This month, Vicki Page-Clark of our forums, 26, Reading, is testing the best of eye make-up removers to see which one best banished all traces of even the most stubborn mascara and kohl! 'Like many women, my desert island essential (after moisturiser of course!) would be mascara,' says Vicki, 'I love the stuff! However, I don't love the black eyes in the morning from make-up remnants, or sore eyes from too much scrubbing - therefore, I jumped at the chance to find out which of these products would leave my eyes well-scrubbed but without the soreness.'

MAC Gently Off Eye and Lip Makeup Remover
£12
'Well first of all, it's got to be said – gorgeous packaging! The lock-on cap means you're less likely to spill it all, and you can definitely have it out on the bathroom shelf. It's gentle enough for both eyes and lips, but will take off the heaviest of make-up (even long-lasting lipstick and waterproof make-up). It is expensive however, and the fact it's liquid and not soaked pads means you can use (and waste!) a lot. Overall, a good and stylish…..if rather expensive option.'
www.maccosmetics.com


Johnson & Johnson PH 5.5 Gentle Eye Makeup Removal Pads
£3.99
'Plain and simple, but does the job. Love the idea of pads - so much less waste. The smell is a little chemical though. I found I needed two pads for heavy make-up. They were also quite harsh – I have quite oily skin, but I think people with dryer skin might find them a little stinging? Overall a good basic product, and the pads are really convenient!'
Available nationwide

Dr Andrew Weil/Origins Mega-Mushroom Eye Makeup Remover Pads
£18
'I admit, I love Origins, so I had high expectations for this product! Oh boy, it didn't disappoint… From the lovely sleek packaging, to the large comfortable pads, to the nice smell and gentle but effective ingredients - everything about these pads rocked. They took everything off, without stinging or irritating one little bit. They are pricey, but definitely worth every penny! If I had one teeny tiny quibble, it would be that the pot could be a little smaller – the pads rattled around inside them. A smaller pot would make taking them away for travel that bit easier.'
www.origins.co.uk



Lancome Bi-Facil
£16.50
'Now this was lovely to use. A great look first of all – the two sleek blue layers in a nice little bottle – definitely bathroom shelf material! It was also the best for waterproof make-up – some might find it a little greasy to use, but I think this is what you need for the heaviest of mascaras! It was certainly very moisturising, and felt cool and refreshing after use. It would be great for those with sensitive / dry skin. One of the originals – and one of the best!'
Available nationwide



L'Oréal Gentle Eye Make-up Remover
£2.50
'Now this was nice. The packaging first of all – my favourite of the non-pad options – a tight-fitting cap (fun with nails to open!) and a very small hole to dispense the liquid meant it was hard to spill it or waste too much putting onto pads, etc. It removed make-up fairly easily (my most stubborn eyeliner required a second swipe, but no black eyes in the morning!), and seemed very gentle – no stinging or irritation. Overall, the best budget option, and particularly good for those with sensitive eyes.'
Available nationwide