There are plenty of mascaras out there that are great for adding length, volume and drama to lashes – but not all of them are ideal for sensitive eyes.
Even some of the best mascaras can send sensitive peepers weeping and reddening at the sight of one slightly irritating ingredient.
And while there are plenty of makeup tips for sensitive eyes to avoid such situations, is it so much to ask for a mascara that does a good job and doesn’t leave you wanting to itch and rub?
We didn’t think so, and so we dug deep into our reviews to find the best mascaras for sensitive eyes. From hypoallergenic formulas to waterproof wonders, here’s what we found.
jane iredale PureLash Mascara
We say: Hypoallergenic and sensitivity-tested, the jane iredale PureLash Mascara often converts even the most sensitive of eyes to a new life of flutter and fullness.
You say: “This mascara has no known sensitisers and is perfect for sensitive eyes and contact lense wearers. It gives a nice natural enhancement to your lashes. But like all mascaras – additional layers can be used to build thickness and length. I have found no clumping or smudging. It applies nicely to separate the lashes.” – bh member JaneyPooh.
$37 at Adore Beauty
L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara
We say: With a 4.5 star rating from over 35 reviews and a few awards under its belt, the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara is a no-brainer for sensitive eyes on the hunt for a waterproof formula. A few members even name it as a dupe for Too Faced Better Than Sex.
You say: “A great mascara that is kind to my sensitive and watery eyes. The soft brush and medium consistency of the product make this mascara easy and painless to apply. The results are beautifully voluminous and separated lashes in one coat. The waterproof variant really stays put through tearful events and sweaty exercise. It is also easy to remove with an oil based remover.” – bh member Frenchy1.
$20.99 at Chemist Warehouse
CLINIQUE Lash Power Mascara
We say: Most, if not all, of Clinique’s mascaras are friendly towards sensitive eyes. What’s great about the CLINIQUE Lash Power Mascara, though, is that it’s a tubing formula, so you can enjoy smudge-free wear all day.
You say: “The Clinique Lash Power mascara is gentle on my lashes and definitely stays on all day. Clinique is a trusted brand and this mascara did not disappoint. My lashes were well separated, defined and felt lightweight. This mascara did not irritate my eyes and I am happy with my choice.” – bh member samsy.
$40 at clinique.com.au
Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara
We say: If you’ve found tubing mascaras to be ideal for your sensitive eyes but can’t afford to shell out $40+ every time you need to restock, try this $20 and often-on-sale pick instead. The Revlon Mega Multiplier Mascara even comes in three shades if you like a brown over black.
You say: “I think I have found my favourite mascara. It promises mega volume and length and it really did deliver. I was surprised with how good my lashes looked after only one coat of the mascara. I used a double coat when going out in the evening. The mascara never failed, it didn’t smudge, get clumpy or cakey.” – bh member Gea.
$23.95 at Adore Beauty
La Roche-Posay Respectissime Sensitive Waterproof Mascara
We say: The allergy-tested La Roche-Posay Respectissime Sensitive Waterproof Mascara is ideal for those after a natural, everyday lash-look. It’s gentle, easy to remove and doesn’t overload the lashes.
You say: “I have pretty sensitive eyes and can be allergic to many products – especially eye makeup. I have had no problem at all with this mascara. It is buildable, so if you want a slightly thicker look you can put a 2nd layer on. But it probably isn’t necessary. My lashes were well covered, with a good coating. It also didn’t get flaky during the day.” bh member KatherineLB.
$29.95 at Adore Beauty
Main image credit: Getty
Do you have sensitive eyes? Have you tried any of these mascaras?
think ill need to try one of these out!
In need for a new tube
Fantastic. I need to try one.
Actually, I tell a lie, I have tried Too Faced ‘Better Than Sex’ mascara. But I never really understood what the hype was about. I wouldn’t buy it again.
I’ve never tried any of these. Next on my wish list is Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara (Mecca).
I haven’t tried any of these before
Keen on trying the Revlon and La Roche-Posay. Always go back to Paradise by L’Oreal as quoted above. Hard to beat it but I like to flirt with danger and try new things!
My eyes dont seem to react to mascara thankfully but they used to get upset with eye shadows.
I want to try the Paradise one!!
I forgot to mention that I wear contact lenses (clear ones, not coloured) and that the Clinique Lash Power is excellent with them.
Yes I have repeatedly purchased the Clinique Lash Power – not only is it the BEST one I’ve used as far as being a active waterbaby in warmer weather because it’s completely 100% smudgeproof and I can even swim many times in the day with this on and it won’t smudge – I can also remove it in easy, smear-free tubes at night in the warm shower. There is absolutely no aftermath with this. Oh did I mention it also comes in ‘Choc’ which is a colour that is slightly brown and so suits my goldy-blonde hair and warm skin.
I have very sensitive skin but luckily so far have not reacted to mascara . These ones look pretty good though so maybe I should try anyway.
I havent seen the La Roche-Posay Respectissime Sensitive Waterproof Mascara before. Its something Id like to try as my eyes are sensitive in spring.
I’m not fussed about mascara, I have a few tubes from GWP, but don’t go out of my way to buy it.
Have always used Waterproof Mascara because I find anything else seems to smudge or run.
The Lash Paradise ended up really irritating my eyes (mine are very sensitive tho). I use Nude by Nature now and it’s perfect for my eyes.
I must be one of those lucky ones who isn’t sensitive to mascara.
I haven’t tried any of these brands.
I didn’t even know La Roche-Posay had Mascara.
I’m lucky that I don’t have sensitive eyes. I usually buy whatever’s on sale & like to try different ones.
Keen to try some of these. I wear contacts and have sensitive eyes. They water easily.
I think some people are not destined to be able to wear mascara and I’m unfortunately one of them. Tried several really good brands and couldn’t use any. Super sensitivity isn’t easy at times but you learn to live with it.
Not having sensitive eyes, just need a good mascara that will hold a curl and lengthen my flimsy lashes that go in every direction but up. xD
As long as the mascara doesn’t have any fragrance, I’m generally ok with it.
Might have to try this out, thanks… I live in the tropics and finding makeup to suit can be challenging!
Thanks for these options bh! I’ve actually been getting reactions from using different mascaras, so it is good to have a few other options to try.
Ooh that’s one I want to try as well having read good reviews for it recently. I’ll just buy a mini & see if I like it.
I almost bought one this afternoon, but decided to purchase the Stila ‘Stay All Day’ mascara. It’s another one I’ve been wanting to try for ages.
Good to know there are sensitive ranges of mascara
I haven’t tried any of the above mascaras but I’m pretty sure I have the Revlon one in my stash. I’m lucky to not have sensitive eyes when it comes to mascara.
I don’t really have sensitive eyes, but I hate it when tubing mascara breaks up and irritate my eyes to no end.
Yeah it’s humid here where I live too – this one is the mascara I would be taking with me on a tropical holiday for sure!
I’m currently using the L’Oréal Paris Lash Paradise Mascara and I also like the Clinique Lash Power Mascara.
CLINIQUE Lash Power Mascara – yes! 100%
I’m sold on tubing mascara. I use the mirenesse one and it does.not.budge.
I haven’t tried any of these, but I like the sound of the Clinique one.
as long as they have a good brush, i dont like htose ones with the long stick and no bristles
Because I am hiding away behind masks all day I make sure I am wearing mascara
I don’t have sensitive eyes when it comes to mascara, thankfully
Thanks for the info
Interesting… Thanks for sharing…
i gave up on eye make up due to my sensitive eyes. This article is just what i needed to read. Thank you!!!
I don’t even know if I have sensitive eyes or it’s because I take too long to put eye makeup on so my eyes water.
I would have thought all eyes would be sensitive to a product which is being applied very close to them. I haven’t tried any of the above brands but am always on the lookout for that holy grail of mascaras. Sadly I have not found it as yet.
I do have sensitive eyes and have stopped using mascara
I do get dry eyes, these would be really good to try! I haven’t heard of anything like this!
I really struggle to see any difference between mascaras. Maybe it’s the ones I’m trying.
I dont use a lot of make up but I do like to use mascara at all times. I feel it makes my eyes look so much better.
I don’t have sensitive eyes. But i love to try these.
Wish I could wear mascara but I have ultra sensitive eyes and all eye makeup makes my eyes water!
I want to try the L’Oréal Paris Paradise Mascara 🙂