Staff tested: The best eye makeup removers

Kaia Bamboo Facial Cleansing Cloths

These cloths are billed as a 3-in-1: an eye makeup remover, a facial cleanser and a toner.

“Love these. They removed all my eye makeup easily, though I’d prefer it if they were a bit bigger. And they’re supersoft and biodegradable. They didn’t cause redness around my eyes (which other wipes have done). They’ll be handy for camping and travelling!”
–Bonnie Munday, editor

$18, 30 cloths, kaianaturals.com

Chanel Précision Gentle Biphase Eye Makeup Remover

Shake to blend the oil with the soothing rosewater and cornflower extract.

“I felt no stinging with this as it perfectly removed eye makeup, even waterproof mascara. The narrow-neck opening means I never waste a drop when dispensing onto a cotton pad. I’d also use it with a cotton swab to correct and clean up smudges.”
–Rhonda Rovan, beauty editor

$32, 100 mL

Olay Regenerist Eye Make-Up Remover Plus Anti-Wrinkle Treatment

This creamy lotion helps to “fight the look of lines and wrinkles around the eyes.”

“Doubling as an eye makeup remover and light moisturizer for the face and neck, this does a nice job of dissolving eye makeup, including waterproof mascara. And the skin around my eyes really did feel hydrated. The downside for me? I wasn’t partial to its fragrance.”
–Margaret Nearing, senior editor

$14, 200 mL

Prescriptives Better Off Fast-Acting Waterproof Makeup Remover

Dimethicone conditions skin in this remover for waterproof and long-wearing eye/lip makeup.

“I’ve always found removers to sting or be oily. Instead, I use facial cleanser and dab moisturizer on a cotton pad to do the job. This has me converted: It dissolved waterproof mascara with zero irritation (leaving no crumbly bits of mascara) and removed bright lipstick stains, too.”
–Jennifer Masseau, assistant editor

$23, 125 mL

Almay Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover Pads

Oil-free pads in a pot can remove waterproof mascara, and contain a botanical blend of aloe, cucumber and green tea.

“These convenient pads removed mascara and eyeshadow easily. At first, I wasn’t crazy about the astringent scent-I thought they might sting my eyes or dry out my skin, but they didn’t.”
–Jennifer Walker, senior content editor

$8, 80 pads

The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover

This clear liquid contains gly­cerin to condition lashes, and the camomile water is organic community trade.

“It effectively removed regular eye makeup but for waterproof makeup, I’d need a different one (admittedly it’s not billed as a waterproof remover). You get a lot for the price, though.”
-Stephanie Han, art director

$15, 250 mL

M.A.C Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover

The oil-and-water formula targets stubborn makeup on lids and lips, and contains Damascus Rose flower water.

“At first I wasn’t sure about using an oil-based remover, but as someone with dry and sensitive skin, it actually felt nourishing around my eyes. As for lips, it required extra swiping to get my lip-stain product off.”
–Lisa Hannam, associate editor

$22, 100 mL

Clean & Clear Soothing Eye Makeup Remover

An oil-free remover with cucumber extracts and aloe vera to moisturize. It’s designed to be rinsed off with warm water.

“This lives up to its promise of working ‘gently and effectively.’ It didn’t sting my eyes, as some brands do. I wasn’t fond of the film it left on my lids, although I’m probably being picky, because it rinsed off easily.”
–Kat Tancock, web editor

$7, 162 mL

Related:
• 6 bad beauty habits you need to break
• 10 beauty classics worth revisiting
• Staff tested: The best scrubs