I always take EVERYTHING off before bed. (Relax, I'm not about to make a 50 Shades of Grey-type confession here. We're talkin' makeup!)
Usually, my nighttime ritual is no problem. But a few months ago, I decided to try and improve my vision by having a baby cataract removed and a Crystalens inserted in my right eye. Funny, having someone cut into my eye with a laser and insert an implant didn't worry me nearly as much as how I'd clean my eye while it was healing.
Thank goodness, I could start wearing my LilLash, eyeliner, mascara, the whole works one week after surgery. (I'd be hiding from the world till then!) But with no rubbing allowed for six weeks, how in the heck was I to take my eye makeup off? I knew I'd need some new allies to get the job done without a struggle.
That's where these five champions excel. Besides making it easier to wipe away even my blackest black mascara, they're kind to your skin as well as your wallet.
What it is: A soft, soothing towelette that eliminates all types of makeup without sending sensitive skin into a panic.
What I like: A shortcut to clean, these clever dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested wipes whisk away dirt, oil, makeup (including mascara) with no problem. They cleanse and comfort skin with naturally calming ingredients like Aveeno's exclusive Feverfew (a relative of Chamomile). Safe for sensitive souls like me, the oil-free formula helps you avoid dryness and irritation as well as ugly redness.
On top of all that, these do-it-all wipes come in a sure-seal package that ensures the last one is as fresh and moist as the first.
On the Shelf: $6:49-$6.99 for 25 at Aveeno.com and retailers nationwide
What it is: A botanical-based eye makeup remover that treats your delicate eye area with care.
What I like: Steering clear of anything harsh, this eye-and-skin-friendly formula cleans with a blend of botanical extracts like certified organic eyebright, cucumber and chamomile. Talk about gentle! It's dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested as well as safe for contact lens wearers so you don't have to worry about burning or stinging. Plus, one bottle lasts and lasts because you need only a little on a cotton round to banish eye shadow, liner, mascara and other washable makeup.
On the Shelf: $18 for 4.2 ounces at Aveda.com.
What it is: A highly effective makeup removal formula in a convenient cloth.
What I like: These deliciously soft cloths dissolve makeup and dirt with minimal effort. Since they leave no greasy feeling, you don't even have to rinse afterwards. Just wipe your face, making several gentle passes to eliminate eye makeup. Then toss the towelette and move on to moisturizing.
Thanks to a conditioning formula, you get a deep clean that helps prevent blemishes without being too drying for Boomer-age skin.
On the Shelf: $7.99 for 30 at select food, drug and discount stores. For more information, check out Biore.com.
What it is: A refreshing two-part routine involving a big, pre-moistened round that makes short work of eye makeup and a good-for-your-skin cleanser.
What I like: Larger, thicker and more cushioned than others I've tried, the Eye Makeup Remover Pads take the fear out of wearing waterproof mascara or any eye makeup that wants to stay put. Since they're super-sized, one's all you need to clean both eyes. Even better in my book, they're made for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers so there's no burning, rubbing or tugging involved and no oily feeling left behind.
The pads focus on your eyes so Neutrogena's Ultra Gentle Daily Cleanser is a great next step. Soap- and dye-free, this hypoallergenic, foaming cleanser offers luxurious lather that washes away oil, dirt, even makeup while protecting your skin's natural moisture barrier. Afterwards, your complexion feels ever-so clean and supple; never tight.
On the Shelf: $7.19 for 30 eye makeup remover pads; $7.99 - $8.99 for the 12-ounce daily cleanser at Neutrogena.com and retailers nationwide
What it is: A handy wet wipe that gently dissolves all types of makeup in one easy step.
What I like: These comforting cloths simplify life by offering the benefits of Neutrogena's Eye Makeup Remover Pads in a formula suited to your entire face. Bonus! A few swipes with one cloth gets rid of ALL makeup as well as dirt and oil, leaving your skin clean and fresh ... no water required. Plus, you know they're gentle because they're safe for contact lens wearers.
These plush cloths come in two varieties: original and, my favorite, night-calming. Besides being hypoallergenic, this Boomer-rific buy is free of alcohol so I don't have to worry about it robbing my face of much-needed moisture.
On the Shelf: 25 cloths $6.49/original; $6.99 night-calming at Neutrogena.com and retailers nationwide
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