The 8 Best Cleansers for Removing Stubborn Eye Makeup

Mar 16, 2017

Design by Betsy Farrell

In a perfect world, we'd be taking an extra step to meticulously remove every last bit of kohl eyeliner and waterproof mascara at the end of the day. In reality, we're lucky if we so much as wash our face. (Sorry.) That's why we only use robust cleansers that double as eye makeup removers. Here, find the double duty face washes that indulge our lazy-girl proclivities.

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1 Renée Rouleau Purifying Face Wash

<p>This sulfate-free cleansing gel is especially great for oily or sensitive skin. It treats the pores to a deep clean without stripping the skin or causing irritation. But most importantly, even your most smudge-proof mascara is no match for it.</p><p>Renée Rouleau Purifying Face Wash<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space">, $34.50; <a href="https://www.reneerouleau.com/products/purifying-face-wash" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">reneerouleau.com</a>.</span></p>

This sulfate-free cleansing gel is especially great for oily or sensitive skin. It treats the pores to a deep clean without stripping the skin or causing irritation. But most importantly, even your most smudge-proof mascara is no match for it.

Renée Rouleau Purifying Face Wash, $34.50; reneerouleau.com.

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2 Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser

<p>With its cream-mousse texture and soothing botanicals, washing your face with this foam cleanser is like submerging your face in a cloud. But make no mistake, it takes <em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">everything</em> off, from full-coverage foundation to <a href="http://bit.ly/2mPcgpW" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner</a>.</p><p>Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space">, $20; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mPdBgt" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">sephora.com</a>.</span></p>

With its cream-mousse texture and soothing botanicals, washing your face with this foam cleanser is like submerging your face in a cloud. But make no mistake, it takes everything off, from full-coverage foundation to Kat Von D's Tattoo Liner.

Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser, $20; sephora.com.

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3 Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

<p>When you've got some serious eye makeup ousting to do, apply the milky jelly on sans water, *then* wash away the heavy pigments. It has the same gentle cleansing agents found in contact solution, so rest assured it will not irritate your gaze.</p><p>Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space">, $18; <a href="https://www.glossier.com/products/milky-jelly-cleanser" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">glossier.com</a>.</span><br></p>

When you've got some serious eye makeup ousting to do, apply the milky jelly on sans water, *then* wash away the heavy pigments. It has the same gentle cleansing agents found in contact solution, so rest assured it will not irritate your gaze.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser, $18; glossier.com.

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4 Neutrogena One Step Gentle Cleanser

<p>Designed specifically as a 2-in1 cleanser and makeup remover, this pearly gel lathers nicely without stripping moisture while wicking away all kinds of pigment, dirt, and oil. And you simply cannot beat the price tag.</p><p>Neutrogena One Step Gentle Cleanser<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space">, $6.29; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mPhD8h" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">target.com</a>.</span></p>

Designed specifically as a 2-in1 cleanser and makeup remover, this pearly gel lathers nicely without stripping moisture while wicking away all kinds of pigment, dirt, and oil. And you simply cannot beat the price tag.

Neutrogena One Step Gentle Cleanser, $6.29; amazon.com.

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5 Bioderma Sensibio H20

<p>No water? No problem. Having no-rinse <em data-redactor-tag="em" data-verified="redactor">eau micellaire</em> in your corner means you can wash off your makeup *anywhere* in Parisian fashion with mild ingredients that won't irritate, inflame, or strip the skin.<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space"></span></p><p>Bioderma Sensibio H20<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space"> Water, </span>$16.90; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mtzIGE" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">birchbox.com</a>.</p>

No water? No problem. Having no-rinse eau micellaire in your corner means you can wash off your makeup *anywhere* in Parisian fashion with mild ingredients that won't irritate, inflame, or strip the skin.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 Water, $16.90; birchbox.com.

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6 It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

<p>For a super-concentrated removal, look to this 3-in-1 balm which cleanses, removes all traces of stubborn makeup, and contains an anti-aging serum packed with plumping and reinvigorating collagen, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. You can also use it as an intensely-moisturizing face mask for 60 seconds. </p><p>It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space">, $38; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mu2s1I" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">sephora.com</a>.</span></p>

For a super-concentrated removal, look to this 3-in-1 balm which cleanses, removes all traces of stubborn makeup, and contains an anti-aging serum packed with plumping and reinvigorating collagen, hyaluronic acid, and peptides. You can also use it as an intensely-moisturizing face mask for 60 seconds.

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, $38; sephora.com.

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7 No7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser

<p>Like magic, this melting gel transforms into a non-drying oil then a light milk formula (with help from warm water) for three levels of solid cleansing. Bonus: It's formulated with rosehip oil to lock in moisture.</p><p>No7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser, $9.99; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mu4WNL" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">ulta.com</a>.</p>

Like magic, this melting gel transforms into a non-drying oil then a light milk formula (with help from warm water) for three levels of solid cleansing. Bonus: It's formulated with rosehip oil to lock in moisture.

No7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser, $9.99; ulta.com.

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8 Tatcha Pure One Camellia Cleansing Oil

<p>Formulated with moisturizing and antioxidant-infused Japanese camellia oil (AKA tsubaki), this cleanser gently, but impressively removes all kinds of eye makeup while leaving the skin squeaky clean and refreshed. </p><p>Tatcha Pure One Camellia Cleansing Oil<span class="redactor-invisible-space" data-verified="redactor" data-redactor-tag="span" data-redactor-class="redactor-invisible-space">, $48; <a href="http://bit.ly/2mPstvb" target="_blank" data-tracking-id="recirc-text-link">sephora.com</a>.</span></p>

Formulated with moisturizing and antioxidant-infused Japanese camellia oil (AKA tsubaki), this cleanser gently, but impressively removes all kinds of eye makeup while leaving the skin squeaky clean and refreshed.

Tatcha Pure One Camellia Cleansing Oil, $48; sephora.com.

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