EYE MAKE-UP REMOVER
The eye zone has some of the most fragile skin on the whole body. Supportive elastin and collagen are already in short supply in this area, which is why wrinkles often show up here first – meaning that rubbing and tugging is bad news. The goal for a good eye make-up remover, then, is to find one that dissolves even highly-pigmented and waterproof/budge-proof make-up with minimal rubbing.
The Silver winner is rather different from the type of product most of us tend to associate with eye make-up remover, but testers enjoyed this ‘alternative’ and effective way of removal.
GOLD AWARD Mary Kay Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover
A repeat Beauty Bible Awards win for Mary Kay, here, whose range is available direct from their own website as well as their network of representatives. This oil-free option is suitable for contact lens wearers, Mary Kay tell us – and several of the testers specifically commented that it didn’t irritate their normally sensitive eyes. Clinically tested for skin irritancy and allergy (as well as tested by ophthalmologists), this is a pale pink lotion that leaves skin conditioned, moisturised and comfy. And we quote: ‘Waterproof mascara? Smoky eye shadow? Bold, liquid eyeliner? Poof, it’s gone!’ Testers certainly agreed that this tip-and-drench-your-cotton-pad option delivers on that promise.
£14.50 for 110ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘No dragging of the eyes or scrubbing required, simply shake the bottle and dispense a small amount on cotton pad. I like the ease with which eye make-up comes off and eyes felt fresh after’ • ‘I was pleasantly surprised at its effectiveness on waterproof mascara – no rubbing involved!’ • ‘I didn't have huge hopes for this as I thought it would be really oily and heavy, what with it being a bi-phase liquid –, so I was pleasantly surprised after the first use not to have any residue around my eyes. No stinging, either. Skin was left feeling very refreshed and soft’ • ‘I was shocked by how good this was and would highly recommend it to everyone! Left skin feel soft and refreshed’ • ‘Took absolutely everything off – and I usually get eye make-up on my pillow from my usual balm cleanser!’ • ‘It was very easy and quick to remove all the makeup – fabulous. Heavy black eyeliner, multi-shade eyeshadows, eyebrow make-up, the whole shebang (though it was most effective at removing eye shadow). However much I threw at it (and I piled quite a few on in the interests of experimentation, though not to venture outside!), it took them all off with just one or two swipes, leaving me very impressed at how easily it did that job. Skin felt nice and soft afterwards, not at all dry or tight, but just comfortable.’
£14.50 for 110ml - click to buy
SILVER AWARD and BEST NATURAL MV Skintherapy Pure Jojoba
From a cult Aussie brand with a raft of A-list fans and beauty editor devotees, this is basically a little bottle of jojoba oil with which you create your own somewhat low-tech ‘dual-phase’ remover. The how-to is as follows: dampen a make-up removal pad, then place three to four drops of the pure jojoba oil on the pad, hold over each eye for a slow count of five, then with a light touch, sweep away mascara, liner, shadow. The nourishing oil can also be used elsewhere on the face for cleansing, and/or as a light natural moisturiser.
£35 for 35ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘I’ve never used a product like this before; with only one ingredient I was doubtful it would a) remove my make-up and b) make my dry skin feel moisturised without feeling tight, as I prefer a balm. I didn’t like the idea of having to use a moist cotton pad and thought it would be a faff. I was wrong! It feels amazing on your skin. Removes make-up like it was nothing, and your skin feels like silk after using it’ • ‘Amazing stuff! It will shock you how good it is; it was made for dry skin and you skin will love you for it. Really natural and doesn’t have a fragrance. I don't use waterproof mascara so I couldn’t put it through its paces on that, but did do a double coat of my normal mascara so there was quite a bit to remove; this easily removes mascara and leaves the skin around the eyes panda-look-free’ • ‘WITHOUT A DOUBT I WILL BUY AGAIN! Amazing stuff!’ • ‘Really easy to dispense the right amount; the bottle allows only a drop of oil to release at one time, but allows you to get as much as you need. It’s great. I would never have considered an oil to remove eye make-up before but it really works’ • ‘An innovative eye makeup remover that is effective, really works and the bottle lasts for ages.’
£35 for 35ml - click to buy