IMAGE: James Lightbown/Corbis Images
We all know that the sensitive skin around our eyes should be treated with utmost care – we buy the best eye creams our wallets can afford, and we apply them in the gentlest of ways (using the fourth finger only, please). So if you’re tugging at your eyes at the end of the day trying to get your mascara off then you’re just reversing all the care you’ve showered on them.
Which is why I’ve decided to review some of the best eye makeup removers in town. You won’t have to tug at your preppers any longer!
Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover
When this jelly makeup remover came into the market, a lot of people got really excited. Why? You don’t have to use a cotton pad. The jelly-like texture promises to remove even waterproof mascaras. To be completely honest – I was very skeptical. I love wearing mascara so I know the rule of thumb is to soak a cotton pad with remover and hold it over my lashes for a few seconds. This remover, however, insisted that no cotton pads be used.
After coating my lashes in jelly, I waited for a bit before gently massaging and then rinsing everything off in warm water. The final verdict? A large part of my mascara came off, but there were still minor traces left behind. Perhaps my heavy-duty mascara needed an extra jelly coat? Nonetheless, this jelly remover does make it very handy (and environmentally friendly!) to use.
Smashbox It’s A Wrap Waterproof Makeup Remover
The brand has already established itself in creating great primers, but Smashbox has a pretty decent makeup remover too. Smashbox It’s A Wrap Waterproof Makeup Remover is an ultra-lightweight formula that is said to erase all traces of heavy-duty makeup. I let this remover soak on my eyes for a bit: My eyeliner was removed instantaneously, but it took a few swipes before my mascara came off. That being said, this remover earns extra points for being gentle on my lids – no stinging experienced!
innisfree Apple Juicy Lip & Eye Makeup Remover
A really affordable makeup remover, innisfree’s Apple Juicy Lip & Eye Makeup Remover uses organic acid and vitamins to sweep away makeup. The dual-layer formula removed my waterproof mascara with a few swipes, and it didn’t sting my eyes. What I loved about it though, is how apple extracts supposedly remove dead skin cells and protects my skin from dryness (I can’t scrub the area around my eyes, so any product that can is superb!).
Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover
It is very hard not to love this brand. Apart from making a decent makeup remover as well, the Clarins Instant Eye Makeup remover promises to remove waterproof makeup while strengthening your lashes at the same time. I shook this bottle hard and gave it a go – with one swipe, my eyeliner and a chunk of mascara came off with ease. The gentle formula also had a pleasant scent with no stinging sensation – an instant remover that grows my lashes? I’m sold.
Creme Simon Micellar Water Makeup Remover for Eyes and Face
The legendary French brand is back. Founded in 1860, Creme Simon (pronounced, cream sea-mion) was the “it” brand of the era, and now it’s back in Singapore with products catered to suit our skin and climates. The French are known for their micellar waters, and Creme Simon’s product is no different. A unique oil-in-water solution, the micellar water managed to remove my waterproof mascara with relative ease. The formula also supposedly brightens and detoxes the skin naturally, making it a pretty great makeup remover.
NARS Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover
Trusted backstage on runway shows, NARS’ Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover aims to remove the hardiest of mascaras with little fuss. I have to admit that I fell in love with the bottle; It’s small and simple design made it look so chic on my dressing table. The remover, however, was less than stellar. Using a dual-phase oil-free solution, this remover didn’t manage to melt my waterproof mascara as effectively as I hoped (it required a bit more soaking and rubbing). The formula does earn extra points for having cucumber and chamomile extracts though.
Senka Perfect Oil
It wasn’t love at first sight. I don’t generally do well with oils, but Senka’s Perfect Oil made me understand the craze. This cleansing oil doubles up as a makeup remover, so I simply washed my face with its oily goodness, paying close attention to my lashes. After a few gentle rubs, I am glad to announce that my mascara stood no chance with this remover. The brand even claims this oil removes pore-clogging impurities too. So if you want a multi-tasking makeup remover this is probably it.
Biore Aqua Jelly Makeup Remover, $24.90, is available at all leading pharmacies, supermarkets and hypermarkets. For more information, visit www.kao.com/sg/biore/ and follow the brand on Facebook.
Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover, $42, is available at all Clarins Skin Spas located at Wheelock Place, #05-05/06/07; Robinsons JEM, Level 1; Robinsons Raffles City, #01-01; and Robinsons Orchard, Level 1. For more information, go to www.clarins.com.sg and follow Clarins Singapore on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ClarinsSingapore.
Creme Simon Micellar Water Makeup Remover for Eyes and Face, $55, is available at www.creme-simon.com and at Soon Lee @ Haji Lane. For more information, visit www.creme-simon.com and follow the brand on Facebook.
innisfree Apple Juicy Lip & Eye Makeup Remover, $11, is available at all innisfree stores. For more information, visit www.innisfree.co.kr/global and follow the brand on Facebook.
NARS Gentle Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, $40, is available at all NARS counters. For more information, visit www.narscosmetics.com and follow the brand on Facebook.
Senka Perfect Oil, $16.90, is available at selected Watsons stores. For more information, visit and follow the brand on Facebook.
Smashbox It’s A Wrap Waterproof Makeup Remover, $33, is available at Sephora Ion. For more information, visit www.smashbox.com and follow the brand on Facebook.