It is almost painful to wipe away your carefully blended shadows and perfectly drawn eyeliner design at the end of the day, especially since you have worked so hard on it! However, despite the pain, your skin and sheets will actually thank you if you do. There are plenty of great products to help you effectively remove all traces of makeup from your face. You can even find some choices of the best drugstore eye makeup remover in the market, that won’t break your wallet.
Wondering which brands are worth a try and who formulates the best drugstore eye makeup remover? Join us as we look at the most effective products that won’t drain your beauty budget.
Contents
What is Micellar Water?
Micellar water seems to be all the rage with manufacturers and consumers, as products containing this unique product are popping up in many beauty blogs and skin care articles. But what is it actually?
First, you must understand what a micelle is. It is a cluster of surfactant molecules. As you may already know, surfactants are present in soaps and also shampoos. They help lower the surface tension between two liquids, which allow you to clean the dirt, grime, grease, and oil from both your skin and hair.
Micelles are added to water for the same reason that other surfactants are added to soap and shampoo, which is to help loosen makeup and oil, so they will come easier to remove. They are gentler than the surfactants used in soap and shampoo, which is why you can use them without rinsing.
Wipes vs. Liquids
Are wipes more effective at removing eye makeup than liquids? The answer is that it really depends on how much eye makeup you wear.
Many prefer towelettes and pads because they are more convenient. You can easily throw them in your purse or a carry-on bag, and you don’t have to worry about spilling any product anywhere.
On the other hand, liquids are actually more effective when removing heavy eye makeup or waterproof eyeliners and mascara.
Products that Contain Oil
Many want to avoid products with oil because they think it will make their skin becomes even more oily, but this isn’t true! Pure jojoba oil, for example, is a wonderful way to remove makeup naturally and nourishes the skin, but it does not cause your skin to produce more oil.
Ideally, a product that contains oil is used before you wash your face to help you remove the majority of eye makeup. After that, you can continue to wash your face and remove the rest. One thing to note, always remember that double cleansing can remove the makeup more effectively and thoroughly. Therefore, it is highly recommended.
You don’t have to worry about getting your skin oilier, though. If you wash first and then use an oily product, naturally, your eyes will be oily, but if you use it before you wash your face, you’ll be able to rinse the excess oils easily. In fact, it will leave your skin clean and oil-free.
15 Best Drugstore Eye Makeup Remover
Some of the most effective makeup removers can be a bit pricey. However, there are also affordable products available that can just do the job without making you bankrupt. Here’s a list of the best drugstore eye makeup removers that work effectively.
1. SEPHORA COLLECTION Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover
A very affordable eye makeup remover that can remove even waterproof mascara easily. It is very gentle and totally safe for sensitive skin. It works effectively, and all you need to do is wet a cotton pad with this product and then let the pad sit on your eyes for 30 seconds. All the makeup, even the heavy ones with layers and primers, will be easily removed. However, you may need a second wipe but basically that’s it. You don’t even have to rub your delicate eyes.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Remove stubborn makeup easily and quickly
Cons:
- Leave a sticky and oily film after but you can rinse it off with water
2. Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Removing Cleansing Balm
If you have dry skin, then you need to give this cleansing balm a try. It contains sunflower and ginger root oil, which will help to remove stubborn makeup without stripping your skin. The oils help to hydrate your skin, too, so it’s definitely a plus. Moreover, the formula melts down makeup easily as well, so you don’t have to do excessive rubbing on your skin. On thing, though, it’s a little bit pricey but the formula is definitely worth it.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Hydrating
- Recyclable packaging
Cons:
- May not acne prone friendly since it contains a lot of oils
3. CLINIQUE Mini Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
Clinique is known for their sensitive skin friendly products, which is why their products are usually on the pricier side. This The Take The Day Off is one of the most popular makeup removers that many people have great experiences with. As a start, you can try this mini size if you want to dip your skin into its benefits and see if it works for you. The mini size is far more affordable than the full size, but still has a lot of benefits to remove makeup easily and safely.
Pros:
- Suitable for all skin types
- Vegan
- Fragrance free
Cons:
- The balm formula melts into oils so you may feel a little bit oily on your skin. But you can rinse them off easily.
4. The Original MakeUp Eraser® Makeup Remover Cloth
This one is clearly one of the reusable makeup remover cloths that so many people rave about. The main reason is clearly because this product is reusable, which is so much better and friendlier for the environment. But most importantly, this product can actually remove makeup gently. You can use it simply by wetting the cloth and wiping it on your skin. You can also use it with your favorite cream or oil, too. In addition, it is also antibacterial, making it suitable for sensitive skin. In terms of price, it’s actually fairly affordable for a product that can be used over and over again.
Pros:
- Reusable
- Hypoallergenic
- Remove makeup effectively by using only water
Cons:
- May need to be used with cleansing product to remove stubborn makeup
5. Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil Makeup Remover
A cleansing oil you can rely on as a part of your double-cleansing routine every night. This cleanser is very gentle and can totally remove both basic and waterproof makeup effortlessly without stripping the skin. Even better, it is also safe for sensitive skin, even if you have an ultra reactive and dry skin. However, it comes as a little pricey, but we can assure that the formula has more benefits than just cleansing. so it’s totally worth it.
Pros:
- Very gentle
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Treat and hydrate skin
Cons:
- Has a notable scent some people may don’t like
6. La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water Ultra and Makeup Remover
This next product is an easy-to use micellar water that leaves the skin feeling clean and fresh, as if you already put on some toner as well. You can simply wet a cotton pad or makeup cloth with this product. Then, wipe it through your face and neck and it will beautifully take most of the makeup without making your skin feel tight and dry.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Refreshing
Cons:
- May not very effective in removing heavy makeup
- Does contain fragrance
7. e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
Solid cleansing balm that melts into an oil and turns into a nourishing milk texture that rinses off clean. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and also peptides. The friendly ingredients will leave your skin feeling silky smooth, plumped, and also hydrated. It easily removes makeup without stripping the skin and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Very gentle
- Can remove heavy eye makeup without irritating the eye area
- Doesn’t leave any uncomfortable film on the skin
Cons:
- Contains polyethylene
8. Banila Co Clean It Zero 3-in-1 Cleansing Balm
This best-selling Banila Co Clean It Zero Original was created to quickly and easily melt away makeup on your face. Furthermore, it can even melt away the most stubborn face and eye makeup, too. This skin-loving formula completely cleanses skin and hydrates in one simple step. The Clean it Zero by Banila is available in various types formulated specifically for different skin concerns. From price point of view, this product is fairly affordable for its gentle formula.
Pros:
- Removes makeup effectively
- Available in various type for different skin concerns
Cons:
- A little bit oily and has a subtle scent
9. Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water
Talking about the best drugstore makeup remover, Garnier is here to save your day. This product is super easy to use, and all you need is a cotton pad or a makeup cloth. It removes makeup effectively including the waterproof ones. Undoubtedly, this affordable makeup remover is definitely worth trying. Furthermore, it is also suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Refreshing
- Non-greasy
Cons:
- Does contains fragrance
10. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes
This is the makeup remover to get, especially if you need to quickly wipe down those eye makeup on the go. With 100% plant-based fibers, these makeup remover face wipes dissolve dirt, oil and makeup for fresh, clean looking skin. It is ultra soft and can remove eye makeup effectively and gently. Moreover, the natural ingredients will make it safer for both you and also the environment. In terms of price, it is actually fairly affordable since you only need one for every cleaning session.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Compostable, plant based fibers
- Soothing and gentle
Cons:
- Has a strong odor
11. innisfree Refreshing Lip & Eye Makeup Remover
This eye makeup remover has the capability to removing heavy and stubborn makeup that other makeup removers can’t touch. Put a little on some cotton, hold it over your eye for a few seconds, and then begin to gently wipe away those stubborn makeup on your face. Easy peasy and works like a dream. Moreover, it also removes stubborn liquid eyeliner as well as a long-lasting matte lip stain. Very affordable makeup remover worth trying.
Pros:
- Removes makeup effortlessly
- Non-irritating
Cons:
- The dual phase formula need to be shaken well before using
12. Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm
It’s one of a few cleansing balms out there that is fragrance free and specifically made for sensitive skin. Being one of the best drugstore eye makeup remover, it is very affordable as a drugstore brand. This product isn’t too oily and is very easy to wash off with a foaming cleanser as a second step. It works wonder as an initial cleanser to melt down all the makeup, including heavy and waterproof makeup.
Pros:
- Gentle and suitable for sensitive skin
- Quickly melts makeup
Cons:
- Need to be washed off afterwards
13. CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleansing Makeup Remover
These pH balanced rinse-free face cleansing wipes remove dirt, oil, and also makeup, including waterproof mascara. With ceramides and glycerin, the gentle cleansing wipes help lock in moisture. It is 100% plant based face cloth, infused with gentle makeup remover, and is biodegradable in home compost. The hydrating formula is also fragrance-free, oil-free, allergy-tested, ophthalmologist-tested, sensitive skin-tested, and non-comedogenic, so it will not clog your pores. However, due to the wonderful features, this product is a little bit pricey, but it is actually very travel friendly.
Pros:
- Biodegradable material
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Hydrating
Cons:
- The openings may make the wipes dries out if you don’t close it properly.
14. Bioderma – Sensibio – H2O Micellar Water
Sensibio by Bioderma is a well-known drugstore makeup remover that you definitely need to try. It works very well as a makeup remover, for both your face and for eye makeup. It is not oil-based, so it’s not going to slide right off. You need to soak the cotton pad and just hold it against your eyelid, and count to 20 seconds. After that, gently rub it a little, and it will come off. In addition to removing all makeup, this product is great for fixing small makeup mistakes. Dip a qtip on it, fix the mistake, and go ahead and do your makeup there like nothing ever happened. Moderately affordable for its quality.
Pros:
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Remove eye makeup effectively
Cons:
- Take some time to break down heavy eye makeup
15. Cetaphil Gentle Waterproof Makeup Remover
This waterproof makeup remover is formulated with aloe vera, ginseng, and green tea to effectively remove waterproof mascara from delicate eye areas without irritation or oily residue. It gently removes waterproof and long-wear makeup, which will leave skin feeling clean and also refreshed. It is also designed for sensitive skin, so you can have your skin feeling clean and refreshed with no worries. Also, it is very affordable so it can be your go to eye makeup remover to keep on your purse.
Pros:
- Fragrance free
- Oil free
- Non-irritating
Cons:
- You need to be careful when taking the product out because it has a large hole and the product can be easily spilled.
Which eye makeup remover is best?
The best drugstore eye makeup remover is the one serving you the best. If you want to clean your makeup thoroughly, you can opt for cleansing balms. If you are looking for a quick makeup remover, micellar water can be your best option. And if you need to clean your makeup on the go, makeup wipes are definitely the best to get.
What is the safest eye makeup remover?
The safest eye makeup remover should be the one formulated specifically for sensitive skin and doesn’t contain harsh chemicals as well as fragrance. Always take a proper look at the ingredients and make sure that the product doesn’t contain any ingredients that might trigger an allergic reaction on your skin and eye area.
What removes mascara best?
The best drugstore eye makeup remover that removes mascara best can be something that is oil-based. Oil breaks down makeup even the most stubborn ones like waterproof mascaras fairly more effectively. All you need is to rinse them afterwards. Some eye makeup removers even have the benefit to keep your lashes soft and healthy.
