Top seven make-up removers

Written: August 2007

What they were up against: 

• Era Face spray-on waterproof foundation by Classified Cosmetics
• L’Oreal Paris Telescopic Mascara (non-waterproof)
• Rimmel 100% Waterproof Mascara
• Maybelline Superstay Lipcolor
• Avon Ultra Colour Rich Lipstick 

1.QV Face Eye Make-Up Remover, $10.99
This perfume-free, opthalmologist-tested formula is gentle on eyes but utterly ruthless on even waterproof mascara. Thoroughly soaked into a cotton pad it deals with durable lippy in a jiffy too.

2.Shizen Certified Organic Lip & Eye Make-up Remover, $25
This 100 per cent plant-based remover isn’t so hot on hardcore lipstick and mascara, but it does away with non-hurricane-proof colours in a shot. A few drops of the vitamin E-infused sweet almond oil goes a long way and helps to condition your skin as it cleans – massage in leftovers for an extra hit of hydration. Fragrance and irritation-free, this one’s also perfect if you’re prone to flare-ups.

3.Napoleon Perdis Auto Pilot Duet Makeup Remover, $45
With an oil phase to dissolve make-up plus a water phase to wash it away, this clever formula obliterates longwear lippy and melts away waterproof mascara in seconds. And, even though it’s only meant for eyes and lips, I find it slices straight through foundation too. Though be warned:  if you do use this remover all over, you’ll need to clear the oily residue with a cleanser straight after.

4.MAC Gently Off Eye and Lip Make-up Remover, $35
Just give it a shake to activate the oil-in-water formula and this baby liquefies even the most enduring lipstick. It’s equally lethal to long-lasting mascara, so you won’t have to rub your eyes raw, though the grease-factor can cause smudging if you don’t get the grab-and-glide technique right. But even if you do have to chase it with a damp pad, that’s a small price to pay to avoid panda eyes in the morning, right?

5.L’Oreal Paris De-Maq Expert Gel-crème Mousse Expert Make-Up Remover, $14.95
You already know I’m devoted to the De-Maq Wipes, but here’s why I love this handy tube of wonderful too: it’s versatile and in-the-shower easy. Velvety like a cream but light as a gel, it foams on damp skin to bubble off foundation, lippy and mascara in one move. You need to pay extra attention to waterproof formulas, but it will certainly leave your face fresh and silky smooth in the end. A lazy girl’s one-step saviour.

6.Benefit Gee… That Was Quick!, $36
This oil-free formula works like magic on foundation – it blitzes through brilliantly, leaving not a trace of tightness or residue in its wake. And it works wonders on regular eye and lip make-up too. The one snag: without oil, it couldn’t seem to shift super-stay lipstick or waterproof mascara without persistence.

7.GloMinerals GloCleansing Cloths, $19.95 (25 wipes)
They couldn’t budge my longwear lippy or waterproof mascara and I had to use two for my face to come completely clean, but when it did, I felt ultra fresh and clear. Strong enough to use on both sides without tearing, these alcohol-free wipes don’t dry you out or leave you sticky and are perfect for all skin types that crave a zinging clean. Ideal for your gym bag or bedside table.