Review of MAC Gently Off Eye and Lip Make up Remover and Its Budget Dupe

24/02/2014 21:18

If putting up make up appropriately,if not perfectly is important then taking off the same make up before I go to bed is “Karma”. I hate getting up the next morning with those ill, dark, droopy looking eyes. But at the same time I also agree that it can be a herculean task to take the makeup off when you are back from after a long day of work and just want to have your dinner and hit the bed. In fact those are the times when the BED looks more tempting than the MIRROR!

So a good, struggle free make up remover is an essential part of my daily routine. Below are the criterion that I look for in my make-up remover:-

Should be able to remove all sorts of makeup- waterproof matte lipsticks, gel eye liners, mascara, dark kohl……
Should wipe off the make up in not more than two swipes.
While cleaning should not spread the kohl or liner by creating raccoon eyes
Should not sting eyes
Should not contain any strong fragrance
Should be gentle on skin

Ironically I did figure out one such Make up remover after trying a series of other brands but by shelling out a bomb!! I mean 1000 bucks for one make up remover!! That too, now, I have been told that MAC have increased their prices.

MAC Says: “Oil and water do mix, for twice the impact – just shake. A dual-phase, easy-does-it formula that sweeps off even tenacious waterproof mascara and lip colour. Absolutely gentle; suitable for all. Cucumber extract soothes, Damascus Rose flower water refreshes. No need to rinse”.

Price: INR 1000 for 100 ml (Not sure about the latest pricing)

My Verdict:

MAC Gently Off Eye and Lip Make up remover comes in a transparent, sturdy, unbreakable plastic bottle with a black screw lid. I really like the packaging as it not only allows to see the amount of liquid left but also reminds you to shake every time before the usage. One can clearly see separate layers of oil and water which needs to be mixed well before the usage. The cap is equally impressive which comes with a child lock and is made of rubber and is completely leakage proof.

The fluid is very light pink in color and is a combination of water and oil based removers. The water ensures that the kohl, gel liner or matte lipsticks don’t get carried to other parts of the face while removing them.

One swipe and it takes off most of the make-up. A second one cleans it off entirely. I need a few additional swipes to remove strong Kohl from the waterline and a tough lipstick like Ruby Woo.

It doesn’t sting my eyes at all and feels very gentle. Though not meant for face, at times I do use it when I have to remove foundation.

The fragrance is very mild and only if I try sniffing closely I can smell a hint of rose.

Though MAC suggests that this one doesn’t need any rinsing, I still prefer to wash my face after the usage to start with my routine CTM.

Overall it fulfills all the above criterion that I look in for an exceptionally good make up remover.

Demo using MAC Gentle Off

But because MAC make up remover comes with a hefty price tag, I was in hunt for an equally good make up remover but within the budget. And I GOT IT!!

Dupe- Miss Claire Prestige Lip & Eye Make-up Remover

Few weeks back I was at a local departmental store that keep a lot of Korean products. I came across Miss Claire Prestige Lip & Eye Makeup Remover. On opening the packaging I saw exactly the same concept of oil and water based makeup remover clubbed together. The only difference was the color with this one being mild blue.

Miss Claire Says:

” Well balanced soft oil and water heavy makeup perfectly ad gently. Hydrates and soothes skin. It helps to thoroughly remove lip and eye make-up from your face. Even water proof make up is removable.”

Price: INR 295 for 100 ml

My Verdict:

Miss Claire Prestige comes in similar packaging like MAC’s, with a lesser polished touch. No child lock, but no leakage either.

In terms of make-up removal properties it does all the things that MAC Gentle Off does, though the former stings the eyes a bit at times. The quantity required is less but not lesser than MAC gentle Off. But the last point can be ignored considering that it’s being retailed by the store only at a price of INR 295!!!

The availability will be a challenge while I go for a repeat purchase, but for now I am glad I have saved 725 bucks!!