Dear Universe/Siri,
How many of these have I purchased over the last 10 years?
20 bottles? 25 bottles…? Clinique Take The Day Off Makeup Remover For Lids, Lashes & Lips ($19) is by far the best eye makeup remover I’ve ever used, and I’ve repurchased it MANY times.
Everything melts under its liquid gaze, and I mean everything, from industrial-strength waterproof mascaras, to long-wearing liquid and gel liners, and even waterproof cream shadows. Anything you can throw on your lids, no matter what makeup apocalypse it’s made to withstand, this takes it out.
When I soak a square of Shiseido Facial Cotton with a small amount of Take the Day Off, that square dissolves every shred of makeup with a couple gentle swipes. It works shockingly well, but that’s not even my favorite thing about it.
Well, I mean…it is, but it wouldn’t matter if this stuff hurt my eyes. Thankfully it doesn’t. Many other eye makeup removers make me tear up, but this doesn’t bother my peepers one bit.
What’s an unsung makeup hero? For me, it’s an oftentimes underrated makeup morsel, a permanent collection product that scoots under the radar screen of many makeup lovers but regularly rocks my world. The long-running Unsung Heroes series features some of my favorites.
It’s a multitasking powerhouse, too, because you can also use it on your lips to erase any traces of long-wearing lipsticks. Plus — bonus! — it doesn’t taste funny or weird.
(I don’t know why, but this is a THING for me. I don’t like it when makeup removers that you can also use on your lips taste funny. Go figure.)
I also like that I can pretty much find it everywhere. I usually get mine at Sephora, but you can also find it at any ol’ Clinique counter.
This bottle I just picked up should last me about six months, based on past experience, and I’m an “eye makeup every day” person.
And I’m not the only person crazy about this. I went to Sephora a few weeks ago (it was the same trip when I bought Drybar Double Standard Conditioning Foam, which I’m still using and loving) to get a fresh bottle, and while I was there I chatted with a few of the artists I see all the time, and every single girl who saw me holding it in my hand said more or less the same thing in 20 different ways. “Oh, that’s the ONLY eye makeup remover I use,” and “That Clinique purple bottle is THE BEST,” and “Hey, I love that too!”
It’s tried and true.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Kim says
January 3rd, 2018 at 9:36 amIt’s been years since I’ve used it but my Bi-Facil heart breaks a little to hear you rave so. 😉 I’ll have to check it out again when I run out of my current. Though, I just wear regular mascara so it’s not very difficult to remove.
Karen says
January 3rd, 2018 at 12:13 pmHi Kim,
Even if ya don’t need the waterproof powers of this eye makeup remover I think you’ll still love it. It takes off regular mascara in a snap.
Happy Wednesday!
Kim says
January 4th, 2018 at 7:45 amSounds perfect, and a very happy Thursday to you! I hope you weren’t too shaken up by the earthquake this AM. I was glad to hear there was apparently no damage. Stay safe!!
Karen says
January 4th, 2018 at 10:03 amHappy Thursday to you! I’m a little woozy this morning because it took me a while to fall back asleep after the earthquake. The epicenter was across the way in the East Bay (the Hayward fault runs through the town where I grew up), but we felt it pretty strongly here in Novato. The bed was shaking and at first I thought the washing machine was on the high spin cycle, LOL! Then I realized it was 3 in the morning and there’s no way the washing machine could shake the bed like that. Nothing fell and apart from being a little rattled we’re all good. I usually sleep through them (Connor did, not even a peep!) and probably would’ve if the bed wasn’t moving.
How’s your day going? Are you guys having a snow day?
Kim says
January 5th, 2018 at 8:55 amI’m so glad to hear it, but it’s a bit scary, I’d think. We’ve only had a couple here, ever, and it’s very disconcerting. Thank goodness Connor wasn’t woken up or upset. Kids are funny that way – sometimes breathing wakes them up and sometimes an earthquake doesn’t! 🙂
Actually, it’s a snow day today because, brace yourself, the wind is crazy and the temp with wind chill was supposed to be about -40. Thankfully, I don’t believe that happened (more like -18, according to Accuweather). The boys have a couple of hockey games today and tomorrow so we’re headed out in a few minutes. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive south, though the mountains, so we’ll be taking our time! Have a great weekend. 🙂
Rhia says
January 3rd, 2018 at 10:21 amThis is my HG for makeup remover! I only purchase it in the travel size since I don’t use makeup very much.
Karen says
January 3rd, 2018 at 12:11 pmHi Rhia,
It’s the best, right? I’m the opposite of you… I wish I could get it in a bigger bottle. LOL!
Happy Wednesday. How’s the weather out your way? It feels like it’s finally going to rain here in my town.
Rhia says
January 3rd, 2018 at 8:14 pmWe actually got some rain here in the Peninsula this morning, but it was clear by the afternoon. Looks like it’ll be that way for the next few days.
Karen says
January 4th, 2018 at 10:19 amOur rain arrived this morning! Did you feel the earthquake last night? Our whole place was shaking, including the bed.
Barb says
January 3rd, 2018 at 10:44 amI love the Clinique Take the Day Off Balm. I use the Sephora Triple Cleaning Micellar Water on my eyes and then go in with the balm for the rest of my face.
Karen says
January 3rd, 2018 at 12:09 pmHi Barb,
I like that one too. It’s been a while since I used it though! I have a vague recollection of it clouding up my eyes once but being very effective.
I haven’t tried that Sephora Micellar Water, but I’m curious. Does it remove waterproof eye makeup?
Barb says
January 4th, 2018 at 7:31 amHi Karen. Yes, it’s awesome. That’s the reason I use the micellar water to remove my eye makeup because the Clinique clouds up my vision too. The micellar water doesn’t irritate or burn.
Karen says
January 4th, 2018 at 10:08 amBoth good things! I can’t stand it when eye makeup removers hurt (they shouldn’t have to, ya know?). I have to swing by Sephora (haha… “have to”) because I’m running low on the Kate Sommerville acne treatment I use, so I’ll make a note to grab a bottle of that micellar water. I’m currently using one by Garnier and it’s OK but not mind blowing or anything. Thanks for the recommendation, and happy Thursday! What’s going on with you today? It’s raining here in Nor Cal so Connor and I are keeping close to home for now.
Ruchita says
January 3rd, 2018 at 11:00 amThanks for the recommendation! I’ve always had problems with makeup residue under my eyes even after using makeup remover and washing my face. Looks like this stuff works wonders!
Karen says
January 3rd, 2018 at 12:08 pmHi Ruchita,
You’re welcome. It’s such a good makeup remover. It also does a great job removing stuff on the waterline (in case you tight line and were curious).
Happy Wednesday! Connor and I just got back from Baby Story Time at the library. Afterwards we looked at books and she picked out one called “Pete the Cat.” I see many, many great kitty stories in her future. 🙂 What are you up to today?
Ruchita says
January 3rd, 2018 at 12:32 pmHow fun! I used to love going to the library as a kid. “Pete the Cat” sounds so cute! It’s my second day back at work after the holidays so I’m trying to get back into a routine and trying to stay warm! We’ve had sub-zero temps here for the past several days. I think the kitties are in hibernation mode. They seem to be sleeping even more than normal! I feel bad I haven’t been able to let Mingy out, but it’s just too cold even for that big tiger. 🙂
Karen says
January 3rd, 2018 at 1:01 pmIt’s a cute book about a cat who has a pair of shoes. Cats + accessories = genius! I think it might even be a series, too, and if it is we’ll be checking out more of Pete’s adventures.
I used to love going to the library when I was a kid, too. My dad and I would go after dinner once or twice a month and I was allowed to check out as many books as I wanted. Our town has two libraries, and the nearest one is down the street and a five minute car ride away. If you haven’t been to the library in a while you should go… When it’s not freezing, OMG! How do you survive driving into work? I would have to wrap myself up in a sleeping bag in the driver’s seat.
Ruchita says
January 3rd, 2018 at 1:24 pmI have remote start for my car! It’s life changing. I start my car while it’s in the garage and from my desk at work. It’s one of the main things that makes the cold bearable. A warm puffer coat with a hood helps with any time spent outside. It’s going to warm up to the 30s next week. 🙂
Unfortunately they closed the local branch of our library for renovation so I’ve mainly been reading e-books. I’m looking forward to going back and browsing through the stacks.
Karen says
January 3rd, 2018 at 1:28 pmThat is so crazy to me! Thank goodness for the conveniences of modern life, right? Does your car have fancy heaters in the seats? Cold butt = no fun!
I went through an ebook phase but you know what? I miss the physical sensation of turning the page. I guess I’m low-tech that way.
Ruchita says
January 3rd, 2018 at 3:41 pmYes, it has seat heaters too! I have no idea how I survived in the old days. 🙂
Karen says
January 4th, 2018 at 10:28 amLOL, seriously, we lived like animals! Ahh, life without butt heaters…
Lorraine says
January 3rd, 2018 at 5:48 pmThis stuff is great, I always keep a bottle handy. Clinique skincare has a lot of overlooked products that are great performers.
Karen says
January 4th, 2018 at 10:25 amAgreed, Lorraine! What are your tried and true Clinique products? I used to love their salicylic acid Mild Clarifying Lotion and am bummed that they replaced it with something different.
Lorraine says
January 4th, 2018 at 11:14 pmClinique skincare favorites are Liquid facial soap in Extra mild(more of a cream than a liquid, and perfect for makeup removal), Super RescueAntioxidant night moisturizer in Combination Oily, Mineral Sunscreen fluid, Dramatically Different Gel, Even Better Hand cream. I didn’t even realize they got rid of that Clarifying Lotion! it was a favorite of mine, too.
Chelsea says
January 3rd, 2018 at 7:04 pmI purchased this for the first time in a while because I bought Benefit They’re Real mascara, which is ridiculous to remove – I even struggled using Lancôme Bi-Facil! The Clinique took it off no problem and I love that it’s fragrance free.
Karen says
January 4th, 2018 at 10:21 amHi Chelsea,
Yes! It’s so good at cutting through the long-lasting mascaras. It’s been ages since I’ve used Bi-Facil!
Linda Libra Loca says
January 4th, 2018 at 12:29 amI only ever used the corresponding balm, but that is one that I love. Most of the times I dont bother with a separate eye ´makeup remover, I don´t wear waterproof mascara. But I can´t stand the weird taste of many products on my lips either. I mean, we all lick our lips, so that shouldn´t happen, right?
Linda Libra Loca recently posted … New Years Resolutions 2018
Karen says
January 4th, 2018 at 10:18 amI’ve used that balm in the past and like it too! Only thing is the cloudiness when it gets up in my eyes. It used to not bother me but now that I tightline every day I just can’t do it anymore.
Kristen says
January 4th, 2018 at 6:30 amI’ll have to try this out! I’ve been using the Neutrogena eye makeup remover for years, but I’ve noticed lately it hasn’t been removing all of my mascara. Plus, it’s really not that effective at removing lipstick. Thanks for the recommendation!
Karen says
January 4th, 2018 at 10:14 amHi Kristen,
I used to use that one back in the day and noticed the same thing. Bits of my eye makeup would always end up on underneath my lower lash line! This one’s pricier but I think you can get away with using less. 🙂
Nivedita says
January 4th, 2018 at 8:03 pmGuess what? Even I have been using it recently and I am just not able to get enough of this. The first time I used it, I was in a state of shock about what happened and kept wondering what it did to my stubborn eye makeup! I am slightly hesitating because of the price point, but oh well!
Nivedita recently posted … Clinique Take the Day Off for Lids, Lashes and Lips
Sissi says
January 5th, 2018 at 5:52 amI usually don’t have sensitive skin, but on my eyes I get irritated so easy! And everything seems to make it worse: every eye makeup remover, wipe or cleanser hurts! So I’m scared to even try the Clinique! Lol! I find the most gentle way to remove my eye makeup is to gently smear with an un-fragranced oil the eyemakeup until I look like a panda and then wash it off with a mild cleanser. ?
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