6 oil-free eye makeup removers that are lash extension safe

It’s a cruel twist of beauty fate: some of the most effective eye makeup removers and cleansers out there are bi-phase (essentially oil + water), or completely oil based. Sure, they melt away the likes of waterproof makeup, glitter and tattoo-like liner, but if you’re a lash extension wearer, an oily eye makeup remover is likely to have the very much undesired side effect of sweeping away your rather expensive extensions alongside your mascara etc. Not cool. As oil can degrade your eyelash extension glue, it’s a good idea to opt for oil-free eyeliners and oil-free mascaras if you are going to wear makeup with your lash extensions, but how you remove said makeup is even more crucial. To avoid giving your extensions an accidental oil bath, put these six eye makeup removers on your shopping list for the foreseeable.

Clinique Rinse-Off Eye Makeup Solvent is fragrance-free, oil-free and pain-free (there’s no sting in the tail here unlike many an eye makeup remover I’ve tried in my time)- basically a blue bottled no-brainer that whisks away makeup with zero tugging or rubbing. Dip a cotton bud into the formula and run over lashes to best preserve extensions.

£17.50 for 125ml, buy online

Eyelash extension expert Daxita’s eye makeup remover of choice is Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Makeup Remover. You can put it in your trollery during your weekly shop safe in the knowledge that it won’t wreak havoc on either delicate eyes or pricey extensions.

£3.80 for 125ml, buy online

Avène Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, may have thermal spring water as a primary ingredient, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a weak choice in terms of makeup dismissal. The cooling gel eases away liner and the like, leaving skin and lids soft, soothed and spotless.

£7.10 for 125 ml, buy online

Spied in many a backstage beauty area during Fashion Month, Nars Makeup Removing Water is just the ticket for models’ tired, puffy, ‘been through the ringer’ eyes. It’s free of soap, alcohol and oil and is one of the speediest in the edit when it comes to loosening powder and paint. It’s also the most costly, so weigh up your priorities there.

£20 for 190ml, buy online

Blink Micellar Eye Cleanser is a refreshing, vaguely floral eye makeup remover that doubles up as a toner and has brilliant, ultra-hygeinic ‘push down’ packaging to both prevent leakage and minimise your changes of infection (from personal experience, eye infection + eyelash extensions = total disaster zone). It does contain a small amount of peppermint leaf water, so patch test before you put it anywhere near your eyes if you’ve got sensitive skin or have had menthol induced irritation issues in the past.

£14 for 150ml, buy online

Developed by lash extension specialists, you can’t go wrong with Nouveau Lashes Eye Makeup Remover. A light gel enriched with anti-inflammatory chamomile, it shifts makeup without putting the adhesive bond of your lash extensions’ in harm’s way, although it did take a little longer to clear the decks that its liquid textured counterparts. Give it time, however, and it leave eyes and lashes silyk and conditioned.

£14.99 for 115ml, buy online

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