How to wear eye makeup for sensitive eyes

If you have sensitive eyes, wearing eye makeup can be a nightmare. Eyeliner can cause your eyes to sting and eyeshadow is far too irritating to bother with. Even the thought of applying a few coats of mascara can bring tears to your eyes. Thankfully, beauty products have come a long way and there are now plenty of products available that won’t irritate delicate eyes.

But unless you know exactly what you’re looking for, how do you know which products will be safe to use on sensitive eyes? We spoke to professional makeup artist, Tanya Gorg, to get the lowdown on how to choose makeup products that are gentle enough for sensitive eyes, and how to wear eye makeup without causing any irritation.

What are your best makeup tips for women with sensitive eyes?

According to Tanya, anyone with sensitive eyes will always need to approach their makeup routine with caution. “Always clean your brushes regularly, as makeup brushes and tools become contaminated very easily.” says Tanya. “Make sure to always remove all makeup from your eyes no matter how lazy you are, and use a sheer primer as it acts as a shield between your sensitive skin around your eyes and the makeup.”

Can women with eye sensitivities wear eyeliner?

Yes, but Tanya suggests only lining outside the lash line though and not the water line itself (inner eye) to avoid any unnecessary irritations.

Do you have any tips for choosing mascara?

Mascara can be a serious struggle for anyone with delicate eyes. But as long as you choose the right formula, you can wear it regularly without any issues. “Avoid using any mascara with fibres in it as the fibres can fall into your eyes and cause irritation. Opt for a conditioning mascara – our favourite for sensitive eyes is Purelash Mascara by Jane Iredale,” says Tanya.

Is waterproof mascara a no-go?

You can still use waterproof mascara if you have sensitive eyes, however it will take a bit of trial and error. “There are a number of waterproof mascaras that are safe to use on sensitive eyes, but you will need to try a few and see what works best for you,” explains Tanya.

Can using the wrong makeup brushes affect sensitive eyes?

It’s a personal decision, but synthetic brushes are generally a better choice for anyone with sensitive eyes. Tanya agrees that It’s up to you if you prefer a synthetic or natural makeup brush for your sensitive eyes. “However, I would recommend a synthetic brush as it’s easier for you to clean and they don’t shed as much as the natural brushes,” she says.

How do you choose an eyeshadow formula for sensitive eyes?

Most people with sensitive eyes shy away from eyeshadow all together, but as long as you choose the right formula, you can still wear eyeshadow without causing any irritation. Tanya suggests always choosing products that are free of parabens, sulfates and products that are specifically tested for sensitivity. To avoid ending up with red and puffy eyelids afterwards, always make sure you’re using clean makeup brushes to apply your eyeshadow.

What is the best way to remove eye makeup without causing any irritations?

Always take care to be extra gentle when you’re removing any eye makeup from sensitive eyes. “Use a gentle cleanser or micellar water on a cotton eye makeup remover pads to remove all traces of makeup, leaving the eyes clean and soothed,” recommends Tanya. Steer clear of any makeup removers that are heavily fragranced or contain too many ingredients. Simple is best.

How do you know if a brand is creating products that are suitable for women with sensitive eyes?

There are plenty of brands that create products specifically for sensitive eyes. Tanya suggests looking for brands that don’t use fragrances and ingredients that could potentially cause irritations.

bh loves: jane iredale PureLash Mascara, La Roche-Posay Respectissime Multi-Dimensions Mascara, INIKA Organic Vegan Mascara