Your eyes are a natural canvas. With makeup, you can experiment with fun glitter eyeshadow or practice your winged eyeliner. Whatever the look you’re going for, makeup is meant to be fun! But when your eyes feel itchy, watery, or irritated after applying cosmetics, makeup no longer feels fun.
On the bright side, you’re not alone. Eye irritation from makeup is a common concern, leaving many wondering what they’re doing wrong or which products might be the culprits.
Here’s a closer look at where this irritation might stem from:
- Ingredients in your products
- Application techniques
- Expired products
- Contact lens wear
- Underlying eye conditions
When irritation lingers, it’s time to visit your eye doctor.
A thorough evaluation can uncover whether dry eyes, allergies, or another underlying condition is behind your chronic discomfort. But no matter the concern, proper management is key to finding relief that lasts.
When Beauty Hurts: More on Eye Irritation
‘Beauty is pain’ might apply to shoes, but it certainly shouldn’t apply to wearing makeup. If your makeup is causing eye irritation, this can cause a streaky or messy look—which certainly isn’t the effect you wanted to have!
Fortunately, if makeup is the root cause of your irritation, there are ways to prevent future issues. Let’s look at some of the most common culprits:
Ingredients in Your Products
Ingredients are everything, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Some makeup products contain fragrances, parabens, or certain dyes that can trigger allergic reactions or sensitivities. The resulting reactions may lead to redness, itching, or even swelling around the eye area.
Certain preservatives or synthetic ingredients in mascaras, eyeliners, and eyeshadows can also cause dryness or irritation.
Application Techniques
Your eyes are delicate, and so is the skin surrounding them. Be gentle when you’re doing your makeup and skincare!
Roughly tugging on your eyelids or using unclean brushes can irritate the sensitive skin surrounding your eyes. Besides, not cleaning your makeup brushes or sponges and using expired products can expose your eyes to harmful bacteria.
Expired Products
Almost everything has a shelf life, and makeup is no exception.
Over time, makeup can harbor bacteria or lose chemical stability, which can irritate your eyes. As a general rule, you should replace your mascara every 3 months and eyeliner every 6 months to avoid bacterial growth.
Contact Lens Wearers
If you wear contact lenses, makeup debris can build up on your lenses and lead to discomfort, especially if you’re not following proper care and handling (this includes cleaning your lenses!).
Sometimes, powders or loose pigments can get into your eyes, worsening irritation.
Underlying Eye Conditions
If you have dry eyes, blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids), or sensitivities to environmental allergens, wearing makeup might worsen your symptoms.
Makeup Without the Tears: How to Prevent Eye Irritation
All the effort it takes to get ready shouldn’t go to waste because of watery eyes, redness, and irritation. Though you can remove your makeup if needed, you shouldn’t have to avoid it altogether.
Thankfully, there are measures you can take to avoid irritation and enjoy wearing makeup without worry.
Read Labels
What you put on your body can be just as important as what you’re putting in it.
Products labeled “non-comedogenic,” “ophthalmologist-approved,” or “dermatologist-tested” are great for reducing the risk of irritation. These are less likely to contain allergens and are typically formulated to be safe for sensitive eyes.
While you’re exploring new products, always test new makeup on a small patch of skin (wrist, hand, etc.) before applying it to your face. Reactions often appear within 24-48 hours.
Focus on Hygiene
Proper hygiene around the eyes is vital:
- Wash your hands before applying makeup.
- Clean your brushes and applicators regularly to remove bacteria and product build-up.
- Never share makeup, especially eye products, as it increases the risk of infection.
Allow your eyes to breathe by skipping makeup at least once a week. This gives your skin and lashes time to recover.
Replace Products Regularly
Adhere to the expiration dates on your makeup products. Replace mascaras every 2–3 months and eyeliners every 6 months to a year. When in doubt, toss the product.
If you have pink eye or a blepharitis flare-up, avoid wearing eye makeup and contact lenses. This gives your eyes a break and promotes a clean recovery.
Once your eye doctor gives you the green light to continue with normal wear, toss old makeup and lenses. They could harbor bacteria or irritants that can lead to reinfection.
Be Gentle
Avoid tugging at your eyelids when applying products. When removing makeup, use a gentle, oil-free remover and a soft cotton pad to avoid irritation.
Choose the Right Products for Contact Lenses
If you wear contacts, use oil-free makeup to minimize residue and prevent buildup on your lenses. Avoid glittery or loose powder eyeshadows, as they are more likely to scatter into your eyes.
If you’re prone to dryness, use artificial tears throughout the day to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.
Visit Your Eye Doctor
If irritation lingers despite following these steps, it’s time to visit your eye doctor. You could have an underlying condition or sensitivity.
A thorough evaluation helps rule out issues like dry eyes, allergies, or other eye conditions that could be the primary culprit behind your irritation. When in doubt, check it out.
Keep Your Eyes Healthy & Beautiful
Eye irritation from makeup is frustrating, but by understanding its causes and making simple adjustments to your habits, you can protect your eyes and still enjoy your favorite looks. Whether that means swapping out certain products or cleaning your tools more regularly, your eye comfort should always come first.
If you’re noticing persistent irritation, redness, or discomfort, take a break from your makeup routine and visit our expert team. At Total Vision Ladera Ranch, we’re here to provide tailored solutions for all your eye health needs.
Playing with makeup can feel fun again as soon as you seek care!
