These makeup removers break down tough makeup so quickly that you'll believe it's magic.

      As much as we might hope, there simply isn't a face wash that effectively removes makeup and cleanses the skin simultaneously. Trust us—we at Who What Wear have experimented with all available options. While some products promise to accomplish both tasks, they frequently leave behind a greasy layer that necessitates a follow-up cleanse with water and soap. Even with careful double-cleansing, it often fails to fully eliminate the grip that waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and liquid eyeshadow have on our eyes. This is when we depend on effective eye makeup removers.

      Although it's tempting to grab the first item you see at your local drugstore, consulting a dermatologist first is essential (or taking advice from our contributing dermatologist, Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD). “I suggest gentle, fragrance-free formulas that effectively remove makeup without excessive friction," states the board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. “The skin surrounding the eyes is very thin and fragile, so gentle makeup removal is crucial.” She also recommends starting with a cleansing oil, which simplifies the process of removing stubborn makeup.

      If you're looking for an effective remover, we've compiled a list of the ten formulas that editors and dermatologists consistently endorse.

      **The Best Eye Makeup Removers, at a Glance:**

      - **Best Overall:** Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

      - **Best Budget:** Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

      - **Best for Sensitive Skin:** La Roche-Posay Micellar Water

      - **Best Drugstore:** Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water

      - **Best Makeup Remover Pads:** Sofie Pavitt Micellar Cleansing Pads

      - **Best Overall:** Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

      **Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover**

      - **Pros:** Gentle for sensitive eyes, unique oil-water blend, conditions and refreshes skin

      - **Cons:** Not fragrance-free, costly

      Editors across the board (especially our beauty director Erin Jahns) rave about this bi-phase eye makeup remover. It’s gentle on all skin types and specifically designed to soothe the skin after a long day filled with waterproof makeup. The oil phase effectively removes even the most stubborn makeup, while the water phase cleanses the skin of any remainder. Just remember to shake it before use!

      Customer Review: “I’ve tried other drugstore eye makeup removers, which was a big mistake! With Lancôme, there’s no excessive rubbing or pulling out eyelashes, and importantly, it doesn’t irritate my eyes. It’s very gentle but incredibly effective. Thank you, Lancôme.”

      **Best Budget:** Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

      - **Pros:** Affordable, removes waterproof makeup, oil-free

      - **Cons:** Leaves slight residue

      This straightforward and effective liquid eye makeup remover has been beauty editor Shawna Hudson’s go-to drugstore choice for years. “Sometimes, it’s literally the only product that completely removes waterproof mascara and eyeliner without me having to scrub my skin,” she shares. It’s easy to apply, offers the right amount of slip without tugging on the skin, and is appropriate for acne-prone individuals. Engelman also recommends this option for its “gentle yet effective” performance on stubborn makeup.

      Customer Review: “This product works like a charm. It removed my waterproof mascara effortlessly—just two swipes and it was gone. It was gentle on my eyes and left my skin feeling soft with no oily residue. The bottle size and effectiveness mean it will last a long time, and it’s reasonably priced considering it’s Neutrogena quality.”

      **Best for Sensitive Skin:** La Roche-Posay Micellar Water

      - **Pros:** Lightweight, gentle for sensitive skin, effectively removes makeup and dirt

      - **Cons:** Some users say it’s not very effective at removing mascara

      Micellar water is a favored choice for ordinary makeup removers (like foundation and concealer), but it sometimes lacks the power to effectively remove eye makeup. However, this does not apply to La Roche-Posay’s version, which is particularly gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. “For those who prefer lighter options, micellar waters like La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra are an excellent choice,” claims Engelman.

      Customer Review: “La Roche-Posay wins again! I take this micellar water to all my daughter's cheer events, and I use it daily. It completely removes all residue from my face and has a fresh, clean scent. No irritation on my skin, making it perfect for everyday use.”

      **Best Drugstore:** Bioderma Sensibio H2O Soothing Micellar Cleansing Water

      - **Pros:** Affordable, gentle formula, suitable for sensitive skin

      - **Cons:** Requires several cotton pads for complete makeup removal

      If you're looking to add a