These makeup removers eliminate stubborn makeup so quickly, you'll believe it's magical.

These makeup removers eliminate stubborn makeup so quickly, you'll believe it's magical.

      As much as we would love for there to be a single face wash capable of removing makeup while thoroughly cleansing the skin, such a product does not truly exist. Trust us—we, the editors at Who What Wear, have tested every option available. Many products make dual claims, but they often leave behind a greasy residue that necessitates a second wash with water and soap. Even with diligent double-cleansing, it’s occasionally insufficient to dislodge the strong grip of waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and liquid eyeshadow on our eyes. This is when we turn to effective eye makeup removers. While it may be tempting to grab the first product you see at your local drugstore, it's essential to consult a dermatologist beforehand (or heed the advice of our contributing dermatologist, Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD). “I recommend gentle, fragrance-free options that effectively remove makeup without excessive friction,” advises the board-certified cosmetic dermatologist. “The skin around the eyes is very thin and sensitive, making gentle makeup removal crucial.” She also suggests starting with a cleansing oil, which simplifies the removal of stubborn makeup. If you’re looking for a reliable remover, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 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, pricey

      Editors from all around (and particularly our beauty director Erin Jahns) rave about this dual-phase eye makeup remover. It is gentle for all skin types and particularly crafted to calm the skin after enduring a day of waterproof and long-lasting makeup. The first part of the formula, the oil, effectively wipes away the most stubborn makeup, while the second part, the water, cleanses to eliminate any lingering residue. Just remember to shake it before use! Customer review: “I’ve tried other drugstore makeup removers and regretted it! With Lancôme, there's no excessive rubbing, no pulling my eyelashes, and, best of all, it doesn’t irritate my eyes. Very gentle but extremely effective. Thank you, Lancôme.”

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

      **Neutrogena Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover**

      - **Pros:** Affordable, effective on waterproof makeup, oil-free

      - **Cons:** Leaves slight residue

      This straightforward, effective liquid eye makeup remover from Neutrogena has been beauty editor Shawna Hudson’s go-to drugstore choice for years. “Sometimes, it’s literally the only product that fully removes waterproof mascara and eyeliner without needing to scrub my skin vigorously,” she mentions. It’s simple to use, offers the perfect amount of glide without tugging at the skin, and is entirely oil-free for those prone to breakouts. Engelman also endorses this drugstore favorite for its “gentle yet efficient” action against stubborn makeup. Customer Review: “This product works wonderfully. It removed my waterproof mascara without any scrubbing—just two swipes and it was gone. It was gentle on my eyes, leaving my skin soft without any oily residue. The bottle size and effectiveness mean it lasts a long time, and it's a quality product at a low price.”

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

      **La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra**

      - **Pros:** Lightweight, kind to sensitive skin, effectively removes makeup and dirt

      - **Cons:** Some users say it struggles with mascara removal

      Micellar water is a favored choice for everyday makeup removal (think foundation, concealer, sunscreen, etc.), though it may lack the strength of other eye makeup removers. However, La Roche-Posay’s option is particularly gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. “For those who favor lighter alternatives, micellar waters like La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra are excellent,” Engelman explains. Customer Review: “La Roche-Posay is a winner! I take this micellar water to all my daughter's cheer events and use it for my daily cleansing. It eliminates all residue on my face, and the scent is fresh and clean. No irritation, making it perfect for everyday use.”

      ### Best Drugstore: Bioderma Sensib

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