I admit that in the past I haven’t had great luck with the Almay eye makeup remover pads that I always hear raves about. I wonder if it has something to do with the way that I apply my eye makeup (I like a lot of liner really smudged into my lash line), it just seems to take about 5 pads to completely clean one eye. But, I saw this new version in a magazine recently (I think it was Redbook, believe it or not. The new Redbook is all kinds of awesome…) and was interested in them. And then the next day CVS sent them to me in a summer mailing.
So, while these are eye makeup removers like other Almay pads, they also do something a little bit different. They leave behind just a little bit of product that is meant to help sooth, de-puff and generally help your eye area. They do a decent job of removing eye makeup. Maybe I’ve been applying differently lately or they’ve improved the formula, but this version only takes 1 pad per eye for removing everything, even when using waterproof mascara. It does leave behind a light liquid that quickly sinks into my skin an doesn’t leave behind a residue, and they smell a bit like Windex to me.
What’s in that liquid? Well, things that will help your skin look better.
• Butylene glycol: Works as a “slip” agent, also a humectant (aka- moisturizer). It is derived from petroleum, but has been found to be safe in many studies and by many agencies (like the FDA).
• Caffeine: Great for temporary tightening, I think it would make these pads a great option if you’re removing some makeup as you’re transitioning from day to night makeup
• Saccharomyces Cerevisiae Extract: A yeast that has been found to help with soothing skin, improving hydration and a lot of other great things.
• Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract: Recognize some of those names? Definitely soothing! Note that there are some people that are allergic to aloe (it’s more common than you think, though most often is an issue with sap directly from the plant), so if that’s you it might be a good idea to do a patch test.
I still prefer the feeling of really removing everything and rinsing well with water, but I think these pads will be a great option for using for day to night makeup changes, and I’ll be leaving them in my nightstand. For the super lazy nights that I don’t want to remove everything (I fully admit I do this about once every 2 weeks), grabbing a wipe to get things off while sitting in bed is a good idea.
Almay Soothing & De-Puffing Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads at CVS
Product Sent for Review
I’m a doctor, a mommy and a bit of a beauty addict. If you let me, I can take 2 hours to get ready in the morning. Really. I'm on a quest for faster beauty that works!
Hmmm these sound nice! I've tried another of the almay makeup removing pads and I wasn't crazy about them because they were SO super oily. But maybe that's my fault because I didn't buy the "oil free" ones.
I'll have to give these a try.
Kallie, But First Coffee Blog OR But First Coffee on Bloglovin
Coconut oil works as a great makeup remover too! Works on eye makeup, eyeliner, and mascaras also.
These look interesting. My all time favorite eye makeup remover is by Lancome, but I go through a full size one every month (I use way too much I think) so I should look for a cheaper alternative.
I used to like the Mary Kay eye makeup remover but I think that stuff contains oil, because I got a little tiny black bump on my eyelid after using it. At first I freaked out and thought it was skin cancer, then I realized it was a teeny tiny blackhead. The formula of the MK seemed really oily, and I'm sure that's why it did such a good job getting everything off my lids. I'm not going to keep using something that gives me an eyelid breakout though! That little sucker was painful to get rid of.
Do you have a favorite eye makeup remover?
I always end up with watery eyes when I use an eye makeup remover but by the sounds of it, this wouldn't happen with these pads.
I'm going to have to give these a try. The only drugstore makeup remover that doesn't make my eyelids burn or my eyes sting is the Milani one and that one has to be ordered online. The ingredients list doesn't show any of the irritants I have to watch out for so will be picking it up.
These do look good. But I don't know if I am keen on the Windex smell. How strong is the smell?
@Justina- It's hard to say! I like the Lancome, but I don't spend money on it. I like the Boot's liquid and the Hard Candy creme one, those are the 2 I usually buy.
@Jenn- It's really mild actually. it's not exactly Windex, but that was the closest I would be able to describe it.
great post and nice product………….