Almay vs. Lancôme: A Makeup Remover Smackdown
If I got caught without a bottle of makeup remover in the house, I’d undoubtedly start to hyperventilate and speak gibberish.
Just kidding…but I would become paranoid wondering if keeping my mascara on was going to make all my eyelashes fall off. 
Above: Allure Magazine’s description of the Almay Makeup Remover Pads (Issue October 2009, “Best of Beauty Awards”)
When you’re as meticulous as I am about removing every last bit of makeup, you’ll only want the tried and true… and, the best. Both Lancôme and Almay have won countless numbers of awards for their amazing makeup removers.
But, which one is really the crème of the crop?
Let’s start this off with the fancy Lancôme Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover ($26 US). Lancôme’s version is a dual formula and consists of a part oil and part liquid solution.
The oil helps remove waterproof makeup easier. For application, I just shake the bottle to activate/mix the oil and liquid and pour a little bit onto a cotton round so that I can smooth over my eyes.
All of my best waterproof eyeliners are gone, and I don’t have to tug at all with this makeup remover. However, there is a greasy residue that may be bothersome for sensitive eyes. I wear contacts and haven’t experienced any problems with Lancôme Bi-Facil yet.
Almay Eye Makeup Remover Pads Oil Free ($4.99 US) offer the convenience of not having to bother with buying separate cotton rounds. I like how there are 80 pads in a container, but they are thinner and not as saturated as I thought they’d be.
The formula I purchased was oil free, but you can purchase the moisturizing version if it suits your fancy. Almay emphasizes the ingredients aloe, cucumber, and green tea. I think that they work to subtly soothe the eye area, which is a nice touch.
This remover took off my mascara and eye shadow quickly and easily. I had to rub a little bit more to take off the eyeliner in my waterline and lower lash line, but everything came off eventually. No problems with my contacts and the Almay Makeup Remover Pads.
The main difference between Lancôme’s remover’s formula and Almay’s remover’s formula is that Almay’s oil free version requires a little more elbow grease for really stubborn waterproof eyeliner like Urban Decay’s.
Packaging wise, Lancôme wins in a blue tinted bottle and rose design, but Almay has more convenience with a sturdy container that houses individual makeup pads.
The final verdict? I would probably repurchase Almay’s Makeup Remover Pads since the price is easier to swallow. Plus, Almay really wins it for me though with the words “oil free”.
What makeup remover do you love? Are you an Almay fan or Lancôme fan?
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On November 13th, 2009 ed hardy said:
Agree. It’s a good article that I can apply this for my routine. I loved it, so usefully. Thanks
On November 15th, 2009 Crystal said:
Hi ed hardy!
Your welcome for the story. I thought it might have been helpful for those wanting to save or didn’t like fishing out $26 for a remover!