Having sensitive eyes doesn’t mean you will have to say goodbye to eye makeup forever. Instead, you can make them your canvas and indulge in creative and elegant eye art with a few eye makeup tips for sensitive eyes. By adopting the right tips and tricks, you can keep watery and itchy eyes at bay while rocking that dramatic smokey eye look. Are you excited to know more about these tips and tricks? Read on to find out!
Keep In Mind
- Eyeliner: Pick a felt tip eyeliner with high pigmentation to be gentle on your eyes and get the desired depth with the slightest application.
- Ingredients: Look for calming ingredients like green tea extract and aloe vera that can protect and calm the eyes; glycerin also helps to retain moisture.
- Time It Right: Eyes are most sensitive and puffy in the morning, hence keep it simple with a primer, mascara, and eyeliner and reserve elaborate looks for the evening.
- Cool It: Use a cold metal spoon under the eyes and over the eyelids to prevent inflammation and soothe the eyes before applying makeup.
In This Article
1. Why Do My Eyes Get Irritated When I Wear Makeup?
2. What Ingredients In Eye Makeup Products Cause Allergic Reactions?
3. Eye Makeup Tips for Sensitive Eyes
4. Infographic: 5 Makeup Tips For Sensitive Eyes
5. Frequently Asked Questions
6. Key Takeaways
7. Illustration: Eye Makeup Tips For Sensitive Eyes
Why Do My Eyes Get Irritated When I Wear Makeup?
People with sensitive eyes know that their eyes get irritated if any makeup or cosmetics touch the area around their eyes. However, there are also many people who develop sensitivity to eye makeup over time. This kind of reaction to eye makeup can be blamed on contact dermatitis.
Contact dermatitis is a skin condition in which a substance triggers your immune system, resulting in your skin becoming itchy and irritated.
Contact dermatitis caused due to eye makeup can be of two types – allergic contact dermatitis or irritant contact dermatitis:
- Allergic Contact Dermatitis: You may be allergic to one or more ingredients used in the makeup products. This triggers your immune system and results in your eyes becoming itchy and red. Other symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis are hives and swelling.
- Irritant Contact Dermatitis: This condition develops over time with constant and excessive exposure to makeup products. This is why you might find your skin reacting to certain makeup products that you had been using without any issues in the past. The common symptoms of irritant contact dermatitis are itching, burning, and stinging of the eyes. When it is severe, you might get blisters due to irritant dermatitis.
What Ingredients In Eye Makeup Products Cause Allergic Reactions?
Eye makeup products can sometimes cause allergic reactions due to certain ingredients that may irritate sensitive skin or trigger an immune response. Common culprits include:
- Fragrances: Many eye makeup products contain fragrances, which are a common cause of allergic reactions. Even unscented products can have masking fragrances.
- Preservatives: Preservatives help prevent the growth of bacteria and mold in cosmetics, but some can cause irritation. Examples include:
- Parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben)
- Formaldehyde-releasing agents (e.g., quaternium-15, DMDM hydantoin)
- Phenoxyethanol
- Isothiazolinones (e.g., methylisothiazolinone)
- Metals: Nickel and chromium, which may be found in colored pigments used in eye makeup, are frequent causes of contact dermatitis.
- Dyes and Pigments: Certain synthetic dyes (such as FD&C colors like Yellow 5 or Red 40) can be irritating to sensitive skin or cause allergic reactions.
- Lanolin: A natural oil derived from sheep’s wool, often used in moisturizing makeup products, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
- Silicones: Found in some eye makeup products, like primers or foundations, silicones can cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin types. Examples include dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane.
- Latex: Present in some makeup applicators (like sponges) and adhesives for false eyelashes, latex can trigger severe allergic reactions.
- Botanical Extracts: Natural ingredients, like tea tree oil or lavender oil, may seem gentle but can cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals.
- Alcohols: Certain alcohol-based ingredients like benzyl alcohol can dry out or irritate the skin around the eyes, leading to a reaction.
- Sulfates and Detergents: Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or similar compounds may sometimes be found in makeup removers, which can cause eye irritation.
If you have sensitive skin or eyes, it’s important to check product labels and patch-test new products to avoid potential allergens.
Eye Makeup Tips for Sensitive Eyes
- Opt For Hypoallergenic Makeup
The first rule of buying makeup when you have sensitive eyes is to go for products that are hypoallergenic. Hypoallergenic products contain no ingredients that may cause any allergic reaction in and around your eyes. Additionally, you can go for unscented makeup products to reduce the chances of causing any other irritation to your eyes. Also, organic products with fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients are much less likely to cause irritation.
2. Cream Eyeshadow Over Powder Eyeshadow
Choosing a cream eyeshadow over powder eyeshadow can be a good choice to avoid any allergic reaction. Basically, powder eyeshadow contains talc, which is a known irritant. Powder eyeshadow can also spread and fall out around your eyes and cause an allergic reaction.
3. Change The Way You Apply Eye Makeup
If you’re looking to change the way you apply eye makeup, here are some tips and techniques that can freshen up your routine or help you achieve a completely new look:
1. Start with a Primer
- Why: Primers help to smooth out the eyelid, ensuring that your eyeshadow stays vibrant and in place throughout the day.
- How to Use: Apply a small amount of eye primer with your finger or a brush, and blend it evenly across the entire eyelid up to the brow bone.
2. Switch Up Your Eyeshadow Colors
- Try New Shades: Experiment with colors outside your comfort zone, like jewel tones, pastels, or even metallics. You can change your look drastically just by playing with different hues.
- Complementary Colors: Use colors that enhance your eye color. For example:
- Brown Eyes: Gold, copper, purple
- Blue Eyes: Bronze, warm oranges, taupe
- Green Eyes: Red-based purples, warm browns, peachy shades
3. Use a Gradient or Ombre Technique
- How: Apply a light color in the inner corner, a medium color in the center of the lid, and a darker color in the outer corner for depth and dimension. Blend well to avoid harsh lines.
- Pro Tip: Use a fluffy blending brush to seamlessly blend your shadows together for a gradient effect.
4. Experiment with Different Eyeliner Styles
- Winged Liner: Classic cat-eye looks are always a hit, but you can adjust the thickness and length of the wing to suit your style.
- Tightlining: Apply eyeliner right at the waterline and between the lashes to define your eyes without a heavy line on the lid.
- Graphic Liner: For a more daring look, try geometric shapes or even double lines for a futuristic feel.
5. Try a Smokey Eye with a Twist
- The Classic Smokey: Blend darker shades like charcoal or black from the lash line to the crease, and pair with a nude lip.
- Colored Smokey Eye: Instead of the usual blacks and browns, use deep purples, blues, or greens for a colorful version of the classic smokey eye.
6. Highlight the Inner Corner and Brow Bone
- Why: A touch of shimmery or pearlescent shadow in the inner corners of your eyes and on the brow bone can open up your eyes and make them appear brighter.
- How: Use a small, precise brush to apply a highlighter or light, shimmery shade to these areas for a fresh, awake look.
7. Play with Textures
- Matte vs. Shimmer: Use matte shadows for a more natural, everyday look, or add shimmer and metallics for a glam, evening vibe.
- Cream Shadows: For a dewy look, try using cream shadows, which can also be applied with fingers for a quick, easy finish.
8. Update Your Mascara Routine
- Layered Mascara: Use two different mascaras, one for length and another for volume, to give your lashes more drama.
- Colored Mascara: Try adding a pop of color to your lashes with a blue, purple, or burgundy mascara for something unexpected.
9. Enhance with Lashes
- False Lashes: If you don’t usually wear false lashes, give them a try. Natural-looking falsies can add volume and length without being over-the-top.
- Lash Extensions: If you’re looking for a long-lasting option, consider lash extensions that can eliminate the need for daily mascara.
10. Experiment with Different Eye Shapes
- Cut Crease: A cut crease gives a sharp contrast between the lid and the crease, making your eyes appear larger and more defined.
- Halo Eye: This technique involves placing a lighter color in the center of the lid, with darker shades on both the inner and outer corners for a spotlight effect.
11. Finish with a Setting Spray
- Why: A setting spray helps lock in your makeup for the day (or night) ahead. It also keeps your eye makeup looking fresh without fading or creasing.
By experimenting with new techniques, textures, and colors, you can refresh your entire makeup look and even discover a new favorite routine!
4. Opt For High-Quality Brushes
Another thing that you should keep in your mind is that using unclean brushes or brushes with rough bristles can also cause eye irritation. Instead, use brushes that have soft bristles and wash your brushes regularly to minimize any eye irritation.
5. Avoid Your Waterline
Wearing eyeliner on your waterline gives you a defined look while enhancing the beauty of your eyes. However, if you have sensitive eyes, it is better not to line your waterline with any kind of eyeliner to avoid irritation. If you still want a defined look, you may apply the liner under your waterline.
6. Keep It Simple
It’s best to avoid using too many eye makeup products if you have sensitive eyes. For example, if you are planning to wear eyeliner, you can go eyeshadow-free for that look. Using tons of eye makeup products at once may irritate your eyes and cause an allergic reaction.
7. Remove Your Makeup Thoroughly
Removing eye makeup properly at the end of the day is one of the most important things you need to do to keep your sensitive eyes safe. Avoid going to sleep with makeup on. Use a good makeup remover or cleansing balm to gently remove all your eye makeup.
Infographic: 5 Makeup Tips For Sensitive Eyes
Applying makeup can be a challenging task for those with sensitive eyes. The delicate nature of the eye area requires special care to avoid irritation or discomfort. In the infographic below, we have highlighted 5 makeup tips specifically tailored to address the needs of sensitive eyes. Check it out.
It can be intimidating to do anything with your eyes when they are sensitive and tear up easily. Makeup application around them seems like too much of a stretch. But we would like to assure you that you do not have to give up on eye makeup owing to this fear. Using appropriate makeup tricks and the right products, you can use eye makeup without triggering the sensitivity of your eyes. Follow these steps from our eye makeup tips for sensitive eyes and follow some caution. You can have glammed-up eyes to suit various occasions and fresh looks.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best eye makeup for very sensitive eyes?
If you have sensitive skin, opt for minimal makeup looks. If you want a heavy makeup look, use products from the same brand instead of multiple brands. Different brands may contain various ingredients that don’t go well together.
2. Can eyeshadow cause an allergic reaction?
Yes, eyeshadows may contain synthetic colors and harsh ingredients that can irritate your skin.
3. Why are my eyes suddenly allergic to mascara?
You may be using a new brand of mascara, or the formulation of your regular mascara may have changed. The mascara may contain ingredients that are irritating the delicate skin around your eyes.
Key Takeaways
- Choose hypoallergenic products. They do not contain ingredients that cause allergic reactions in and around your eyes.
- Avoid lining your waterline with eyeliners to avoid irritation.
- Remove your eye makeup properly at the end of the day and practice proper eye care.
Illustration: Eye Makeup Tips For Sensitive Eyes
Personal Experience:
Getmakeup’s articles are interwoven with authentic personal narratives that provide depth and resonance to our content. Below are the sources of the personal accounts referenced in this article.
