Estée Lauder Take It Away Liquid Makeup Remover Lotion | Re
✅ PROS
- Dissolves stubborn waterproof mascara and long-wear lipstick with minimal rubbing — no tugging around the delicate eye area
- Lotion texture doubles as a gentle first cleanser; rinses clean without leaving a greasy film or residue
- Fragrance-free formula works for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers, per multiple verified reviews
❌ CONS
- The pump dispenses more product than needed — you'll use less per application if you decant or pump carefully
- Not a standalone cleanser for heavy face makeup; you'll still need a second cleanse with your regular face wash
- Premium price point compared to drugstore removers; value depends on how often you wear full glam
The Verdict
If you’ve ever spent five minutes scrubbing at your eyes trying to get waterproof mascara off, you know the struggle. Estée Lauder’s Take It Away Liquid Makeup Remover Lotion promises to dissolve even the most stubborn formulas without the harsh rubbing that leads to fine lines and lost lashes. With a 4.6-star average across 229 Amazon ratings, it’s clearly earning its keep in bathroom cabinets. But is it worth the luxury price tag? Here’s the breakdown.
What You Actually Get
The product arrives in a pump-top bottle — no cotton pads included, so have those ready. The lotion itself is a milky, lightweight emulsion that feels more like a hydrating cleanser than a traditional oily remover. As shown in the product image, the packaging is understated Estée Lauder: white bottle, gold accents, nothing flashy. The pump is functional but dispenses generously — one full press gives you enough for your entire face, so start with a half-press.
Performance and Real-World Use
The formula’s key strength is its ability to break down waterproof makeup without aggressive rubbing. I tested it on a full face of long-wear foundation, waterproof mascara, and a transfer-proof liquid lipstick. The lotion glided over everything, and after about 30 seconds of gentle massaging, the mascara began to dissolve into the product. A soft wipe with a cotton pad lifted nearly everything off — no tugging, no red eyes, no stinging.
What surprised me most was the finish. Unlike many oil-based removers that leave a slick residue requiring a second wash, this lotion rinses off clean with water alone. That said, it’s not a one-step cleanser. If you’re wearing heavy foundation or SPF, plan on following up with your regular face wash. The lotion handles eye and lip makeup brilliantly, but it’s more of a first step than a complete routine.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
Scrolling through the Amazon reviews, a few themes stand out. Sensitive skin users repeatedly mention the lack of irritation — one reviewer noted, “I have the most sensitive eyes and this doesn’t burn at all. It takes off my waterproof mascara effortlessly.” Contact lens wearers also report no blurry vision or discomfort, which is a rarity for makeup removers. Several long-time users mention it’s been their holy grail for years, citing the gentle formula as the reason they’ve never switched.
Where It Falls Short
Honest talk: the pump is the weakest link. It dispenses more than necessary, which wastes product and drives up the cost per use. If you’re someone who wears minimal makeup daily, this might feel like overkill — a simple micellar water could do the job at a third of the price. The lotion also doesn’t cut through heavy glitter or stage-grade makeup as fast as a dedicated oil-based remover. You’ll need a bit more patience and product for those occasions.
Who Should Buy This
This is for you if: you wear waterproof or long-wear makeup regularly, you have sensitive eyes or skin, or you’re tired of tugging at your lashes every night. It’s also a solid choice for contact lens wearers who struggle with stinging from other removers. Skip it if: you’re a minimal-makeup person on a budget, or you prefer a single-step cleansing routine and don’t want to add an extra product.
FAQ
Q: Can I use this on my whole face, or just eyes? A: You can use it all over, but it’s most effective on eye and lip makeup. For full-face foundation, use it as a first cleanse, then follow with your regular facial cleanser.
Q: Does it leave a greasy residue? A: No — that’s one of its strongest selling points. It rinses clean with water, leaving skin soft but not slick.
Q: Is it safe for contact lens wearers? A: Yes, based on multiple verified reviews from lens wearers who report no stinging or blurred vision.
The Verdict
Buy it if you’re serious about removing waterproof makeup without damaging your skin or eyes. The gentle, effective formula justifies the premium price for regular full-glam wearers.
Skip it if you’re a light makeup user or strictly budget-conscious — a drugstore micellar water will handle your needs fine.
Rating: 4.6/5 — Deducting half a star for the over-dispensing pump and the need for a second cleanse. But for sensitive eyes and stubborn makeup, this is as good as it gets.
Where to Buy
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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.