Eye Makeup Remover

For the next few weeks, I’m going to take you through my skincare routine and share with you the products I love and the ones I don’t love so much.  I’ve tried many.

The first thing I do when I take off my face at night is remove my eye makeup.  Years ago I discovered Almay Hypo-Allergenic Eye Makeup Remover Pads.  I love these.  I usually use two — one per eye, and those basically loosen up the eye makeup.  Then I remove the remains with a warm wet washcloth.

I like these pads because they are gentle and effective and convenient.  There is no scrubbing involved.  I rarely wake up in the morning with raccoon eyes because the Almay got rid of it all the night before.  And best of all?  They are inexpensive at $4.99.  You can get them at any drugstore or on drugstore.com.

I use the Moisturizing variety, but it does leave a greasy film.  I like that because I feel like it is moisturizing to the delicate eye area, and the five layers of mascara coating my poor, unsuspecting eyelashes comes off with minimal scrubbing.  There is an Oil-Free variety, which you are welcome to try, but I don’t like it so much.  It isn’t as effective, and it makes my eye area feel aggravated and dry.

Here are the specs for the Moisturizing pads.

Removes waterproof eye makeup and longwearing lipcolor

• Hypo-Allergenic
• Good for sensitive eyes
• America’s #1 Eye Remover Brand
• Single use pad gently removes even waterproof eye makeup and longwearing lipcolor.
• Moisturizes eye area, fends off dry lines.

Made in U.S.A. with U.S. and Non-U.S. components.

Directions

Smooth pad over closed lid and lashes.  Tissue off thoroughly before reapplying makeup.  Recommended for use with Almay ® mascaras, eye makeup and longwearing lipcolor.

Ingredients
Paraffinum
Liquidum (mineral oil), Huile Minerale, Propylene Glycol,
Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Methylparaben

If you read the reviews you will see they are mixed.  I think this is because people either don’t keep their eyes closed or because they use a tissue (as per the directions) rather than a warm wet cloth.  I’d love to hear your opinion if you have experience with this product.

Of course, I had to try the expensive stuff.  Because I’m a product snob.  Years ago I used the Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover, and I often hear that it’s "the best".  And it has won awards – both from Glam.com and Allure.

Here is what the packaging says: 

Double-phase, fresh-as-water liquid eye makeup remover.

Activates
when shaken to gently whisk away even waterproof eye makeup, while
conditioning and refreshing the skin. Ideal for sensitive skin and
contact lens wearers. Leaves eyes feeling cool and relaxed, with no
oily residue. Ophthalmologist-Tested For Safety.

So a few months ago, I thought, I really ought to give that stuff
another try.  It has to be better than the Almay because it costs 5x as
much.  Well, that logic doesn’t ALWAYS play out.  As I discovered in this case. 

I have been using the Bi-Facil for several weeks now.  And yes, it is a wonderful product.  It is just as effective as the Almay but without the oily residue.  But for 1/5 the price, I am going back to Almay when my Lancome runs out.