It’s late, you’re exhausted, and the last thing you want to do is spend ages removing your makeup. I’ve been there—rubbing endlessly at stubborn mascara, smearing eyeliner around instead of wiping it away, and hoping my skin forgives me for the occasional slip-up. Trust me, I know how tempting it is to skip this step altogether and collapse into bed. But as much as I’ve tried to justify it to myself, we all know our skin deserves better.
To make things easier (and a lot less frustrating), I spent weeks testing makeup removers to find the best ones for every budget and skin type. Whether you’re looking for something gentle on sensitive skin or a product that gets the job done in seconds. Here are my tried-and-true picks for the best oil based eye makeup removers—no more tugging, redness, or leftover residue.
Our Top Picks
Best in Drugstore
- Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil [Best Favorite]
- Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm [Best for Sensitive Skin]
- E.l.f Cosmetics Cleansing Balm [Best Budget]
- Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water [Best Overall]
Best in Luxury
- Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser [Best Moisturizing]
- Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover [Best for Eyeshadow]
- Sulwhasoo Cleansing Oil [Best Cleansing Oil]
- Kiehl’s midnight recovery botanical cleansing oil [Best Multitasking]
- Clarins Total Cleansing Oil [Best for Mascara]
- Farmacy Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm [Best for Milky Lather]
Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Cleansing Oil
What We Like:
- Gentle, effective cleansing for sensitive skin
- Leaves skin soft without residue
- Doubles as a moisturizer
Why It’s a Favorite:
This micellar oil is a cult favorite for its ability to gently yet thoroughly remove makeup while soothing sensitive skin. It’s a must-have for anyone seeking a no-fuss, effective option.
Neutrogena Makeup Remover Melting Balm
What We Like:
- Dermatologist-tested for sensitive skin
- Balm-to-oil formula feels nourishing
- Effortlessly melts away stubborn makeup
Why It’s Great for Sensitive Skin:
This balm works wonders on delicate skin, breaking down waterproof makeup without causing irritation. It’s a lifesaver for those with redness or easily reactive skin.
E.L.F. Cosmetics Cleansing Balm
What We Like:
- Affordable yet highly effective
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Lightweight balm that emulsifies beautifully
Why It’s Budget-Friendly:
This e.l.f. balm offers impressive quality at a fraction of the cost of high-end options. Perfect for anyone looking to save without compromising on performance.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
What We Like:
- Versatile for all skin types
- No-rinse formula for convenience
- Removes makeup, dirt, and oil
Why It’s the Best Overall:
Garnier’s micellar water is a household name for a reason. It’s a multitasking powerhouse that’s gentle, effective, and easy to use—ideal for busy nights.
Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup Melting Butter Cleanser
What We Like:
- Packed with nourishing oils and fruit extracts
- Leaves skin hydrated and smooth
- Includes a Bamboo Booster for exfoliation
Why It’s Worth the Splurge:
This butter cleanser removes makeup while deeply moisturizing, making it a treat for dry or dehydrated skin.
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
What We Like:
- Gentle yet powerful formula
- Specifically great for breaking down eyeshadows and liners
- Fragrance-free for sensitive areas
Why It’s Great for Eye Makeup:
Clinique’s balm is iconic for a reason. It melts away even the most pigmented shadows without pulling or irritating the delicate eye area. Clinique Moisturiser is also my favorite.
Sulwhasoo Cleansing Oil
What We Like:
- Luxurious texture with herbal ingredients
- Deeply cleanses without stripping skin
- Suitable for dry and combination skin
Why It’s the Best Cleansing Oil:
Sulwhasoo’s oil blends luxury with effectiveness, leaving your skin clean and soft while indulging your senses with its herbal scent.
Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
What We Like:
- Removes makeup and impurities
- Infused with lavender and evening primrose oils
- Preps skin for overnight recovery
Why It’s Great:
This cleansing oil works overtime by doubling as a skincare step, helping your skin recover as you sleep.
Clarins Total Cleansing Oil
What We Like:
- Dissolves stubborn mascara effortlessly
- Lightweight yet powerful formula
- Leaves skin soft and balanced
Why It’s Great for Mascara:
No more scrubbing your lashes! Clarins’ oil makes removing waterproof mascara a breeze while caring for your skin.
Farmacy Makeup Remover Cleansing Balm
What We Like:
- Transforms from balm to a milky texture
- Gentle and effective for all skin types
- Eco-friendly packaging and clean ingredients
Why It’s a Must-Try:
Farmacy’s balm is a sensory experience. The milky lather feels luxurious and ensures your skin feels fresh and clean without any residue.
My Other Favorites:
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re stocking up on drugstore staples or treating yourself to a luxury cleanser, there’s something for everyone on this list. Have you tried any of these? Let me know your favorites or if you have other go-to makeup removers worth adding to the list!
This article contains affiliate links, As an Amazon Associate, We earn from qualifying purchases.
