7 makeup tips for sensitive eyes


Just because you’ve got sensitive eyes, it doesn’t mean you can’t wear eye makeup. Truly it doesn’t. You just need to be savvy with your product and brand choices, and have a little know-how when it comes to application. And once you do, you can say goodbye to sore, itchy, red eyes…
MAKEUP TIP FOR SENSITIVE EYES #1: Be brand savvy
We’re a sensitive bunch of humans, and many beauty brands have cottoned on to this. By using brands that don’t use fragrances and ingredients that could potentially cause irritations, you’ll still be able to play around with makeup, but lower your chance of suffering from watery, stinging eyes ten fold. Our members love Almay, Nude by Nature and jane iredale.
MAKEUP TIP FOR SENSITIVE EYES #2: Clean your brushes
And by clean, I mean regularly. Or daily, if you want a gold star. Makeup brushes and tools become contaminated very easily, so it’s always smart to use clean ones around sensitive eyes to prevent general irritation and infection.
RELATED: The beauty tools you're forgetting to clean
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MAKEUP TIP FOR SENSITIVE EYES #3: Use eye drops strategically
This means using eye drops at least 30 minutes before applying makeup, not moments before. If you don’t allow enough time, your eyes may be even more sensitive when applying makeup products, causing them to become watery. Not fun.
MAKEUP TIP FOR SENSITIVE EYES #4: Avoid the waterline
Love wearing eyeliner on your eyelids? We understand your affection, but just ask you apply it next to the lash line instead of the waterline to avoid unnecessary irritation. If you’re planning on defining your lower lash, too, run your pencil underneath the lash line and blend well for a striking finish.
bh recommends: Inika Organic Eyeliner for its ease of use.
RELATED: 12 incredibly useful eyeliner hacks
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MAKEUP TIP FOR SENSITIVE EYES #5: Swap powders for creams
Powder eyeshadow is essentially the enemy of sensitive eyes as it can easy crumble and find its way into your eyes. Opt for the long-lasting, easily blendable cream varieties instead, as they’re less likely to create fallout.
bh recommends: Mary Kay ® Cream Eye Colors and Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick.
MAKEUP TIP FOR SENSITIVE EYES #6: Say no to mascaras with fibres
Just like powder eyeshadows, these fibres can fall into your eyes and cause irritation. Stick to lengthening mascaras without fibres if you still want fluttery lashes, or try a volumising product instead – they boost lash thickness to make them truly standout.
MAKEUP TIP FOR SENSITIVE EYES #7: Remove with care
Taking off your eye makeup at the end of the day to help prevent infection is even more important than making wise product choices. If you don’t, product can remain stuck to your lashes and lids and work its way into your eyes while you sleep. Use a gentle cleanser or micellar water to remove all traces of makeup, leaving the eyes clean and soothed.
bh recommends:
- Simple ® Skincare Micellar Cleansing Water
- Uriage Thermal Micellar Water
- Rosehip by essano Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water
- Avène Micellar Lotion
Do you have sensitive eyes? Or do you have any tips for those who do? And which brands do you love for easily irritated eyes?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in beautorium.
227 Member Comments
with really clean brushes, my eyes don't get infected when i tight line and water line
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I have really sensitive eyes & they seem to be getting worse as I get older. Thanks for the great advice.
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I don't have sensitive eyes but did you know lid wipes like the ocusoft lid scrubs are great removing waterproof makeup while gently cleansing the eye area?
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The avoiding the waterline trick sounds like something I'll have to try. Thanks bh :)
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I don't wear eyeliner as i have sensitive eyes but i will go hunting for the brands that were mentioned.
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My eyes are supersensitive so all these tips are so useful.
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Thanks for the tips, I do have sensitive skin and eyes.
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I have sensitive eyes and was looking for brand recommendations when I came across this article. I'm thinking of purchasing only natural, gentle makeup from now on...
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i dont have sensitive eyes
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removing my eye make up with care is important as my eyes can get irritated easily from too much rubbing!
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Oh wow how about the fact that all the commercial makeup brands put TOXIC chemicals in their eye makeup formulations? If you truly have sensitive eyes (or even if you don't) you must try natural makeup. I haven't touched MAC and other similar brands in years. These days i use INIKA (i buy it online from consciouscosmetics.com.au) it is way better for your skin and is luxurious and high quality. I think they've even won awards against other brands like revlon, mac, etc. Definitely worth the switch! Their eye liner is so black and smokey...
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My eye sensitivity is the main reason why I never put eyeliner on waterlines. I always wonder how people remove makeup from waterlines? It must sting :(
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I don't tend to have sensitive eyes, but these are great suggestions.
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My brushes are soaking now
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my eyes aren't too sensitive, but some make up products do irritate my eyes,so i generally keep my eye make fairly simple
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great tips! thank god i don't have sensitive eyes. i am however a sensitive person. the smallest thing makes me cry. i don't use mascara, i use liner on my top lid so it doesn't run and i use a tint for blush (benetint) and that doesn't run too!
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I sometimes experience sensativity to my eyes - great tips. I cannot stand wind, sun etc my eyes water very easily.
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I do have sensitive eyes, particularly with mascara. I also have a problem with some additives in eyeshadows, especially ones that have red or darker pink undertones (including browns, bronzes and plums , which of course are my favs). I avoid brands I know are a problem and try to try before I buy with unknown brands. I never use fibre mascara because it just plain hurts. Even some mascaras with stronger smells can cause me irritation...and how much it costs doesn't matter. I have used cheap ones that are great, and expensive ones that irritate me no end.
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I have very sensitive eyes. Thanks for this info, which I'll take on board. I never, ever go without good quality sunglasses, summer and winter.
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mascaras with fibres are the worst! my eyes arent terribly sensitive but when i tried a mascara with fibres it felt like there where little needles in my eyes
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I avoid eyeliner and am picky about mascara.
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Excellent tips. I do not have sensitive eyes but my sister does so will pass on these tips. Thanks.
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5: swap powders for creams great tip!
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My eyes arent really sensitive, however I can never do liner on the waterline. My eyes just water and it is wasted anyway.
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