Beauty expert Bahar Niramwalla says you should avoid removers with sodium lauryl sulfate listed an ingredient if you have eye sensitivities.Marko Marcello/Getty Images/iStockphoto
The question
Eye-makeup remover always stings my (very sensitive) eyes. Can you recommend one that is gentle and works?
The answer
There are plenty of options that are both gentle and effective.
The first is a DIY approach, so open up your pantry and bring on the natural oils. Coconut or olive oil will do wonders when it comes to breaking down all kinds of makeup; to remove any excess oil left on your skin, use a touch of your usual cleanser to finish up.
If you're looking for an off-the-shelf option, Kiehl's Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover is great, thanks to its apricot-kernel-oil and beta-carotene-packed formula. This lotion will dissolve your eyeliner, mascara and more without the sting of your current remover.
There are other great removers on the market, but you need to do some homework to distinguish them from the not-so-great ones.
Here's a handy tip: Pick up the bottle and look at the ingredients list. You might spot sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS. This is a common ingredient in cleansing formulas, but it is known to irritate eyes and skin, especially the delicate parts. If you see it listed in the ingredients, put down the bottle and walk away.
Bahar Niramwalla is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty expert who has appeared on CTV, Global TV and City. Follow her on Twitter: @baharniramwalla. Have a beauty question? E-mail style@globeandmail.com.