'Good Housekeeping' Rates Makeup Removers

July 29 -- The nightly ritual of removing eye makeup can be difficult when makeup is stubborn, and removal can also be rough on the delicate skin around the eyes.

To help find the best way to get makeup off, Good Housekeeping Institute evaluated the latest makeup removers, looking for the most efficient and gentlest way to remove eye makeup.

The institute tested six eye makeup removers to determine which worked best at removing eye makeup, while still being gentle on the sensitive skin around the eye.

Both new and tried-and-true brands were put to the test, and testers clocked how long it took the made-up volunteers to get their makeup off. Using cotton pads, each volunteer tested two removers (one on each eye). Chromameter readings measured the amount of makeup removed.

Afterwards, participants filled out a questionnaire rating the scent, skin feel, gentleness, and effectiveness of each remover they tested.

And the Winners Are …

Kiehl's recently introduced Supremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover performed the best in both the anecdotal comments, as well as the data gathered from the experiment. ($15.50 from Kiehl's Specialty Stores, kiehls.com). If money is no object, it is the product that Good Housekeeping recommends, as it beat the competition in nearly every category. It removed the most makeup on the first try, and was said to have a "refreshing feeling."

Nivea's Eye Makeup Remover for Waterproof and Long Lasting Makeup ($5.25, available at mass marketers) came in a close second. It removed almost all makeup on the first try and left a "cool and refreshing" feeling, testers said. Nivea was also rated as the "best smelling" by participants.

Mary Kay Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover ($14, marykay.com) came in third place. Testers said the liquid remover felt "cool."

In fourth place, Maybelline's Eye Makeup Remover ($4.65, available at mass merchandisers) left testers with a "nice, clean feeling" and it is reasonably priced.