Makeup for Sensitive Eyes

Eyes that water at the first sign of mascara, sting by mid afternoon or refuse to tolerate anything at all near the lash line are more common than the beauty aisle would have you believe. Contact lens wearers know this best of all.

The usual culprits are fragrance, certain preservatives and the fibres in lengthening mascaras that shed into the eye through the day. Everything here is made without synthetic fragrance, and the pigments are finely milled minerals rather than the harsher synthetic dyes that reactive eyes tend to object to.

Start with the Mineral Eye Crayon if liner is what usually sets you off. It is soft enough to apply without dragging, which matters more than most people realise, because friction on the lash line causes as many problems as the formula does.

Our mascara is restocking shortly. If that is what brought you here, the mailing list is the quickest way to hear when it lands.

If the skin around your eyes is the problem rather than the makeup, the Nourishing Eye Cream lives in Skincare for Dry and Dehydrated Skin. For the rest of the face, see the Makeup for Sensitive Skin collection, or read the guide to eye makeup for watery, itchy or reactive eyes.

Frequently asked

What makes eye makeup suitable for sensitive eyes? No synthetic fragrance, no harsh synthetic dyes, and a texture soft enough to apply without dragging on the lash line. Fibre mascaras are worth avoiding if your eyes water, because the fibres shed into the eye over the course of the day.

Can I wear this with contact lenses? Generally yes. Powder products are the ones to apply carefully, since loose particles can find their way under a lens. Apply eye makeup before putting lenses in, and take lenses out before removing makeup.

Why do my eyes water when I wear eyeliner? Usually friction rather than formula. Dragging a hard pencil along the waterline irritates the eye directly. Warm the crayon on the back of your hand first and use short, light strokes rather than one long line.

Is mineral eye makeup safe for blepharitis or dry eye? Many people with both find mineral formulas easier to tolerate, but neither is something makeup can treat. If you are under care for an eye condition, check with your optometrist before adding anything new near the lash line.

How should I remove eye makeup on sensitive eyes? Gently and without rubbing. Hold a damp, warm cloth or cotton pad against closed eyes for twenty seconds to soften everything first, then wipe once. Most irritation happens at removal rather than application.