I thought I would choose to review the simplest product in my most recent skincare haul first just to ease us in before we get to the more 'sciency' products. The first product review is an absolute staple in my skincare routine as well - literally, I panic when I run out and have repurchased more times than I can remember therefore I feel it my duty to spread the word...Garnier! Or more appropriately, words... Soothing 2 in 1 make-up remover.
The Garnier Soothing 2 in 1 make-up remover from the Simply Essentials range is by far the best eye make-up remover I have ever used (apart from Bioderma which arrived yesterday but that's for another day)! It is fragrance and alcohol free so very gentle and kind to your eyes while leaving your skin clean and fresh. Its oil/cleansing water formula removes heavy duty make-up like bobbi brown long wear gel eyeliner and waterproof mascara with little effort, and the best part - Its only £2.99 for a 200ml bottle!
I use it by shaking the bottle vigorously which allows the make up removing oil and cleansing water to temporarily mix together. I then pour some onto cotton pads and hold on my eyes for 10-20 seconds. This allows enough time for even tough make up to dissolve and then I just sweep cotton pad and make-up remnants away leaving my skin clean and fresh looking - and more importantly feeling.
Unfortunately I ran out of my Garnier '2 in 1' a few weeks ago, stupidly caught away from home without any and was forced to visit a Boots in a train station in search of my hero product, of course to find that it wasn't stocked in that branch - criminal. This forced my hand into trying something new in the hope it would work just as well.... It didn't.
The No7 Beautiful skin Cleanse and Clear Eye Make-Up Remover looks very similar in that it is a dual liquid product containing an oil type substance and a cleansing water. The problem isn't in the make-up removal itself it does this pretty well although not as well as the Garnier product, however this I could have dealt with. What I couldn't deal with was the horrible, greasy, oily feeling on your skin it leaves behind. My skin didn't feel fresh and clean at all, which surely defeats the purpose of make-up remover. This product is also £7.75 for 100ml so the value for money category can't even be beaten by the No 7 contender.
I have in the past tried the similarly formulated Lancome Bi-facial Eye Make-up remover and I remember being impressed although have not bought any recently or indeed since that first purchase and therefore feel it would be unfair to compare with Garnier and No7. At £20 for 125ml it is certainly for those feeling more flash with the cash and like the more luxury branded products. However I feel it unnecessary to spend that much on eye-make up remover, especially when I am going to clean my face afterwards and then apply several lotions and potions. I just want an eye make-up remover that does its job and doesn't cost a fortune.
There are lots of these oil/water duo eye make-up remover products on the market and I have only tried a small minority of them but am totally sold on the Garnier one and don't feel the need to look any further. If you do however, here are some others widely available.
Have any of you tried any other dual liquid eye make up removers you can recommend?
