Are watery red eyes part of your notice-me look? I didn’t think so! So it turns out that what’s good for false lashes is also good for sensitive eyes. Yes, you heard that right. Generally speaking, the same things that you’d want to avoid for your falsies are the things you’ll want to steer clear of if you have sensitive eyes.
What Mascaras To Avoid With Sensitive Eyes?
Fragrance-Based
For those with particular sensitivities, there are certainly some cosmetic ingredients that are more inclined to bother the eyes. Fragrance, for example. Would you knowingly squirt perfume in your eyes? Uh, no. Me neither. Then it’s probably best to avoid mascara with fragrance, at least those containing quantities large enough to cause irritation. Another no-brainer? Buying a mascara developed specifically for sensitive eyes.
Waterproof
Waterproof mascara is one thing you’ll want to avoid. The qualities that give waterproof mascara its staying power can irritate the eye area, too. When you remove it, you’ll need to use an oil-based eye makeup remover, and a little scrubbing action to get it off. Not only can this scrubbing irritate sensitive eyes, but it’s death to falsies as well.
What Else Can You Do To Protect Your Sensitive Eyes?
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Keep your eyes adequately hydrated.
If you have dry eyes, or you take allergy medication that causes dry eyes, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. Dry eyes are more prone to sensitivities, because they’re less able to flush out irritants. If allergies cause your eyes to get a little watery, on the other hand, a mascara that’s water-resistant is your friend.
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Don’t share eye makeup with anyone.
I know. It’s so tempting to try on that great new product that your friend just bought. Or to use your sister’s mascara when you forgot yours at home. Don’t do it. Just like you wouldn’t share a friend’s toothbrush, you don’t want to use their eye makeup, either. You don’t know what bacteria may be lurking inside. And did you know about mites? You don’t want to catch any of those critters, either! (Check out our article on eyelash mites.)
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Don’t go to sleep without removing your eye makeup.
Leaving makeup on all night can cause a number of problems. First, as you move your face around on the pillow while you sleep, the mascara gets rubbed into your eye area. That’s why you wake up with raccoon eyes. It can also cause irritation or provide a warm environment for bacteria that lead to infection. Second, the mascara gets all over your pillowcase, and the residue can attract bacteria, which you’ll be putting your face into the next time you go to bed.
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Use BeautyGARDE Lash & Brow Shampoo.
A gentle cleanser applied with a charcoal brush removes your mascara. This means no rough scrubbing around your eye area. What’s more, the charcoal brush is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-microbial, so you’ll protect your eye health that way, too. If you have eyelash extensions or wear other false lashes, this is also the best way to protect your falsies.
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Do not use mascara that’s old or dried out.
You should replace your mascara every three months. Primer, too. Not only can old mascara harbor bacteria, but it can attract fungus, too. Older mascara also tends to dry out, and for those with lash enhancements, it can tug unnecessarily on the delicate attachments holding your lashes in place. It’s not great for sensitivities, either.
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Don’t apply your mascara too close to the lash line
When you apply mascara right at the root of your lashes, it’s closer to the eyelid skin and your eye, and more likely to cause irritation. Applying mascara at the base of your lashes increases tension on faux lashes, too, which can weaken the adhesive bond over time. Instead, start the application a little bit up the lash.
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Curl your lashes.
This is a good habit whether you have sensitivities or not. Curled lashes are less likely to touch the delicate skin under your eyes, so it won’t leave color behind or cause your skin to react. (If you wear faux lashes, they’re probably already curled!)
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Stay away from colored mascara.
Dyes used in colored mascaras can irritate sensitive eyes.
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Don’t apply mascara to your lower lashes.
Want to further minimize the possibility of a reaction? Apply mascara to your upper lashes only.