Product Comparison ~ Eye Makeup Remover

I’ve been experimenting with eye makeup removers lately, trying to find one that a.) sweeps away mascara and water-resistant eyeliner without too much rubbing, b.) doesn’t leave an oily residue, c.) doesn’t sting or irritate my eyes, and d.) doesn’t cost too much. I tried 3 brands and here are the results:

1. Worst of the Bunch: L’Oreal Clean Artiste

What really gets me about this product is that it says right on the label that it removes all traces of stubborn eye makeup easily, and leaves no oily residue! Wrong on both accounts… it was the worst of the 3 at getting off makeup and yes it did leave a big grease slick on my eyelids, so it went right back to the store (thank goodness for the great return policies we have here in the US)!!

Cost: $7.00 for 4 oz. at drugstores

2. Close But No Cigar: Simple Eye Make-Up Remover

This formulation removes makeup as well as the winner with no oily residue, but for all it’s label’s claims of being kind to eyes, it does sting if you get it in them. The price point is fine, but I found that I used a lot of it to wet the cotton rounds that need to be purchased separately to apply it, and I went through a bottle in just 3 weeks.

Cost: $6.00 for 4.2 oz. at Target + $4.00 for Cotton Rounds

3. The Winner: Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Amazing! This product fulfills all four of my requirements! I love the convenience of the pre-moistened pads, (so no cotton rounds to buy or cut in half). The Oil-Free formula leaves no greasy residue, and they effectively remove most of my eye makeup with no stinging or irritation. I have to warn you though, Almay makes 2 different versions of this product and their packaging is almost identical, so if you don’t want oily residue, get the Oil Free pads, not the Moisturizing ones. For everyday makeup, I can use one pad for both eyes (I just turn it over and use the other side), and with 120 pads in the container, it will last for 3-4 months!

Cost: $7.00 for 120 pads

Added note: None of the products I tested removed ALL my makeup completely, so I use a combination of the Almay pads and the Simple liquid. After I remove the bulk of the makeup with the Almay pads, I wash my face with CeraVe Facial Wash which gets off a little more, but to get the last of the stubborn eyeliner, I use a couple drops of Simple liquid on a cotton swab.