Image: MomJunction Design Team
Eye makeup can be a troublesome job for people who have sensitive eyes. But even they long to achieve those extra-winged eye-lines and dramatic eyes but usually don’t have the best eye makeup for sensitive eyes. Thus, it often leads to itchiness and redness around their eyes. Finding and sticking to eye makeup products safe for sensitive eye people can make a huge difference in resolving their eye makeup issues.
Makeup artist and beauty specialist, Rosalia Beautie explains “there is nothing worse than doing someone’s eye makeup and suddenly their eyes begin to water. Once I find a great product for sensitive eyes, it quickly becomes a staple in my kit.”
Check out our list of some expert-recommended eye makeup for sensitive eyes, and look through their pros and cons to pick one for yourself.
Top Picks
11 Best Eye Makeup For Sensitive Eyes To Look Good In 2024
1. Best Long-Lasting:Physicians Formula Eye Enhancing Kit
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,553 reviews on Amazon, this product is a winner.
This hypoallergenic eye makeup kit comes with two mascaras, two eyeliners, and an eye shadow palette with nine shades to give your eyelids and eyelashes an instant makeover. All of them are formulated using natural ingredients and do not contain any harsh chemicals. They have been tested for safety and can be used by people with sensitive skin and those who wear contact lenses.
Item form: Strip | Color: Nude | Finish type: Shimmery | Special features: Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free | Skin type: Sensitive | Key ingredients: Mica, polybutene, butyrospermum parkii (shea) oil, synthetic wax, silica, dimethicone, beeswax, kaolin | Product dimensions: 1.75 x 5.5 x 6.75in; 0.01oz
Pros
- Long-lasting wear
- Tested and hypoallergenic
- Allergist-, ophthalmologist-, and dermatologist-recommended
Cons
- Mascara may dry quickly
- The kit may seem too small
2. Best Smudge-Resistant:Physicians Formula Eyeliner And Serum
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product boasts 9,695 reviews on Amazon, and many buyers have said they would purchase the product again.
A two-in-one makeup product for sensitive skin, this liquid eyeliner plus eyelash serum is a high-tech Japanese formula to give a beautiful look to your eyes. It is a hypoallergenic eye makeup product that is formulated without harmful substances. The clinically tested product is available in two colors, black and dark brown.
Item form: Gel | Color: Deep brown | Finish type: Shimmery | Special features: Cruelty-free, hypoallergenic | Skin type: Combination | Key ingredients: Water, ethylhexyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate copolymer, butylene glycol, glycerin | Product dimensions: 0.94 x 1.65 x 5.63in
Pros
- Dermatologist-approved
- Water and smudge-resistant
- Nourishing and long-wearing
Cons
- Not highly-pigmented
- Might lose vibrancy after a few uses
3. Best Easy-To-Blend:Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Palette
Formulated with natural ingredients such as vitamins, honey, and bamboo, which is delicate on your eyes, this product is gentle on the skin and the eyes. The paraben-free eye makeup is also devoid of other harmful substances such as synthetic fragrances, phthalates, talc, petroleum, silicones, and SLS. It has a nourishing mineral formula and comes in four shades, including shimmering nudes, countryside lavender, dusky woods, and blooming desert to suit the diverse needs and skin tones of people looking for mineral eye makeup for sensitive eyes.
Pros
- Gentle and long-lasting formula
- Easy-to-blend and smudge-free
- Hydrating formula
Cons
- Too powdery and may flake
Physicians Formula Eye Enhancing Kit Best Long-Lasting | Physicians Formula Eyeliner And Serum Best Smudge-Resistant | Burt’s Bees Eye Shadow Palette Best Easy-To-Blend | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | - | Deep Brown | Lavender Haze |
| Dimensions | - | - | 3 x 2 x 0.5 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 1.41 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 1,553 | 9,695 | 2,464 |
| Price | $19.99 | $8.98 | $5.43 |
Did you know?4. Best Water-Proof:Physicians Formula Eye Pencil
Soft on the eye, this clinically tested eye pencil smoothly glides to give you a clean stroke. This hypoallergenic makeup product for sensitive eyes is free from any harmful chemicals. It comes with a sharpener and is easy to apply–You may use it on the waterline.
Item form: Pencil | Color: Ultra black | Finish type: Natural | Special features: Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free | Skin type: Sensitive | Key ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, triethoxycaprylylsilane, polyethylene, ozokerite, octyldodecanol, diisostearyl malate, synthetic beeswax | Product dimensions: 0.58 x 1.5 x 5.63in; 0.01oz
Pros
- Cruelty-free, hypoallergenic product
- Dermatologist-approved
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Too dry and may not last for long
5. Best Hypoallergenic:Poppy Austin Lash Mascara
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 3,572 positive customer reviews on Amazon attest to the product’s quality.
The Poppy Austin mascara is tested and formulated to provide a long-lasting, waterproof finish that promises to strengthen and volumize lashes for a striking appearance. It is filled with all-natural substances, such as argan oil, to nurture and protect lashes. The smudge-proof and results-driven eye makeup for sensitive eyes is quick-drying and the full-bristle applicator is designed to cover each lash effectively.
Color: Black | Finish type: High impact | Special features: Cruelty-free, organic, hypoallergenic, unscented | Skin type: Sensitive | Key ingredients: Cold-pressed argan oil, vitamins, and fatty acids | Product dimensions: 4.84 x 0.75 x 0.75in; 0.71oz
Pros
- Cruelty-free
- Hypoallergenic eye makeup
- Flake-resistant formula
- Long-lasting
- Free of harsh chemicals
Cons
- Some may find the mascara thick
- Lashes may get clumped
6. Best Fragnance-Free:La Roshe Posay Toleriane Mascara
This mascara is suitable for sensitive eyes as it is free from parabens and fragrances. The ophthalmologist- and allergy-tested eye makeup is formulated for sensitive eyes. The product is formulated with jojoba oil that provides comfort to your eyes. This product testing video will help you make an informed decision about this allergy-tested volumizing mascara.
Color: Black | Special feature: Fragrance-free, paraben-free | Skin type: Sensitive | Product dimensions: 1.22 x 0.86 x 5.9in; 0.16oz
Pros
- Waterproof formula
- Non-irritating eye makeup
- Offers three-dimensional volume to lashes
- Jojoba oil nourishes the eyelashes
Cons
- May get smudged
7. Best Hold:Emeda False Eyelash Glue
The Emeda false eyelash glue is designed for people who want an easy and safe way to apply false eyelashes. Made from high-quality ingredients, it is long-lasting, strong, and tear- and humidity-resistant. This eyelash glue is suitable for those seeking a more natural look since it dries clear, resulting in a smooth finish.
Item form: Strip | Color: White | Special features: Super strong, waterproof, hypoallergenic | Skin type: All | Product dimensions: 3.62 x 0.71 x 0.63in; 0.32oz
Pros
- Waterproof
- Hypoallergenic product
- Quick-drying glue
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Some may find it sticky
- Consistency may be thicker than expected
Do remember8. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested:Almay Eyeshadow Palette
Almay’s eyeshadow palette contains a versatile set of shades that can be used to create diverse eye looks. This hypoallergenic eye makeup palette has a range of highly pigmented colors, from neutral to bright so that people with different skin tones and tastes can use it. The creamy eyeshadows are long-lasting and simple to apply, giving your eyelids a glamorous makeover.
Item form: Palette | Color: Blue eyes | Coverage: Light | Finish type: Shimmery | Special features: Hypoallergenic, antioxidant | Skin type: Sensitive
Pros
- Enriched with antioxidants
- Free of harsh chemicals and fragrances
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Delicate skin-friendly
- Blends smoothly on the eyelids
Cons
- May not be smear-resistant
- May not come with an applicator
9. Best Sweat-Proof:Cherisher Mascara
This volumizing mascara contains vitamin E complex that adds volume and length to lashes. It comes with a curvy brush that offers a natural curvature to your eyelashes. The product contains a vitamin complex to offer nourishment and does not include harmful chemicals.
Color: Black | Special feature: Sweat-proof, water-resistant | Skin type: Sensitive | Key ingredients: Aqua, pigment black, butylene glycol, polyvinyl acetate, polygonum multiflorum root extract | Product dimensions: 4.6 x0.9 x 0.9in; 0.64oz
Pros
- Made with natural and tested ingredients
- Provides long-wear
- Water-resistant, sweatproof, and hypoallergenic
Cons
- Too thick and may flake
10. Best Vegan:Gaya Cosmetics Vegan Black Mascara
The high-quality vegan mascara includes all-natural components to make it suitable for your delicate eyes. This expert-recommended mascara gives your lashes volume, length, and definition for the appearance of bigger and prettier eyes. Its professional-grade formula is hypoallergenic and reduces the likelihood of allergic reactions as it is free of harsh chemicals. Also, the volumizing mascara is smudge-proof and doesn’t clump.
Color: Blue | Finish type: Natural | Special features: Smudge-proof, Non-clumping | Skin type: Sensitive | Key ingredients: Aqua, synthetic beeswax, glycerin, butylene glycol, silica, camellia oleifera seed oil
Pros
- Ophthalmologically tested
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
- Clump-resistant and cruelty-free
- Long-lasting eye makeup for sensitive eyes.
- Brush has a flexible silicone head for easy application
Cons
- May be difficult to remove
- May feel oily and sticky
11. Best Cruelty-Free: Fifth & Skin Natural Eyeliner Pencil
This eyeliner pencil is formulated with botanical ingredients and healing oils such as castor oil, jojoba oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter — all known for their proven efficacy and nourishing properties. It goes smooth and soft on your sensitive eyes. It can be removed easily too. The product is free from harmful chemicals and suitable for sensitive skin.
Pros
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Long-lasting and hypoallergenic
- Available in two colors, black and brown
Cons
- Not smudge-free
Quick tipHow To Choose The Right Makeup For Sensitive Eyes?
If you have sensitive eyes, you should not pick just any eye makeup. Keep these tips in mind to choose safe eye makeup products for yourself.
- Ingredients: When you have sensitive eyes, you should always read the label to check the ingredient list. Choose sulfate-free eye makeup for sensitive eyes or eye makeup products formulated with natural and safe ingredients devoid of harmful chemicals, parabens, petroleum, and fragrances. Opting for such eye makeup products can reduce the likelihood of allergic reactions or eyelid inflammation.
- Brands: Look for eye makeup brands whose products have been dermatologist-recommended and tested as per the standards. Most of the brands manufacture hypoallergenic makeup products that are safe and non-irritating. Some well-known brands are cruelty-free and formulate vegan products only. Also, opt for brands that are transparent and share the complete ingredient list of their products.
- Skin type: You should also choose eye makeup products based on your skin condition and type. If you have inflammation-prone oily skin, you should use oil-free makeup for sensitive eyes and skin. Figure out what suits you and what doesn’t, and then pick the products.
- Patch test: If you have sensitive or delicate skin, you need to do a patch test even when you buy products from reputable brands or natural eye makeup for sensitive skin. Wait for 48 to 72 hours after performing a patch test, and use the product if there are no side effects or allergic reactions. Stop using the product immediately if you experience any type of skin inflammation.
, an experienced makeup artist and esthetician, says, “If you have sensitive eyes, always look for a latex-free product. And depending on the use, choose if you need a waterproof formula. A waterproof formula is a good choice if you want to wear a makeup product on your waterline.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How should I do eye makeup for sensitive eyes?
Choose an eye makeup product suitable for your sensitive eyes, and use light brush strokes or your fingers to apply it.
2. Why are my eyes so sensitive to makeup?
Eyes become sensitive to makeup when you apply it very vigorously or when you come in contact with nasty chemicals or drying alcohols in some products. Therefore, choosing the right product for your sensitive eyes is crucial.
3. Is cream or powder eyeshadow better for sensitive eyes?
Cream eyeshadows are better than powder eyeshadows because there is less risk of them entering your eyes. The cream ones are also free of talc—a common ingredient found in powder-based products.
4. Are all eye makeup products vegan?
Not all eye makeup products are vegan. Therefore, opt for brands that make vegan eye makeup for sensitive eyes.
5. How long can eye makeup products be used?
Typically, you should use an eyeshadow palette for about 36 months and mascara for six months.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a product writer with expertise in skincare and beauty products. She understands the struggle of people with sensitive eyes in finding the right makeup. Hence, she has put together a list of the best eye makeups, along with their formulations and detailed descriptions about their use, advantages, and disadvantages. You can select the right one for yourself with the help of the buying guide provided here.
The Bottom Line
Applying makeup is nothing less than an art, where your skin is the canvas. Makeup kits are available for different skin types, including sensitive skin. The best eye makeup products are carefully formulated to be gentle on the skin and not cause eye irritation. We recommend the Physicians Formula Eye Enhancing Kit, made of natural ingredients, and the Physicians Formula Eye Pencil, which is easy to apply and dermatologist-approved. You can also try the Almay Eyeshadow Palette, which is highly pigmented and easy to blend. However, before using any product on the eyes, it is advisable to do a patch test and consult your ophthalmologist and dermatologist.
Infographic: Safety Tips For Eye Makeup
Besides applying eye makeup that is suitable for you, it’s also essential to note when and how to use it to protect sensitive eyes from irritation and evitable problems. Here’s an infographic on the dos and don’ts of eye makeup safety. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Ali Salehi et al.; (2014); A double-blind clinical trial on the efficacy of honey drop in vernal keratoconjunctivitis
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3953621/ - AlexMuntz et al.; (2021); Randomized trial of topical periocular castor oil treatment for blepharitis
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1542012420300859
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