7 Of The Best Eye Makeup Removers That Don't Sting

All suitable for even the most sensitive of eyes.
Louise/HuffPost UK
HuffPost UK
Louise/HuffPost UK

Removing your eye makeup, especially painstakingly-applied eyeshadow and liner, is often the least fun part of the day.

Not only is it mind-numbingly boring, but can sting and leave you with panda eyes. I’ve definitely gone to bed on occasion without bothering at all.

But, as we all know, it’s important that your face is clean before you catch those 40 winks – makeup isn’t supposed to be worn for 24 hours at a time.

The solution? An eye makeup remover that doesn’t sting. Keep a bottle by your bedside so you can eradicate every last scrap of eye makeup with a cotton pad, before being chucked across the room into the bin.

Here we’ve picked our favourite ones that get the job done without leaving skin dry, dehydrated or irritated. Go forth and cleanse.

Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover, The Body Shop
HuffPost UK
Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover, The Body Shop

HuffPost’s Life Editor Brogan Driscoll is such a fan of this product, she wrote a love letter to it. She sings its praises for its ability to rid her eyes of every scrap of mascara, eyeliner and even her brow pencil. It’s fragrance free, with no colourants or alcohol which makes it great for sensitive skin too.

La Roche-Posay Eye Make-Up Remover, Look Fantastic
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La Roche-Posay Eye Make-Up Remover, Look Fantastic

La Roche-Posay is a master of effective, affordable skincare. Its Toleraine Dermo-Cleanser has long been a favourite of mine - but if you’re after something quick and easy to rid all traces of a smoky eye, then this is the perfect match. Simply soak a cotton pad and sweep away.

Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover, John Lewis
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Clarins Instant Eye Makeup Remover, John Lewis

My first foray into the world of beauty came from nosing about my mum’s makeup bag when she was getting ready to go out. This bottle by Clarins was always there and when I first borrowed (OK stole) it I understood why. Once you mix the bi-phase lotion together by shaking the bottle, it creates an oil-based fluid that takes seconds to take everything off with a single cotton pad. It’s the crème de la crème of eye makeup removers.

Garnier Skin Naturals 2in1 Eye Make-up Remover, Boots
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Garnier Skin Naturals 2in1 Eye Make-up Remover, Boots

If you’re feeling lazy, or don’t have the time for a thorough skincare routine before you hit the hay, then this little bottle is ideal for your bedside. It doesn’t leave any residue, nor gloopy bits of mascara left over in the corner of your eyes. Simply shake the bottle and away you go.

Clinique Take The Day Off Make-Up Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips, Feel Unique
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Clinique Take The Day Off Make-Up Remover for Lids, Lashes & Lips, Feel Unique

Clinique’s Take The Day Off range is brilliant if you want simple skincare that does exactly what it says on the tin. This makeup remover isn’t just for eyes however, it does a stellar job at getting off those matte, bold, bright lipsticks that won’t budge.

Avène Gentle Eye Make-Up Remove, Escentual
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Avène Gentle Eye Make-Up Remove, Escentual

This fluid gel is a thicker consistency that the other sin this list, but is designed with contact wearers and those with sensitive eyes in mind. There’s no dryness once you’re finished and with a bottle this big, it will last you months.

Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make Up Remover, Boots
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Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make Up Remover, Boots

This cheap and cheerful travel-size bottle it means you won’t have to decant bigger bottles into fiddly smaller ones when you’re going away – only to forget what’s in them because you didn’t label them.

We all work hard to earn our money – so it shouldn’t feel like hard work to spend it well. At HuffPost Finds we’ll help you find the best stuff that deserves your cash, from the ultimate lipstick to a durable iron to replace the one that broke (RIP). All our choices are completely independent but we may earn a small commission if you click a link and make a purchase.

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