The 8 Best Cleansers for Removing Stubborn Eye Makeup
Because who has the time or patience for an extra step?
![product, beauty, skin care, skin, water, cream, material property, cosmetics, moisture,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eRf7MKHWWjyMbGmkERmYRc.gif)
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.
1. Renée Rouleau Purifying Face Wash
When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously.
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.
2. Clinique Rinse-Off Foaming Cleanser
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.
3. Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser
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.
4. Neutrogena One Step Gentle Cleanser
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.
5. Bioderma Sensibio H20
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.
6. It Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm
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.
7. No7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser
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.
8. Tatcha Pure One Camellia Cleansing Oil
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.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
Lauren Valenti is Vogue’s former senior beauty editor. Her work has also appeared on ELLE.com, MarieClaire.com, and in In Style. She graduated with a liberal arts degree from Eugene Lang College, The New School for Liberal Arts, with a concentration on Culture and Media Studies and a minor in Journalism.
-
Are Lee Si-an and Yuk Jun-seo Still Together After Becoming the Buzziest Couple of 'Single's Inferno' Season 4?
The answer may surprise you.
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
I’m a Jeans Fanatic—19 On-Sale Pairs I’d Buy From Nordstrom to Elevate My Collection
Top-tier picks I'll wear again and again.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
How Jennifer Lawrence Makes a Winter Schlep Chic
An editor-favorite coat trend helps.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
New York Fashion Week’s Fall/Winter 2025 Best Beauty Moments Are a Lesson in Juxtaposition
The week's best beauty looks were a maximalism master class.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Zoe Saldaña’s Red Nails and New Ombré Hair Match Her $3,495 Shoes
The actor is a master of the monochromatic look.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
Nécessaire's Extra-Strength Deodorant Outlasts an Editor's Sweatiest Test: Fashion Week
Even with my hectic schedule, I've never smelled better.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Lily-Rose Depp’s Cool-Toned Makeup Is So ‘90s Coded
Clean girl meets grunge.
By Ariel Baker Published
-
The 13 Best Foundations for Mature Skin, Tested by Women Over 50
It's perfect for mature complexions.
By Siena Gagliano Published
-
Gray Hair Was the Hottest Accessory at the 2025 Golden Globes
Gray hair is chic, period.
By Hannah Baxter Published
-
25 Brown Nail Designs To Instantly Elevate Winter's Hottest Polish Trend
Luxury at your fingertips.
By Emma Aerin Becker Published
-
Billie EIlish’s Makeup Routine Is Surprisingly Wearable and Lasts for Hours
Her makeup routine is full of drugstore staples.
By Ariel Baker Published