The Heroes: Eye Make-Up Removers

I've recently been getting braver and more experimental with my eye makeup (watch out for a lovely new Provoke Cosmetics palette that I'll be giving a whirl very soon), but none of my efforts so far have been as brave or as "out there" as my recent eye make-up for a masquerade party, which you can read about here and here.

While the make-up was immense fun to wear, what goes on must come off (or something like that!) so I needed to know that my eye-make-up remover was up to the task. Which got me to thinking, I have a few that I turn to on a regular basis, so I thought I'd do a little round-up of my favourites.


I have very sensitive eyes, both the eyes themselves and the skin around them, so I have to be really, really careful with what I use. I've had such bad horrific reactions to certain brands and products that I have to be really choosy with what I venture near the eyes - I need that perfect mix of strong enough to remove lashings of mascara yet gentle enough for my delicate eyes.

Nurture Makeup Remover

Nurture Makeup Remover

So, to remove the amazing body-painted eye-mask, I used this new and rather amazing bi-phase makeup remover from Nurture*. Not only does the oil-based formula dissolve the makeup quickly and gently, the aqueous phase soothes, moisturises and whisks away the makeup that the oil phase has melted away. And in spite of the oil, it doesn't leave the skin oily in the slightest. Its actually a little bit of a superstar, this makeup remover. The blueness comes from a special North American algae extract which is rich in B-vitamins and amino acids that help to strengthen and protect the delicate skin around the eye area. There's also panthenol in the formula which conditions the lashes too. Before using, a simple shake of the bottle mixes the two phases together for a quick and easy eye-makeup removal.

Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover

Another favourite is the Clinique Take the Day Off Makeup Remover*. As with the Nurture one, this is also a bi-phase remover (I sense a bit of a pattern forming here!) which needs a quick shake before using. This is also perfect for removing lipstick too (as is the Nurture one), has no fragrance (the deal-breaker for me and the constant in all the ones featured here) and does what it says on the pack.

The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover

Two classics that I would never be without are staple  high-street best buys. The Body Shop's Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover is the first one I ever bought, and I go back to it time and time again. It never 'smarts' my eyes, takes off all the makeup, including mascara and gel eyeliner and never irritates the underye skin area.

Simple Eye Makeup Remover

The other drugstore staple is the Simple Gentle Eye Makeup Remover. I bought this once when I couldn't get to The Body Shop and so picked this up from my local Waitrose when doing my weekly grocery shop. And I've never been without it since. I love that it's available just about everywhere, so there's never a valid excuse to go to bed without removing the eyes, as you can never really not find it. It slots in with whatever other skincare products you happen to be using (and I chop and change a lot!) and it just works!

I'm currently trying out a new (to me) eye makeup remover from Melvita which I'll report back on soon. In the meantime, I'd love to hear what you use, especially if you also have very sensitive skin around the eyes?

xXx