Eye make-up remover: the best of the best

No more panda eyes!

Best eye make-up removers on coloured background

by Jade Moscrop |
Updated on

I'm calling it: taking off your make-up at the end of the day is one of the best parts of the day - only beaten by taking off your bra and putting your hair up in a bun, obviously.

Wiping away the day's make-up not only makes you feel fresh, but it's a really important part of your skincare routine. If you don't get all that grime off your face (especially around your eye area), your pores will end up blocked, your skin won't be able to regenerate itself and you'll end up looking like the evil witch from Snow White. Seriously.

Finding an eye make-up remover that not only takes off your make-up with minimal effort but works to nourish your skin and lashes is a must. Follow this with an oil or water based cleanser, toner, serum and moisturiser for the ideal night time routine. You've got this!

Don't forget to grab yourself some reusable bamboo pads too - they're a game changer when it comes to reducing your waste and moving away from flimsy cotton pads.

Now, without further ado, let's get into the best eye make-up removers... and many of these will even tackle waterproof products. Bonus!

The best eye make-up removers

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The best eye make-up removers

Garnier Micellar Water Facial Cleanser Sensitive Skin1 of 10

Garnier Micellar Water Facial Cleanser Sensitive Skin

This micellar water is a holy grail product for SO many people (myself included). The huge 700ml bottle lasts for absolutely ages, it doesn't irritate skin and it removes eye make-up without stinging your eyes.

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make Up Removing Micellaire Solution2 of 10

Bioderma Sensibio H2O Make Up Removing Micellaire Solution

If you have dry, sensitive skin, this cleanser will be a godsend for you. Even tackling waterproof make-up well, many users note that their skin looks and feels better when using it.

Lancome Bi-Facil3 of 10

Lancome Bi-Facil

One swipe, and this product will leave your eyes sparkly clean, without a greasy residue - and it's suitable for those with contact lenses. It's a little pricier than some on the list but the reviews prove that it's worth it.

Garnier Skin Naturals 2-in-1 Eye Make-Up Remover4 of 10

Garnier Skin Naturals 2-in-1 Eye Make-Up Remover

This little bottle is full of impressive stuff. It removes even the toughest of make-up without removing a single lash. The only con is that it doesn't come in a bigger bottle.

NIVEA Eye Make-Up Remover Double Effect5 of 10

NIVEA Eye Make-Up Remover Double Effect

This one's really satisfying to use. Even taking off a heavy smoky eye is an easy job for this affordable cleanser. It just works. It won't damage your lashes and is suitable for all skin types.

Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover6 of 10

Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover

This eye make-up remover sets to work quickly, removing all traces of eye make-up, including long-lasting and waterproof formulas. It's ophthalmologist-tested so it's suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Elemis White Flowers Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover7 of 10

Elemis White Flowers Eye and Lip Make-Up Remover

This cleanser from Elemis not only removes even waterproof make-up without breaking a sweat, but it contains vitamin B5 to help condition your lashes, as well as white peony extract to hydrate and cooling white tea to soothe the area. It's ophthalmologist-tested and suitable for contact lens wearers.

The Saviour Sponge8 of 10

The Saviour Sponge

The Saviour Sponge was created by independent brand Farm Girl, the brainchild of aesthetician Sarah-Jane. It's reusable, non-toxic, removes all make-up in a flash and just needs water to activate its power. It's thicker than some other sponges on the market, is eco-friendly and will save you money in the long-run.

Face Halo9 of 10

Face Halo

Raved about by influencers, Face Halo is, for want of a better term, magic. By using just water, you can remove make-up easily and quickly - great for those who want to avoid harsh products.

Fresh Face Makeup Removal Pad10 of 10

Fresh Face Makeup Removal Pad

The Fresh Face makeup remover from Bambu Babe is one of the softest pads we've ever used and it easily removes make-up with just water. Washable over 200 times, it comes in biodegradable packaging and there are options for normal make-up or heavy make-up.

What to read next:

The best foundations for dry skin

The Closer Team on the one skincare product they always recommend

Why you need Arnica in your self-care regime

Top tip: as the skin around the eyes is sensitive, you don't want to go rubbing it frantically. Instead, place the pad on your eyes for a few moments, letting the product go to work. Then, gently swipe the pad across your eye to remove product and make-up.

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