle, Chanel Démaquillant Yeux Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover is suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
In testing, after soaking a cotton pad with the liquid, it quickly erased all my heavy eye makeup and even my waterproof mascara, and it felt nice and refreshing on my skin. I used one side to remove my eye makeup and the other to remove the oily residue and any last traces of makeup. You do need to rinse it off with warm water. A little goes a long way and this remover is definitely worth the money.
Klorane Soothing Makeup Remover with Cornflower Water is enriched with soothing cornflower water that promises to erase all traces of eye makeup, leaving the delicate skin around your eyes feeling clean and fresh. It has been designed for even the most sensitive eyes and is ideal for contact lens wearers.
This is another product that uses micellar technology and can be used on your face and lips too. The gentle flower water also acts as a 3-in-1 cleanser, toner, and makeup remover. The upside to all this is you can simplify your skincare routine by reducing the number of products you use.
In testing, I liked the subtle, flowery smell. I found it easily removed all my eye makeup without irritating or stinging my eyes. If felt very gentle and there's no need to rinse. However, it wasn't as effective on waterproof mascara.
One delighted buyer said, "Klorane has the nice, clean texture of a simple floral water. Virtually scentless. Removes makeup quite effectively, including eyeliner and does not leave an oily residue behind as most eye makeup removers can."
Neutrogena Oil Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover makes light work of removing stubborn eye makeup and even waterproof mascara, outperforming many of the more expensive products. Aloe and cucumber extracts add a soothing quality, making it an ideal pick for those with sensitive skin. Plus, it's safe to use with contact lenses and eyelash extensions, thanks to its oil-free, micellar-free formula (oil acts as a lens irritant, while both ingredients have been known to dissolve lash adhesive, causing extensions to shed faster).
I have used this eye makeup remover for years. It takes less than four swipes of a cotton pad with no pulling the delicate skin around your eyes to every trace of my makeup and works magically on smoky eyes and thick lashes. You do need to give it a quick rinse with warm water.
Whether you're new to the exfoliation game or a seasoned skincare pro, Glossier's Solution is the exfoliator you should be reaching for. Its powerful mix of acids dissolves dead skin cells and improves your complexion, giving your face a gorgeous glow. Here are all the best exfoliators you can buy for any skin type or budget:
Everyone wants healthy, smooth, and soft skin. Dry skin not only looks dull and flaky, it also feels tight and itchy. The solution? A good moisturizer. Our favorite moisturizer for both face and body is the CeraVe Moisturizing Cream. Here are all of our recommendations for the best moisturizers you can buy:
Clay masks are an easy and cost-effective way to give your skin a boost without hitting the spa. Our top pick is the Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Mask because it is a super affordable all-natural mask that deep cleans your pores. Check out all the best clay masks we recommend as best buys:
If smooth, supple skin is what you're looking for, then the Fresh Life Body Oil is the bottle you want to reach for. Or, try one of the other recommended products:
If you're one of those people whose face feels flaky whether it's December or August, finding the right face cream can be difficult. But if full-on hydration and protection are what you're after, Dr. Jart+ Ceramindin Cream is your best bet. Here are all the face creams for dry skin we recommend:
When it comes to natural makeup, it's hard to know which brands you can actually trust. Many products claim to be natural but contain potentially harmful synthetic ingredients. Here are the best natural makeup products you can buy:
If there's one thing many women never leave home without, it's mascara. It makes your eyes pop and brightens up your face in an instant. We tested dozens of mascaras to find the best, and Chanel Le Volume Mascara is our top choice because it delivers long, lush lashes that last all day. Check out our other recommended mascaras:
A bronzed glow can make you look healthier and feel more confident, but we all know how damaging sunbathing can be. Faking it with a bronzer is a much safer option. For the ultimate sun-kissed glow in an instant, Becca's Sunlit Bronzers are our top pick, but there are several other bronzers that we would recommend: