The eye area is one of the most delicate parts of the body — yet we often give it the biggest beating. We crunch our lashes with eyelash curlers, we stipple layers of shadow on our lids and line our waterline to achieve the perfect smoky eye, we rub our eyes vigorously when tired and attack the eye area with makeup remover each night. All of that is enough to irritate anyone’s eyes, but especially those with sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers who require a gentler touch.
If you fall into the above categories, you know that just a smidgen of the wrong eyeshadow or mascara can make eyes water, itch and burn. If you’re frequently experiencing this when you apply your makeup, you should stop using those products immediately — you don’t want to mess around with the delicate eye area.
Contact lens wearers and those with easily irritated eyes need products that are specifically formulated for sensitive eyes. Thankfully, you don’t have to choose between wearing the latest makeup trends and having eyes that don’t sting. There are many products suitable for sensitive eyes that are ophthalmologist tested. So, toss away anything that is upsetting your eyes and take a look at these products your eyes will love.
[ Next: Watch Out! These 10 Things May Be Irritating Your Skin ]
12 Makeup Products That Won't Irritate Your Sensitive Eyes
-
Physicians Formula
This fragrance-free eyeshadow palette gets lots of likes on social media and IRL because it proves you can find dazzling makeup with a gentle formula. Use the unique bell-shaped applicator to apply the hypoallergenic shadows. Whether you choose a matte, shimmery or satin shade, you're getting a clinically-approved, dermatologist-tested product that blurs imperfections while delivering mega color payoff. And don't worry contact lens wearers, the gluten-free formula is OK for you to use, too.
#InstaReady Multi-Finish Eyeshadow, $11.99 at Ulta
-
Tarte
The limited-edition holographic packaging is going to earn this vegan mascara plenty of fans, but it's the formula that will have those with sensitive eyes singing its praises. It's fragrance-free and safe for contact lens wearers. Plus, it has been dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. And did we mention it promises to increase the volume of your lashes by up to 330 percent?
Limited-Edition Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara, $23 at Tarte
-
Almay
This lash-boosting mascara isn't a pain in the eyes or the wrist. It promises to build length, volume and definition as it conditions lashes. And you only need a couple of swipes to notice a difference. That's not all, either. The wallet-friendly mascara is made for sensitive eyes using a nonirritating formula. It's also ophthalmologist tested and hypoallergenic.
One Coat Multi-Benefit Mascara, $8.49 at Ulta
-
Clarins
Contacts can cause enough irritation to eyes, so we don't need our makeup exacerbating the problem. This cream-to-powder eyeshadow is a safe choice for sensitive eyes. It's dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. It even has vitamin E for comfortable, all-day wear. And the shadow gives your eyes a shimmering finish that could outshine your highlighter.
Ombre Iridescente Eyeshadow, $25 at Clarins
-
Blinc
There will be no red, itchy eyes when you use this mascara. It has been clinically tested to be nonirritating. That means it's been given the thumbs up to be used by contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes. And long lash fans don't have to worry about the product making any compromises in terms of results. The formula gives you volume and length and it lasts all day without smudging or fraying. Plus, it removes easily with warm water and a bit of pressure thanks to the tube technology formula.
Blinc Mascara, $26 at Sephora
-
NARS
If your primer causes eye irritation, it doesn't matter how gentle the rest of your makeup is. Thankfully, this fragrance-free primer won't upset your sensitive eyes. It's dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. What's more, it dries on contact and keeps eyeshadow looking fresh all day long.
Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, $26 at Sephora
-
Clinique
This ophthalmologist-tested eyeshadow offers a gorgeous wash of color that will enhance your eyes without upsetting them. It has been tested for those with the most sensitive eyes and it's fine for contact-wearers. Take your pick from 26 fade- and crease-resistant rainbow colors.
All About Shadow Single, $16.50 at Clinique
-
bareMinerals
Forget falsies, this mascara will take your lashes to epic lengths. It promises to boost eyelashes by a whopping 600 percent in terms of thickness and fullness. And the mascara is ophthalmologist tested and safe for contact lens wearers. It's also creamy and won't flake, smudge or migrate to your cheeks.
Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara, $19 at Ulta
-
Maybelline
The only drama this gel eyeliner will give you is in terms of finish. That's because the waterproof formula is ophthalmologist tested and safe for those with sensitive eyes or contact wearers. So go on and grab your eyeliner brush and apply the intensely pigmented product without fear.
Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner, $8.99 at Ulta
-
Laura Mercier
If you're tightlining, the last thing you want is an eyeliner that could burn your eyes. This transfer-resistant cake liner has been dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested and it's even suitable for contact lens wearers. If you're still hesitant, note that the formula has also been allergy tested to reduce the risk of irritation.
Tightline Cake Eye Liner, $25 at Sephora
-
Lancôme
This fragrance-free mascara has become a cult favorite, likely due to the fact that it works for everyone, sensitive eyes included. Famed for giving wearers natural-looking lashes with zero clumps, it's the perfect everyday mascara.
Définicils Mascara, $27.50 at Lancôme
-
NUDESTIX
This eye color's long-wearing, budge-proof formula may be the star of the show, but it's the fact that the crayon is ophthalmologist tested specifically for use on the waterline that will excite people with sensitive eyes.
Magnetic Eye Color, $24 at Sephora
