Which Eye and Lip Makeup Remover Should You Use?
Makeup remover is an important skincare step, but you may be a little confused about which kind to use: wipes, gel, or oil. We spoke to experts, including dermatologists and makeup artists, to narrow down your options.
This hypoallergenic product effortlessly dissolves lipstick, eyeliner and mascara without rubbing or irritating skin. It’s formulated with nourishing coconut and jojoba oils as well as soothing cork tree bark extract.
Oil-Free
Whether your skin is oily or dry, it’s important to choose the right makeup remover for your complexion. For oily skin, makeup artists and dermatologists recommend micellar solutions that effectively remove dirt without a greasy residue—like this one from Garnier. It also hydrates while it cleanses, and a portion of the formula contains cornflower, which is known for its calming properties.
For dry skin, try this creamier makeup remover from Neutrogena. The oil-free gel-to-water formula rinses away all traces of makeup and cleanses while it soothes, leaving skin soft and smooth. It also hydrates and leaves a smooth finish, while a combination of honeybush leaf extract and maltodextrin deliver a healthy glow.
For the delicate eye area, this makeup remover is a great option for those with sensitive eyes or who wear contact lenses. The dual-phase lightweight liquid quickly and thoroughly removes all traces of eye makeup, including waterproof mascara, while a blend of cucumber and aloe help soothe and refresh skin.
Fragrance-Free
A few quick swipes with this simple makeup remover will leave your eyes and lips clear, smooth and clean. A dual-phase formula, it’s powerful enough to dissolve long wear makeup formulas—but gentle on your skin. Its no-tears, pH-balanced formula nourishes your delicate eye and lip areas with patented dahlia flower extract and certified organic shea butter, sweet almond oil, argan oil and cacao seed butter.
Designed with sensitive skin in mind, this gentle cleanser is the perfect first step for your cleansing ritual. The two-phase liquid is easily activated by shaking, then gently dissolves even stubborn waterproof makeup formulas from the eyes and lips. The bi-phase makeup remover is enriched with patented dahlia flower, blackberry, cranberry and acai extracts to nourish and soothe skin.
Featuring 100% plant-based fibers and biodegrade in 35 days, these soft and pre-moistened facial cleansing wipes effectively dissolve dirt, oil and makeup, even waterproof mascara, for fresh, clean-looking skin. The gentle wipes are fragrance-free and formulated without phthalates, parabens, sulfates, alcohols, soaps or dyes. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested.
Hypoallergenic
Thoroughly cleansing the eyes and lips to remove makeup, dirt and oil helps prevent premature aging. But the wrong makeup remover can leave the complexion feeling tight, irritated and itchy. Using one that is labeled hypoallergenic ensures that it will be less likely to cause allergic reactions.
This liquid makeup remover is formulated with mango seed extract to moisturize skin and help it maintain its natural pH balance, while it effectively dissolves mascara and long-wear eyeshadow. It is also oil-free and safe for use on both natural lashes and false lashes, and it doesn’t contain any known irritants, like formaldehyde, parabens or phthalates.
The bi-phase formula gently wipes away eye and lip makeup without tugging or pulling the delicate eye area. It also features comforting jojoba and argan oils, as well as purifying water lily and cornflower flower water, to soothe and soften the complexion. It is fragrance-free, dermatologist tested and suitable for sensitive skin.
Water-Based
While micellar water works well on most makeup, it’s not quite as effective when it comes to waterproof mascara and long-wear eyeshadow. Luckily, there’s a solution: a specific eye and lip makeup remover that’s specifically formulated to dissolve those products. Chang recommends this option from La Roche-Posay, which is oil-free and promises not to clog pores.
Another K-beauty favorite is this dual-phase makeup remover from Dior. Its bi-phase texture dissolves traces of impurities and makeup while soothing the delicate skin around the eyes and lips. The oily part of the formula combines comforting jojoba and nourishing squalane, while the aqueous phase is infused with cornflower floral water and purifying water lily extract.
When it comes to eye makeup removal, harsh rubbing can damage the lashes and sensitive skin in that area. Instead, gently massage the product onto a cotton pad and wipe away. To make the process even easier, opt for a wipe that contains hypochlorous acid, which eliminates makeup and bacteria on contact. Lip and Eye Makeup Remover