After a long day of work (or maybe a late night out on the town), most of us are looking forward to nothing more than going home to sit back and relax. But, one daunting task may be holding us back: removing our makeup. I try to be a realist, and the truth is that sleeping in your makeup every once in a blue moon isn’t the end of the world, especially so long as you’re still cleansing every 12 hours or so. But make no mistake, making it a habit can wreak havoc on your skin.
While not the most exciting part of anyone’s beauty routine, removing your makeup at the end of the night is a crucial step in any skincare routine. When you improperly remove your makeup or neglect doing so at all, you put your skin at risk of irritation, breakouts, and premature aging. It also means the rest of your skincare products aren’t going to be as effective since they don’t have a clean canvas to work with.
After over 30 years as an esthetician, I’ve seen people make all kinds of mistakes when it comes to removing their makeup (and even made a few of those mistakes myself back in the day!). Here are the top 9 makeup removal mistakes you might not know you’re making—and how to correct them.
A common question I get is whether or not people can use their face cleanser to remove eye makeup. As a general rule, I don’t suggest this. The eyes and eye area are extremely sensitive, so ingredients that are fine for the rest of your face may not be suitable here. In addition, many cleansers contain oils; the eye area can be very prone to milia, which oils can trigger. This is why I always suggest using a designated eye makeup remover as the first step of makeup removal.
I personally use (and recommend) something gentle and oil-free, like the Soothing Eye Makeup Remover. I formulated this product to have a pH similar to that of our natural tears so that it wouldn’t cause irritation.
In addition to using a designated eye makeup remover, it’s important you use it the right way! Our eyes are the first place to show signs of aging (think fine lines). This is because the thin skin surrounding them gets wear and tear through every smile, squint, and eye rub. It’s so important that we treat our eyes delicately. Excessive rubbing and tugging on your eyes is not only unnecessary, but it can also lead to irritation and premature wrinkles.
The solution? Make sure you’re using your eye makeup remover correctly. Saturate a pad, then hold it over your eye for 20 seconds (more for waterproof makeup). Then, very gently wipe your eye, and the makeup should lift right off without harsh rubbing.
Watch this video to master the proper technique for eye makeup removal.
If you’re wearing stubborn foundation makeup or something heavy-duty like waterproof sunscreen, double cleansing is important for proper makeup removal. The first cleanse serves to remove makeup, sunscreen, and other products so that the second cleanse can actually reach your skin to clear away dirt, oil, and pollutants. This is the most effective way to cleanse your skin thoroughly. Double cleansing not only prevents clogged pores, breakouts, and other skin problems, but it also prepares your skin to absorb any toners and serums you plan on applying afterward.
Be sure to read my step-by-step guide to double cleansing.
Speaking of double cleansing, many people love a cleansing balm as the first step to dissolve makeup. While balms are, in fact, great at breaking down difficult-to-remove formulas like long-wear foundation or waterproof sunscreen, they can leave an oily film behind on the skin. This film can prevent the serums you apply after from properly penetrating, and eventually, it can lead to skin issues like dehydration or clogged pores.
If you frequently use heavier makeup or just prefer balm-like cleansers, there are still options out there for you. Better Than Balm, my most recent product and newest nightly staple, is an oil-based cleanser that I spent three years perfecting. Its unique, dual-phase technology allows it to transform from an oil into a milky gel. This allows it to break down makeup and then rinse away clean. Not only does it leave skin feeling soft and clean without a nasty residue, but it’s also a safe option for all 9 skin types.
Learn more about why old-school balms can cause issues and how Better Than Balm is different.
Btw, if you don’t like the texture oil or balm cleansers, you can also use micellar water as your first cleanse for makeup removal.
One of the top mistakes people make when double cleansing is not using a gentle cloth to wipe their skin. At first glance, this may not seem like such an important step, but here’s why it is.
Whether you use a cleansing lotion, balm, or, oil, these are responsible for breaking down makeup so it can easily be removed. But, wiping with a washcloth ensures a thorough cleanse by using a lifting action to actually remove those makeup particles. Otherwise, you’re basically just loosening them and then rubbing them around (much like a cleansing wipe, more on that shortly). A gentle wiping action makes all the difference for thorough makeup removal.
It’s important to always treat your skin gently, which is why I recommend a baby washcloth or this soft alternative to harsh cloths.
I understand cleansing wipes are convenient, and granted, sometimes this is the best we can do (think camping or music festivals). However, cutting corners and using cleansing wipes outside of these rare occasions is one of the biggest mistakes someone can make when it comes to makeup removal.
Cleansing wipes can lead to rubbing and tugging on the skin, which can increase signs of premature aging. Also, many cleansing wipes contain harsh, drying, or irritating ingredients. Coupled with all that rubbing, it puts those with sensitive skin at a higher risk for irritation and breakouts. Even if you gently use these wipes to remove makeup, they don’t even provide an effective cleanse. Cleansing wipes serve essentially the same function as putting cleanser on your face and then not washing it off—you’re rubbing dirt and makeup around more than actually removing it. To truly clean your skin, you need to use a cleanser with water and, ideally, a soft cloth to lift everything off.
Wipes aren’t the only cleansing method that can damage your skin. Learn why I never recommend washing your face with bar soap.
The reason so many of us reach for oil-based cleansers when removing stubborn makeup is that like dissolves like, meaning oil is best dissolved with more oil. Whether you reach for a cream, lotion, or balm cleanser, make sure you’re applying it to dry skin. This will allow the oil in the cleanser to latch onto the oil on your face without being intercepted by water. Once you’ve massaged your cleanser onto dry skin for a good 30 seconds (at least), you can wet your fingers and introduce oil to the process.
Remember that if you’re using a gel cleanser (which I recommend for morning cleansing), they don’t contain oil and require water to be activated. This means they’re best applied to wet skin.
Once your makeup is removed and your skin is clean, use a toning cloth to apply an alcohol-free toner. If there is any residue, makeup, or dirt left on the skin, this will remove it. Using a toner post-cleanse can also help remove impurities that may be lingering in your tap water.
Some people see toner as an extraneous skincare step, and while you can certainly get away with not using one, I love toner for these five great skin benefits it provides.
We’ve made it this far, so there’s no sense in cutting corners now! By skipping hard-to-reach areas during cleansing, such as around the nose, neck, jaw, and scalp, we leave makeup residue behind that can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. This is especially true from the perimeter of the face near the hairline. Not only is this an area where lots of sweat an oil can accumulate, but if you use hair products, you want to totally remove anything that’s migrated onto your skin. When clients complain of breakouts or clogged pores along their hairline, this is one of the first things I ask them about.
Next up, learn how removing your makeup earlier in the evening instead of right before bed can benefit your skin’s circadian rhythm.
Celebrity Esthetician & Skincare Expert
As an esthetician trained in cosmetic chemistry, Renée Rouleau has spent 30 years researching skin, educating her audience, and building an award-winning line of products. Her hands-on experience as an esthetician and trusted skin care expert has created a real-world solution — products that are formulated for nine different types of skin so your face will get exactly what it needs to look and feel its best. Trusted by celebrities, editors, bloggers, and skincare obsessives around the globe, her vast real-world knowledge and constant research are why Marie Claire calls her “the most passionate skin practitioner we know.”
After a day of glam in the lab, these 14 eye makeup removers were considered the best that PEOPLE Tested.
We set out to find the best picks among popular eye makeup removers, letting our testers create a full glam eye look, and then take it off (tragic). Looking at qualities like feel, residue, and overall performance, our team found 14 eye makeup removers that most effectively cleaned our testers’ skin without causing upset to the area. The Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover snagged our top spot with its gentle feel and ability to lift away the day’s makeup without effort or fuss.
From a makeup perspective, “[Micellar water] is good to fix little things as I go,” celebrity makeup artist Jeanine Lobell tells PEOPLE. “I use wipes if it’s to take it all off, but when you need precision removal, then the water [is great because] there’s no oil and no residue.” Lobell says it’s much easier to go back in with micellar water and do small touch-ups with a cotton swab, especially if she’s working in a fast-paced environment with clients — some of which include Natalie Portman, Jessica Alba, and Cate Blanchett.
“When buying a makeup remover, it’s important to consider both your skin type and the type of makeup you are using,” board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, FAAD tells PEOPLE. In terms of skincare, board-certified dermatologist Jenny Liu, MD, FAAD says she prefers products that are “effective at removing makeup without being too harsh.” For instance, she stays away from “makeup removers like wipes that create a lot of friction on skin” and can cause “potential irritation.”
There’s a sense of dread when you look in the mirror after a long day and realize you still have to take your makeup off. Those woes don’t exist when you have a good eye makeup remover handy — one that won’t leave you with irritated lids or take 10 swipes to get all of your eye makeup off.
Best Overall
Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Mary Kay
View On Marykay.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Oil-free
Gentle on skin
Removes even waterproof makeup
Doesn’t leave behind a film or residue
Cons
It’s bigger than the carry-on limit for travel liquids
When it came to taking off eye makeup, the Mary Kay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover proved to be a tester favorite. “The eye makeup remover felt so soothing on the skin and did an amazing job removing makeup,” our tester said. “My skin felt refreshed, clean, and hydrated without causing irritation.”
The gentle and oil-free formula makes this a great remover option for all skin types, leaving no greasy residue on the skin. “This makeup remover left no noticeable residue and I would easily be able to apply skincare over it without an issue,” our tester said. The performance proved equally effective — our tester appreciated how well it worked. “It removed my makeup easily and quickly and I only needed a couple of swipes of cotton rounds to fully remove all of the makeup,” they said. “The remover performed so much better than I expected and it’s a product I would most certainly use regularly.”
Our tester said they wouldn’t change a thing about this product, though we noticed at 3.75 fluid ounces, it is bigger than the standard travel size, so it’s not as portable as other options. That being said, it’s decently priced, and removes even the most adhesive makeup like waterproof products without being harsh on your skin. This eye makeup remover is a clear winner.
Size: 3.75 fl. oz./ 100mL | Oil-free: Yes | Type: Liquid
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Best Budget
e.l.f Cosmetics Cleansing Balm
Amazon
View On Amazon
$11
View On Target
$11
View On Walmart
$11
Our Ratings
Pros
Budget-friendly
No residue leftover
Hydrates the skin while removing makeup
Cons
Not oil-free so might not work for oily skin types
For being a more affordable option, this eye makeup remover from e.l.f. delighted our testers with its gentle formula, overall performance, and lack of residue left on the skin after use. “I loved the feel of the balm on my skin,” said our tester. “It felt calming and not at all harsh on my eyelids, which I feel like some eye makeup removers do.” With ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides, this eye makeup remover works to clean your skin without leaving greasy residue behind.
You apply this balm on your face like a mask, lathering up to absorb the makeup, and then wash it away with water. However, our tester observed that they didn’t even use water with it, and when applied on a cotton round, it “effectively took off all the eyeshadow that I had on in only a few swipes.” Our tester loved that there was no leftover residue, which they said “is rare for this type of product.”
Size: 2 oz. | Oil-free: No | Type: Balm
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Best Splurge
Tata Harper Makeup Removing Oil Cleanser
Amazon
View On Amazon
$88
View On Nordstrom
$88
View On Sephora
$88
Our Ratings
Pros
Effective at removing makeup
Worked well with sensitive skin
No residue unless you use more than the suggested amount
Cons
Not super portable
This luxury eye makeup remover from Tata Harper offers a gentle oil formula with alfalfa, vitamin A, and squalane to lift makeup while also nourishing your skin. “This product felt really nice and smooth, and helped remove the eyeshadow with very little pressure,” said our tester, who has sensitive skin when it comes to cleansers. They “had no problems with this product.”
Our tester said because they normally use a thinner cleanser, at first they used too much and saw some residue, but used “significantly less” the second time, and then “had no issue with residue.” And a little goes a long way. “With a tiny amount applied to my eyelid, I was able to easily remove all the eyeshadow and primer,” our tester said.
Size: 4.1oz./ 125mL | Oil-free: No | Type: Oil/liquid
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Best for Sensitive Skin
Clinique Eye Makeup Remover
Ulta
View On Amazon
$50
View On Nordstrom
$24
View On Sephora
$24
Our Ratings
Pros
Gentle on sensitive skin
Effective at removing makeup
Left skin smooth and soft
Cons
No cons detected during testing
This makeup remover from Clinique treats skin with a gentleness that leaves no redness or irritation in its wake. “The product felt like a nice soft gel,” said our tester. “I was a bit worried about putting a cream on my eye since it is very different from what I usually use, but I was amazed!”
In terms of performance, our tester said, “The product came right off and there was absolutely no burning at all.” They were impressed with the lack of residue after the remover was applied, and how moisturized their eyelids felt after use — leaving the skin with a soft texture. “No color was left at all on my lids and no scrubbing was necessary, just a gentle swipe to remove the eyeshadow,” our tester said. They said they were “super happy” with this product and “wouldn’t change a thing.”
Size: 2.5oz/ 75mL | Oil-free: No | Type: Creamy gel
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Best for Dry Skin
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
Sephora
View On Amazon
$36
View On Sephora
$38
View On Ulta
$38
Our Ratings
Pros
Moisturizing formula
Oil formula didn’t leave residue
Comes with a spoon to reduce contamination
Cons
Somewhat pricey
Drunk Elephant is known for impeccable skincare products, and this butter cleansing balm is no exception. “It was buttery smooth and felt incredibly moisturizing,” said our tester. “Although there's oil in the formula, it didn't get in my eyes or make me temporarily blind (I wear contacts, so if something gets in them, I can't see until it comes out). I would definitely use this everyday for my whole face as well.”
In terms of performance, this makeup remover “left no residue” on our tester’s skin, and “took makeup off well” while leaving the skin “soft, smooth, and not irritated in the slightest.” Our tester also said they love that “it comes with a spoon to eliminate any cross-contamination or bacteria from grubby fingers.” This product also comes with an exfoliating powder, but that wasn’t part of our testing. “I massaged the oil into my skin and then used a cotton pad to wipe away the pigment,” said our tester, adding that the oil “removed my eye makeup quickly and effectively, with no irritation or residue.”
Size: 3.88 oz. | Oil-free: No | Type: Balm
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People / Tamara Staples
Best for Oily Skin
Chanel Eye Makeup Remover
Amazon
View On Chanel
View On Nordstrom
$40
View On Ulta
$40
Our Ratings
Pros
Highly effective at makeup removal
Doesn’t leave oil residue behind
Cons
Has a fragrance, which might be a con for some
Somewhat pricey
Chanel brings the touch of designer flair to an eye makeup remover that’s great for those with oily skin. “This product was the perfect consistency,” said our tester. “It was a watery formula, but not drippy, and though it contains oil, it didn’t have a greasy or slimy feeling.”
Our tester loved that this product left “no residue on my eyelids after using,” and that they didn’t feel the need to “wash it off with a cleanser.” The performance of this remover also stood out to our team. “This removed every speck of shadow and mascara with one good swipe,” praised the tester. “I like bi-phase formulas and this one mixes nicely and doesn't feel oily.” In line with other Chanel products, this one is lightly fragranced, which could be a pro for some and a con for others depending on scent preference.
Size: 3.4oz. | Oil-free: No | Type: Liquid
People / Jessica Juliao
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Best for Waterproof Makeup
Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover
Sephora
View On Nordstrom
$33
View On Sephora
$33
View On Clarinsusa.com
$33
Our Ratings
Pros
Effective at removing even waterproof makeup
No residue left behind
Worked well even when wearing contact lenses
Cons
Has a fragrance
When it comes to taking off makeup, this Clarins remover is a cut above. Our tester said they use a waterproof mascara that’s always difficult to take off, yet this remover got the job done. “I often do double cleaning, first with a cleansing balm and then followed up by a cleanser, and even with that sometimes I still have mascara residue on,” said our tester. “This eye makeup remover removed my mascara EASILY.”
In terms of performance, this eye makeup remover scored well across all categories. Our tester said the product felt nice on their skin, leaving it smooth and soft without any residue after use. “It wiped away my dark eyeshadow pretty easily,” they said. The only fault in their opinion was the existence of a scent with this remover. Fragrance could be a pro or con, depending on preference, but for the sensitive skin on the eyelids, it’s usually better to be unscented. That aside, our tester was blown away by how well this eye makeup remover works.
Size: 4.2 fl oz. | Oil-free: No | Type: Liquid
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Best Hydrating
Glossier Milky Oil
Amazon
View On Sephora
$16
View On Glossier.com
$16
Our Ratings
Pros
No residue left behind
Super hydrating
Effectively removed eye makeup
Budget-friendly
Cons
Not oil free, might not work for oily skin
For a little skincare benefit while you’re removing your makeup, try this pick from Glossier. It’s extremely hydrating and leaves the skin feeling super nourished. “This was a super smooth remover,” said our tester. “It didn't feel greasy at all, which is definitely a complaint that I have had in the past with removers.”
Our team was impressed with the feeling of this product, and how effectively it removed makeup. “I was able to use the same cotton round for both eyes and didn't even need to apply more product,” said our tester. “It got all of the makeup off after three swipes per eye.” Given the low price and efficacy of this makeup remover, we agree with our tester who said they were “really pleased with this one.”
Size: 3.4 fl. oz. | Oil-free: No | Type: Oil
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People / Tamara Staples
Best Soothing
Laura Mercier Soothing Eye Makeup Remover
Amazon
View On Amazon
$27
View On Nordstrom
$29
View On Walmart
$24
Our Ratings
Pros
Extremely gentle formula
No leftover residue
Portable size
Cons
No cons detected during testing
Laura Mercier brings us this bi-phase formula that’s partially water-based and partially contains soothing oils to help calm irritated skin and reduce redness. It’s also infused with cornflower which is rich with antioxidants and has many skin benefits. “The remover felt smooth and relaxing on my skin,” confirmed our tester.
They appreciated how this eye makeup remover was “easy to use” and didn’t cause issues or “irritate the skin.” This product completely removed the makeup without too much effort, and had “no residue issues” per the tester — meaning it didn’t leave the greasy film on the surface of the skin that some remover products tend to leave behind. And as an added benefit, it’s travel-friendly, given the size.
Size: 3.4 fl. oz./100mL | Oil-free: No | Type: Liquid
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Tamara Staples
Best Lightweight
Nivea Eye Make-Up Remover
Amazon
View On Amazon
$10
View On Walmart
$15
Our Ratings
Pros
Highly effective makeup remover
No leftover residue
Feels refreshing on skin
Good price point
Cons
Imported from overseas
If you’re looking for an easy remedy to makeup removal that won’t leave you skin feeling tired, greasy, and heavy, the Double Effect eye makeup remover from Nivea should be on your radar. Our tester said this was “the easiest time I’ve ever had taking makeup off in my life. It took two drops and minimal effort to remove.”
They were completely impressed with the performance as well as how it felt, saying the product was “lightweight and refreshing on my skin” and left “no residue.” Our tester said there was nothing they would change about the product, and commented that “Nivea killed it,” but if we had to change one thing, it would be that it’s currently imported from overseas which makes it a less sustainable and accessible product than local options. That said, it’s not expensive and it works really well.
Size: 4.4 fl. oz./ 125mL | Oil-free: No | Type: Liquid
People / Jessica Juliao
People / Tamara Staples
People / Tamara Staples
Best Clean
Cetaphil Waterproof Makeup Remover
Amazon
View On Amazon
$11
View On Target
$11
View On Walmart
$11
Pros
Effectively removes makeup, even waterproof
Gentle on skin, even sensitive
Includes botanicals to nourish skin
Cons
Faint residue left over
Size doesn’t meet carry-on travel requirements
Cetaphil is a favorite for everyday skincare, and this waterproof makeup remover lives up to its reputation. With botanicals like aloe vera, ginseng, and green tea, this product works to nourish the skin while breaking up makeup, even waterproof mascara, and lifting it from the skin. It’s a bi-phase water-based formula that targets dryness, irritation, rough texture, tightness in the skin, and any weaknesses in the surface of the skin.
“This product seamlessly removed the shadow from my eyelid,” said our tester. “It felt really nice on my skin and I did not experience any discomfort or irritation. It took most of the makeup off in one swipe without me having to apply too much pressure or tugging on my skin too much.” It’s also oil-free and fragrance-free, making it a gentle alternative to some makeup removers. Our tester noticed a slight residue after use, saying “This product feels like micellar water with a slightly oily texture to it, and there was just a little bit of residue on my eyelid after using this product.” That said, our tester loved how well it worked and said, “There is nothing that I would change.”
Size: 6 fl. oz./ 177mL | Oil-free: Yes | Type: Liquid
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Best Oil
Caudalie Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil
Sephora
View On Amazon
$30
View On Sephora
$30
View On Kohls.com
$30
Our Ratings
Pros
Removes makeup easily
No residue left over
Little goes a long way
Cons
Oil formula is a little messier to apply
Not super portable
Oil makeup removers work really effectively because they break up the makeup’s pigment, yet this one doesn’t leave a greasy residue that some oils do. “This product is super soft and felt great on my skin,” said our tester. “I was a little concerned because I typically stay away from oil-based products, but it didn't feel greasy on the skin at all. My eyelids were clean and felt fresh after use.”
Our tester said, “It was supremely easy to remove with a cotton pad. If I was doing a full skincare routine post-makeup, I would easily follow up with my normal routine. It did not burn at all and my eyelid didn't feel greasy after removal either.” They said the manufacturing instructions suggested using your hands to apply the oil, but they found this to be messy and preferred a cotton round. “I've been looking for a good eye makeup remover and this feels like a holy grail product, especially as I'm familiar with and do use other products in this line,” praised our tester. “I didn't know this existed, but I'm so glad I do now!”
Size: 5 fl. oz./150mL | Oil-free: No | Type: Oil
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Best Pads
Marcelle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads
Amazon
View On Amazon
$15
View On Walmart
$25
View On Marcelle.com
$10
Our Ratings
Pros
No strong scent
No residue
Highly functional for makeup removal
Cons
Could potentially dry out over time
These oil-free pads from Marcelle are pre-soaked so you can swipe them right over your eyelid to remove makeup with ease. “The first wipe took off the entirety of my makeup,” said our tester. They described the pads as “just moist enough” to remove product without leaving residue behind. “The product dried quickly, and my eyelid was left feeling smooth, soft, and not sticky,” the tester said.
These pads proved highly effective at makeup removal, and didn’t leave residue, have a strong scent, or cause redness/irritation. Our tester wondered if these pads would dry out over time given that they weren’t overly soaked upon use, but appreciated how easy this remover product was to use. With 85 pads included in this package, it should last you a while, and if you’re worried about them drying out, consider storing the package upside down so the fluids thoroughly soak every pad.
Quantity: 85 pads | Oil-free: Yes| Type: Pads
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