Eye makeup for sensitive eyes

We look into makeup and makeup remover products and techniques that work for sensitive eyes.

Eye makeup for sensitive eyes
Photo by Ashley Piszek / Unsplash

Is this also your situation?

Whenever I have eyeliner or mascara applied my eyes turn red and are irritated for the rest of the day. What can I do to keep my eyes healthy, while, if possible, still being able to apply eye makeup?

What can you do?

Hypoallergenic makeup

Look for eyeliner and mascara labeled as hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic makeup has fewer allergens and is specifically made for those of us with sensitive eyes. Google search links for these products:

I'm personally going for the Almay brand as it is the most accessible in my country, and I am hopeful about the reviews.

Doctor advice and eye drops

This eye doctor explains how eyeliner on the waterline typically blocks oil glands that help keep our eyes hydrated. Thus, if your eyes turn red, it might not be an allergy but because your eyes are too dry. It's best to speak with your optometrist first if you are considering eye drops as a solution or to stop using eyeliner.

Cleaning eyeliner pencil

Dr Rupa Wong also mentions here that we have about 20 - 30 oil glands per eye, and blocking them with eyeliner makes you more susceptible to eye styes (which may resemble a red bump or pimple) - the last thing you want along with red eyes.

She suggests always cleaning the tip of your eyeliner pencil with alcohol before use and then letting it dry completely before application.

Gentle eye makeup remover

I found this video very helpful in looking at how one can actually remove it successfully, but for sensitive eyes, I'm going for Clinique's Naturally Gentle Eye Make-up Remover.