Christie Brinkley Swears by This $5 Drugstore Beauty Product

If you’ve ever stared into the bathroom mirror at midnightmascara halfway down your cheekswondering how your “quick skincare routine”
turned into a full-length drama… congratulations. You’re human. And according to supermodel (and longtime beauty realist) Christie Brinkley,
the solution doesn’t have to be fancy, fragile, or priced like it comes with its own security detail.

Brinkley has publicly raved about a humble, drugstore staple that’s often right around the $5 mark:
Andrea Eye Q’s Eye Makeup Remover Pads. Yeppre-soaked pads in a jar. Not glamorous. Not “rare alpine glacier water.”
Just a practical little workhorse that helps get stubborn eye makeup off without turning your eyelids into a tug-of-war tournament.

The $5 product Christie Brinkley loves (and why it’s surprisingly smart)

Brinkley’s pick is the kind of product that lives in the “I’m too tired to negotiate with my eyeliner” category.
She’s mentioned liking the brand’s faster option (often called an “ultra quick” type formula) and loves that there are
different versionsso you can choose based on your makeup, your skin, and your patience level.

Her logic is refreshingly non-snobby: drugstore products can be genuinely effective because they’re made at scale, widely tested for everyday use,
and designed to solve a very common problemlike removing eye makeup without yanking on delicate skin.

Quick reality check on price

The “$5” headline is the vibe, but real-life pricing can bounce around depending on where you shop and whether you’re buying a single jar
or a multi-pack. Think: “around five bucks” at some drugstores, and sometimes more online. The core point still stands:
it’s budget-friendly compared with many prestige removers.

Why removing eye makeup matters more than people think

Eye makeup is engineered to cling. Mascara grips lashes, eyeliner hangs onto the lash line, and waterproof formulas basically file
an emotional support attachment to your eyelids. Leaving that on overnight can be irritatingand it’s not just a skincare issue.
Eye-health experts routinely emphasize removing eye makeup before bed, especially mascara that can stick to lashes.

The “don’t rub like you’re sanding a deck” rule

Most derms and eye-health guidance land on the same principle: be gentle. The skin around your eyes is thinner and more delicate,
and aggressive rubbing can cause irritation (and can be a fast track to puffy, angry-looking lids the next morning).

A better method is the press-and-pause approach: hold the remover pad against your closed eye for several seconds to let the product
dissolve the makeup, then wipe softly. This is especially helpful for waterproof mascara, which often needs timenot forceto break down.

Clean lids are happier lids

If you deal with eyelid irritation, crusting, or recurring redness, keeping the eyelid area clean can matter a lot.
Some medical guidance on eyelid inflammation (like blepharitis) even suggests avoiding eye makeup during flare-ups because it can make it harder
to keep lids clean and may worsen irritation.

What are Andrea Eye Q remover pads, exactly?

In plain English: pre-moistened cotton pads stored in a jar. You pull one out, swipe, and (ideally) watch your eyeliner surrender.
The brand commonly offers a few variations, such as:

• Ultra quick styles aimed at long-wear or waterproof makeup
• Moisturizing versions designed to feel conditioning
• Oil-free options for people who prefer a lighter finish

This variety matters because eye makeup removal is not one-size-fits-all. A tubing mascara and a waterproof lash cement are two very different beasts.
Same goes for skin types: some people love an oilier glide, others want a cleaner, less emollient feel.

What’s inside the “quick” kind of remover pad (and why it works)

While exact ingredients can vary by version, the faster “ultra quick” type pads are often built around
emollients/oils that help dissolve long-wearing pigments and waxes. One commonly listed set of ingredients for an ultra-quick style
includes mineral oil (paraffinum liquidum) plus soothing or conditioning components like aloe and plant oils
(for example, wheat germ oil and soybean oil).

Why oil-based removal is a big deal for waterproof makeup

Waterproof mascaras and long-wear liners tend to contain film-formers, waxes, and water-resistant ingredients. Oil-based removers work well because
“like dissolves like”oils can help loosen the stubborn, waxy components so you don’t have to scrub.

But what if you hate oily residue?

That’s where oil-free or lighter formulas come in. Many people prefer oil-free removers because they feel less slick and can play nicer with certain
skincare routines. The tradeoff is that truly stubborn waterproof makeup may take a bit more timeor a second pad.

How to use Christie’s $5 pick like a pro

Step-by-step (gentle, effective, and zero eyelid drama)

1. Wash your hands. You’re going near your eyes; don’t bring the day’s germs to the party.
2. Close one eye and press the pad on top. Hold it there for 10 seconds. Let chemistry do the heavy lifting.
3. Wipe downward and outward softly. Think “erase,” not “power wash.”
4. Use a corner of the pad for the lash line. Short, gentle strokes. No digging.
5. Repeat if needed. Waterproof mascara sometimes needs two passesstill better than tugging.
6. Finish with a gentle face cleanse. This helps remove leftover residue and keeps the rest of your skin balanced.

Extra tips for sensitive eyes

• Avoid getting product in your eyes. If it happens, rinse with water and give your eyes a break.
• Be mindful with contact lenses. If you can, remove contacts first so you’re not smearing remover onto them.
• Patch test if you’re reactive. Try one pad on a small area near the outer eye before committing.

Who should be cautious with makeup remover pads?

Most people can use makeup remover pads without issue, but “most” isn’t “everyone.” Consider a little extra caution if:

• You have very sensitive or allergy-prone skin. Botanical extracts (even gentle ones) can sometimes irritate reactive skin.
• You’re acne-prone around the temples/upper cheeks. Some richer formulas may feel heavy if they migrate beyond the eye area.
• You’re dealing with eyelid irritation or blepharitis symptoms. Medical advice often emphasizes lid hygiene and may recommend limiting
  or pausing eye makeup during flares.
• You wear lash extensions. Oil-based removers can weaken certain adhesives; look for lash-extension-safe guidance.

Why this drugstore pick makes sense for mature skin (and tired people)

Brinkley’s choice is especially relatable for anyone who wants to be kind to the eye areawhether your goal is fewer fine-line “crinkles,” less redness,
or simply not waking up with raccoon vibes.

Mature skin often does best with routines that avoid unnecessary friction. The American Academy of Dermatology regularly stresses gentle cleansing habits:
lukewarm water, no harsh scrubbing, and being careful around the eyes. A remover that reduces rubbing can fit neatly into that “gentle is powerful” approach.

Christie Brinkley’s bigger message: affordable beauty can be excellent

Brinkley’s drugstore shoutout also comes with a mindset: don’t assume a product is “less than” because it’s affordable.
In interviews, she’s leaned into the idea that simple, accessible habits can carry a lot of beauty mileagewhether that’s removing makeup properly,
using sunscreen consistently, or keeping a positive outlook (she’s even talked about gratitude as a beauty secret).

FAQ: The stuff you actually want to know

Are makeup remover pads as good as a liquid remover?

They can be, especially for convenience. Pads are pre-measured and portable, which encourages consistency.
Liquids (like micellar water or bi-phase removers) can be more customizablegreat if you prefer controlling saturation and friction.

Will a $5 remover really take off waterproof mascara?

Often, yesif you use it the right way. The key is contact time. Press, wait, then wipe gently. If you swipe immediately,
you may end up rubbing harder, which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid.

Do I still need to cleanse my face after using pads?

It’s a smart idea. Pads can leave behind a little residue (especially oil-based versions), and a gentle cleanser helps remove leftover product,
makeup traces, and the day’s grime.

What if my eyes sting?

Stop using it and rinse with water. Stinging can happen if product gets into the eye or if your skin is reacting.
If irritation persists or you have recurring eyelid issues, consider checking in with an eye-care professional.

Conclusion: A small jar, a big win for your routine

Christie Brinkley’s $5-ish drugstore favorite isn’t exciting in a “luxury unboxing” waybut it’s exciting in the way that actually matters:
it’s practical, widely accessible, and designed to remove eye makeup without you having to wrestle your face.

If you’re building a routine that’s gentle, consistent, and realistic (read: doable when you’re tired), a simple eye-makeup remover pad can be
a surprisingly powerful upgrade. And if a supermodel is willing to say, “Yep, this cheap little thing works,” you can toowithout irony.

Real-World Experiences: What People Notice When They Switch to a Simple $5 Eye-Makeup Remover

People love to debate skincare like it’s a sport (Team Oil Cleanser vs. Team Micellar Water, meet at dawn), but eye makeup removal is where most folks
quietly agree on one thing: whatever makes you gentler and more consistent wins. When someone switches from “soap and regret”
to a dedicated eye removerlike a budget-friendly pad in a jarthe changes they notice tend to be surprisingly predictable.

First, there’s the time savings. Not the glamorous kind where you suddenly have extra hours to learn Italianmore like you stop spending
five minutes per eye trying to dissolve mascara with sheer willpower. The biggest difference usually comes from not having to hunt for cotton rounds,
measure product, and then realize the round is either too dry or so soaked it drips into your ear. Pre-soaked pads remove friction from the process,
which makes people more likely to actually do it every night.

Second, many report less morning-after irritation. It’s not that a remover pad is magical; it’s that the method encourages less rubbing.
When people learn to press the pad on the lashes for several seconds before wiping, they often notice fewer red eyelids and less “Why do my eyes feel tired?”
the next day. Waterproof mascara wearers, in particular, tend to see the biggest improvement because their old method was basically “scrub until it’s gone,”
which is a strategy but not a kind one.

Third is the “my lashes look better” moment. This is tricky because lashes have their own life plans, but gentle removal can reduce breakage.
Folks who used to yank at mascara (especially at the outer corners) sometimes notice fewer stray lashes on their cheeks, fewer bent lashes, and less lash-line
tenderness. The lesson isn’t “pads grow lashes.” It’s “less tugging, less chaos.”

Fourth, people talk about makeup applying nicer the next day. When eye makeup is removed thoroughly, there’s less leftover pigment or wax
clinging to lashes and the lid area. That can mean eyeliner goes on smoother, mascara layers more evenly, and you’re not fighting yesterday’s residue.
It’s the beauty equivalent of starting the day with a clean desk instead of a pile of mystery papers.

Finally, there’s the emotional experienceyes, really. A small, reliable step that works can make nightly skincare feel less like a chore.
For some, it becomes a “closing time” ritual: wipe off the day, rinse, moisturize, done. When a routine is easy, it tends to stick.
And sticking with a gentle routine is usually what creates the best long-term resultswhether you care about comfort, appearance, or just not
looking like you slept in your eyeliner (even if you did, spiritually).