The 12 Best Eye Makeup Removers of 2024, Tested by Us
There’s No Denying the Benefits of Long Wear Makeup, but Removing Those Waterproof and Smudge-Proof Shadows, Liners, and Mascaras Can Pose a Challenge. to...
There’s no denying the benefits of long wear makeup, but removing those waterproof and smudge-proof shadows, liners, and mascaras can pose a challenge. To avoid rubbing and pulling at (read: irritating) the delicate skin around your eyes, consider a gentle-yet-effective makeup remover designed specifically for your eyes. These formulas are made to dissolve makeup, even the most stubborn kind, without bothering your skin.
With so many eye makeup removers available in a variety of different forms — ranging from balms and oils to wipes and waters — finding the right one can be overwhelming. To help you pick the best remover for you, we enlisted the help of a handful of testers to rigorously test 29 of the most popular eye makeup removers. After keeping application, feel, residue, and performance top of mind, the testers determined the 12 best eye makeup removers.
Overall, Clinique Naturally Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover came out on top thanks to its weightless consistency, ability to effortlessly remove makeup, and high scores in the aforementioned categories.
Keep reading for the full list of the best eye makeup removers, according to InStyle testers.
Best Overall
Clinique Eye Makeup Remover
Ulta Beauty
As far as eye makeup removers are concerned, a creamy lotion isn’t usually what comes to mind first. But, after putting this rich formula from Clinique to the test, it’s changed everything we know about eye makeup remover. “Initially, I was a bit worried about putting a cream on my eye since it’s a lot different than what I usually use, but I was amazed,” our tester admits. “It didn’t get in my eyes or cause burning — instead, it made my makeup come right off.” Given its silky texture, our tester was pleased to find that it left her lids feeling soft and moisturized.
One thing to note: The formula contains sesame seed extract, which may trigger a reaction from those who are allergic to various nuts and seeds.
Size: 2.5 fl oz. | Type: Lotion | Ingredients: Sesame seed oil, Algae extract
Must Read
Best Value
e.l.f Cosmetics Cleansing Balm
Ulta Beauty
A luxurious makeup-removing balm doesn’t have to be expensive. Case in point: This cleansing balm from e.l.f. Cosmetics. Our tester, who has tested tons of balms prior to this one, said that it stood apart from the rest. “I loved the feel of this balm on my skin. It didn’t feel harsh, unlike other makeup removers I’ve tried,” she says. “Compared to other balms I’ve used, it required minimal product — which is something I value a lot — and left behind no residue.” Formulated with a blend of nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides, the balm offers deep hydration on top of effective cleansing. “The product effectively took off all of the eyeshadow I was wearing in just a few swipes and I never once felt greasy or slimy,” she explains.
While our tester didn’t have a bad thing to say about the product’s makeup-removing capabilities, reviewers online mentioned that it might take a bit of elbow grease to remove waterproof eyeliner and mascara.
Size: 2 oz. | Type: Balm | Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides, Peptides
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InStyle / Tamara Staples
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InStyle / Tamara Staples
