Don't splash cash on eye make-up remover

CHEAP eye make-up removers fare just as well in tests as luxury products, according to a German producttesting body.

Some of the supermarket- and drugstore-brand removal products even slightly outperform their more expensive competitors on ease of use and cosmetic features.

Yet deceptive packaging cost them the top spot.

Overall, 14 out of the 15 were rated as "good", and one "very good". However, none of the products passed the experts' "microbiological quality" test.

The products tested were all liquid removers, to be used with either a separately purchased cotton pad or ones that came included.

The latter type of pads, when own brand from supermarkets or drugstores, cost only slightly less per piece – 1 cent – than a low-cost liquid remover and a separately purchased cotton pad.

There was, however, a substantial price difference between the removers: 100mm of the most expensive liquid cleanser cost 95% more than the cheapest ones in Germany.

Testers used the products as recommended by professionals and manufacturers: Gently press a moistened pad against the closed eye for a few seconds before wiping makeup down or to the side without rubbing. The pad should be wet all the way through but not dripping. – dpa