Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover

Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover ($5.79 for 3.8 fl. oz.) is a dual-phase remover, which means there are two layers of product and once the bottle is shaken, it can be used.  You can put a little bit on a cotton pad or cotton cloth, then press against the eye area, and gently swipe away the makeup.  Whenever I use a product like this, I like to press against the lid, wait a couple of seconds (not long at all, just not instantly attempting to remove), and then proceed to remove.  This remover nearly removes all traces of eye makeup for me, but it does struggle a bit against waterproof mascara.

I found that it can and will remove waterproof and long-wearing products, but if you’re wearing a full eye of makeup, you’re going to need to go back a second time and focus on removing the waterproof mascara.  It seems to take a little longer for the remover to breakdown waterproof mascara, and I’ve been able to eliminate the second step if I press the cotton pad against the lashes for about 5-10 seconds and then move to the eyelid.  I also like dipping a cotton swab in this formula and rolling it along the lash line to get every last trace of eyeliner off (it’s more effective than rubbing a cotton pad against the lash line, which often causes excess remover to get into the eye).  This can also work to remove lipstick and lipgloss (if I have bolder lip color or thick lipgloss on, I always remove lip products separate!).

Despite the claim “no oily residue,” there is a definite oily film left behind.  It’s not a full-on oiliness, akin to that of using jojoba or olive oil as a remover, but there’s something there.  On the flip side, it is better than a tight post-cleanse feeling that can often leave skin feeling stretched and dry.  I’m not bothered enough by it that I feel a second cleanse is necessary, but I suspect that some will.  I would recommend this product as an eye or lip makeup remover followed by a facial cleanser.

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($7.99 for 25 or $0.32 each) are pre-soaked cloths that are designed to remove makeup, including waterproof mascara. Neutrogena says there’s no need to rinse after using one of these to remove your makeup. This kind of product is great for on-the-go removal (say at the gym), overnight bags/weekend trips (where you may not want to use liquid makeup remover or have it clogging up space in your quart-sized carry-on liquids’ bag!), or if you’re someone who isn’t so good at removing makeup before going to bed.

Generally, I use a liquid makeup remover to take off my makeup at night, because I usually enjoy my night time skin care routine, so it’s not a chore for me. However, I always pack wipes with me when I travel on short trips, whether by plane or car. I also use makeup wipes for spot makeup removal and if I’m wearing a really strong lip color, then I’ll use one to remove the majority of makeup and finish with a regular cleanser.

There are a lot of times where I will do several swatches in a row–say blush–and a wipe is easy and fuss-free to just remove the area I applied blush in. This keeps the rest of my face looking the same, and then I can just reapply foundation and then the blush on top. Neutrogena’s Towelettes do an excellent job at removing makeup and leaving the surface mostly matte and ready for the next swatch. The towelette is soft to the touch, and it’s thick enough to hold plenty of moisture (the cleanser) and stretches easily without tearing. I love that my skin doesn’t feel dry or tight after using it.

What’s shown in photos is technically a refill package, and you are expected to purchase your first batch of wipes in a plastic container ($8.99 for 25 plus the case). If you don’t use wipes often, you’ll want the case or to store these in a zip-top plastic bag to ensure they stay moist. I usually don’t have issues with the refill packaging staying sealed (it is adhesive), but over time, the adhesive can weaken. One thing I like to do is to store them upside down, because this helps to ensure the wipe that’s next in line to be used is very moist. If you do have a wipe that’s dried out or not as moist as it should be, you can add a little bit of your favorite cleanser or even just water to rejuvenate it a bit!  These are also heavily scented with a fresh, clean floral-like scent.

I really like these, and if you aren’t someone who uses wipes often, they’re a good, easy-to-find, budget-friendly option. I don’t buy these regularly, just because I like MAC’s Wipes better for my purposes (removing swatches usually), and I go through them frequently, so I buy the Bulk Wipes ($28.00 for 100 or $0.28 each). I prefer MAC Wipes for removing swatches, because they are more moisturizing, and when you’re removing makeup from the same patch of skin 10-20 times over a couple of hours, regular wipes often leave the area dry, scaly, and irritated. But what’s funny is that MAC Wipes do leave behind a slightly slick feeling after use–not really oily or slick per se, but what keeps my arm hydrated during a major swatch session is a noticeable feeling on the face, which you may or may not appreciate. I also can’t use MAC Wipes on the eyes (and they’re not recommended for use on the eye area last I checked!) without the skin feeling like it’s on fire.

See more photos!

Amy Oresman, celebrity makeup artist used Neutrogena Cosmetics to create Hayden Panettiere’s Emmy look.

Hayden’s Emmy look is flat-out glamorous. Creating a look starts with selecting a focal point: I chose Hayden’s captivating eyes. I love to accessorize with sheer washes of color and understated shadowing.

Face

Hayden’s skin is gorgeous and she knows how to take care of it. I enhance that by using Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Glow Sheers. It glides on creamy and smooth and gives a dewy, sheer coverage. It is packed with Vitamins A, C and E and SPF 30 so it continues to revitalize your skin even after you take your makeup off.

Everyone wants skin with a healthy glow. Bronzer is Hayden’s favorite product I use Neutrogena’s Mineral Sheer Powder to give Hayden a sun-kissed look that always seems natural. I lightly dust it around the perimeter of her face where the hairline meets the skin, continuing with her cheekbones and gently down the bridge of her nose, giving her an even, golden tone. But I don’t stop there: I dust her neck and shoulders to complete the effect. To finish the look, a light sweep over the apples of her cheeks with the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Blends in Fresh, gives her face the perfect glow.

Get the how-tos for Hayden’s eyes and lips…

Eyes

I start by using Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo in Iced Coffee to wash over her lids, giving a nude finish. Then I take the darker shade and sweep it in a windshield-wiping motion in the crease of her eye to create the contour. Next I use the darker shade of the Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo in Creme Caramel to smudge around the perimeter of her eye where the lash line meets the skin. Using eye shadow as eyeliner gives a better blend-ability and a softer smoke.

I adore Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara in black, which adds a thick, glossy lash that is the perfect complement to any look. It goes on flawlessly whether you use one coat — for a natural finish, or three — for a super-glam look. For Hayden’s Emmy makeup, I layer it on generously in the corners of her eyelashes to give a little more edge.

Lips

To keep Hayden’s lips dewy and moist, I always start with Neutrogena Lip Moisturizer. I love the fresh clean scent and so does Hayden. To keep Hayden’s look sophisticated, I opted to use a low-shine lip stick, such as Neutrogena Soothing LipSheers SPF 20 in Sparkling Nude. The sheers give a hint of color with touch a touch of shine.