Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (2024)

Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (1)

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One of the most tedious—and sometimes heartbreaking—parts of wearing a great eye look is the inevitable task of having to eventually wash it away. In addition to a hardworking cleanser, some of the best eye makeup removers can make it simple to whisk away lingering shadow, mascara, and liner with ease.

Plus, there are a number of gentle formulas—some even dermatologist and ophthalmologist approved—that are made specifically for those with sensitive eyes and won't sting or irritate as they cleanse. "The under-eye area is quite sensitive as it is some of the thinnest skin on the body," New York City–based board-certified dermatologist Anthony Rossi previously told BAZAAR.com.

To help you track down an effective essential to round out your skin care routine and speed up your cleansing one, we've pulled together 12 of the very best eye makeup removers to shop now.

1

Best Fragrance-Free Eye Makeup Remover

CHANEL Intense Gentle Bi-Phase Eye Makeup Remover

Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (8)

Pros
  • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (9)Soothing
Cons

    This dual-phase remover gently cleanses away even the toughest liner and mascara, and leaves lids feeling supple, not stripped.

    2

    Best Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Skin

    Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water

    Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (10)

    Pros
    • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (11)Top Rated
    Cons

      Just add a few cotton rounds and let this best-selling and sensitive skin-friendly micellar water work its removing magic.

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      Pros
      • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (13)Travel friendly
      Cons

        This signature Take the Day Off cleanser is one of our holy grail favorites. In the form of towelettes, the remover seamlessly wipes away stubborn eye makeup without water.

        4

        Best Eye Makeup Remover for Sensitive Eyes

        MAKE UP FOR EVER Sens’Eyes Waterproof Sensitive Eye Cleanser

        Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (14)

        Pros
        • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (15)Ophthalmologist tested
        Cons

          Those with sensitive eyes should consider adding this popular product to their skin care routines. One satisfied Sephora customer writes, "By far the gentlest yet most thorough makeup remover on the market! I smooth this over my entire face once I've focused on my eyes and doing so provides the perfect prep to my daily cleansing."

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          5

          Best Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

          Charlotte Tilbury Take It All Off

          Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (16)

          Pros
          • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (17)Hydrating
          Cons

            Here's an eye makeup remover that also works on your lips and features calming ingredients like chamomile to soothe skin and condition lashes.

            6

            Best Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

            NARS Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

            Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (18)

            Pros
            • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (19)Ophthalmologist tested
            Cons

              This oil-free eye makeup remover is equipped to handle both water- and transfer-proof formulas. In addition to being noncomedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores), it's also dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested.

              7

              Best Vegan Makeup Remover

              EADEM Dew Dream Hydrating Cleansing Balm

              Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (20)

              Pros
              • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (21)Editor's Choice
              • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (22)Hydrating
              Cons

                We recently raved about the fast-acting power of EADEM's hydrating cleansing balm, which works in 60 seconds to remove all traces of makeup.

                8

                Best Eye Makeup Remover for People Wearing Contacts

                Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

                Pros
                • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (24)No-rinse formula
                Cons

                  You won't need to rinse off this lightweight liquid- and water-phase remover, which features a gentle formula that's safe for both sensitive skin and contact wearers.

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                  9

                  Best Eye Makeup Remover Tool

                  FACE HALO + NET SUSTAIN Makeup Remover Pads (Set of 3)

                  Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (25)

                  Pros
                  • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (26)Travel friendly
                  Cons

                    Here's a trio of microfiber remover pads that can be used for up to 200 washes. Plus, they pack nicely into a Dopp bag or carry-on.

                    10

                    Best Value Eye Makeup Remover

                    Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

                    Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (27)

                    Pros
                    • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (28)Oil Free
                    Cons

                      You don't have to spend a ton of money on a great makeup remover, which is why we recommend snagging this culty oil-free one from Neutrogena that more than 24,000 Amazon customers are raving about.

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                      11

                      Best Makeup Remover Mist

                      ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr GO OFF Makeup Dissolving Mist

                      Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (29)

                      Pros
                      • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (30)Vegan
                      Cons

                        If you're a fan of face misting, you'll love this makeup-dissolving option that contains ingredients like jojoba and rosehip oil to calm, hydrate, and brighten skin.

                        12

                        Best Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

                        La Roche-Posay Respectissime Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

                        Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (31)

                        Pros
                        • Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (32)Fragrance free
                        Cons

                          In addition to being fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested, this gentle remover from La Roche-Posay also expertly wipes away even the toughest waterproof makeup.

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                          13

                          Frequently Asked Questions

                          Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (33)

                          What should I look for in the best eye makeup removers?

                          Just like our skin types, the best eye makeup removers aren't one-size-fits-all, so you should look for one that suits your specific needs. Whether you have sensitive eyes or are in the market for an oil-free option, we're betting there's a formula on this list for you.

                          Should I rub my eyes to remove my makeup?

                          To avoid unnecessary tugging or pulling on the delicate eye area, let your remover of choice sit on your lid for a few minutes before gently buffing it away with a washcloth or cotton pad. Avoid rubbing—your lashes will thank you.

                          What are some common types of makeup removers?

                          • Cleansing balms: Typically have a hydrating, gel-like consistency that latches onto makeup while being gentle on skin.
                          • Dual-phase liquid removers: These makeup removers are usually used with a cotton pad and contain a blend of ingredients that works to break down makeup.
                          • Makeup remover tools: For an eco-conscious removal option, makeup removal tools can be used over and over again, some up to 1,000 times.
                          • Cleansing towelettes: Similar to a regular makeup remover wipe, some towelettes are specially formulated to remove eye makeup.
                          • Micellar water: Tiny micelles work to break down dirt, oil, and makeup while being gentle on sensitive skin and eyes.

                          Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (34)

                          Tiffany Dodson

                          Associate Beauty Commerce Editor

                          Tiffany Dodson Davis is the associate beauty commerce editor at Harper’s Bazaar. Don't ask her to choose a favorite fragrance—it's like picking a favorite child. As one of the brand's resident shopping experts, she specializes in trend forecasting, testing the latest beauty and wellness launches, and curating bookmark-worthy commerce guides. Tiffany's work has previously been featured in SELF Magazine, Bustle, and Teen Vogue. She's also been tapped as a commerce and beauty expert for The Business of Fashion, NPR’s Life Kit podcast, and more.

                          Add These Essential Eye Makeup Removers to Your Routine (2024)
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