Sensitive eyes usually get irritated with some mascaras on the market. People who have sensitive eyes feel uncomfortable with some environmental issues because their eyes are not as good as compared to normal eyes. This is why individuals with sensitive eyes avoid allergic environments, things, and dryness because of sensitivity issues. In this post, I will provide a brief guide and help you choose the best mascara for sensitive eyes. Choosing a mascara is a sensitive part of eye makeup products because it applies close to the eye area. Choosing the right mascara is also important for those with sensitive eyes, because if they do not care about the appropriate mascara product, it can be harmful. So, it is right to say that every person who uses cosmetic products must choose ophthalmologist-tested, cruelty-free, and vegan mascara for sensitive eyes.
Photo by: Marcus Aurelius
In this article, we will cover some essential factors, such as talking about sensitive eyes, suitable mascara for sensitive eyes, suggestions about the right or suitable mascara, and tips for healthy eyes (Ng & Evans, 2016). It’s all about taking care of sensitive eyes or looking great with the help of the right mascara.
Understanding Sensitive Eyes
Causes of sensitivity in the eye area: It is observed that many types of things can cause sensitivity of the eyes, as some health conditions based on dryness, allergies, and environmental problems also cause more proneness or irritation of the eyes.
Common symptoms experienced by those with sensitive eyes: Sensitive eyes have some symptoms which indicate that the eyes are sensitive because of abnormal feelings. It includes symptoms such as itching, watering, and a burning sensation.
How mascara can exacerbate sensitivity: If we talk about mascara and eye sensitivity, mascara is not a harmful product for the eyes. On the other hand, mascara can be harmful for those who have sensitive eyes. Before buying mascara, they must be curious about its formula and ingredients. If the mascara is not cruelty-free, vegan, or tested by an ophthalmologist, it may cause an allergy or worse condition for sensitive eyes. That’s why people who have sensitive eyes need to use clean mascara.
Ingredients that can hurt sensitive eyes: The mascara can irritate sensitive eyes because of specific ingredients such as formaldehyde, parabens, phenoloxyethanol, aluminum, coal tar dyes, propylene glycol, ethanolamine, fragrance, and retinyl acetate or retinyl palmitate.
Key Features to Look for in Mascara for Sensitive Eyes
Hypoallergenic Formula
Hypoallergenic formula is one of the great formulas for those people who have sensitive eyes, as it works for allergic reactions and makes your eyes safe. The hypoallergenic formula mascara is a medicated suggestion for sensitive eyes.
Fragrance-Free
A fragrance-free product is also known as medicated mascara, which is harmless to the sensitive eye. Because of the fragrance, you must face some allergies and burning issues in the eye. That’s why people with sensitive eyes must avoid mascara that contains fragrance to reduce the risk of irritation and discomfort.
Gentle Ingredients are Gentle on Eyes
Gentle ingredients are suitable for sensitive eyes, such as aloe vera, chamomile, argan oil, and jojoba oil, which mainly consist of gentle and non-irritating ingredients. These ingredients helps to nourish the lashes and protect your sensitive eyes.
Ophthalmologist-Tested and Approved
It is important for every product to be tested and approved by an ophthalmologist, because without any testing, cosmetic products can be harmful to sensitive areas of your skin. There is no doubt that skin is the most important part of our body. That’s why we suggested that every mascara that is tested and approved by an ophthalmologist can be gentle on extremely sensitive eyes.
Water-Based VS. Oil-Based Formulas
Water-based mascara is better than oil-based mascara because the water-based formula is lighter and less likely to cause irritation. Whereas oil-based mascara can be difficult to remove before bed and can cause irritation for sensitive eyes, so you must use clean mascara for sensitive eyes.
The 7 Top Picks for Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes and Contact Lens Wearers
These hypoallergenic handpicks are great for watery eyes, dry eyes, or allergy-affected eyes.
Best Classic Mascara: Vivienne Sabó Paris – Classic Everyday Mascara Cabaret Premiere
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
The Vivienne Sabo Cabaret Prime Mascara volumizes and defines lashes in just one coat. It is a lightweight and clump-free formula and does not flake or transfer. It’s easy to apply and remove using an eye makeup remover or cleansing balm. It is cruelty-free, long-lasting, and non-toxic.
Best Clean Mascara – Lash Next Door Water Resistant Mascara for Volume and Length
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Lash Next Door Mascara can help you grow longer and fuller lashes. It contains safe ingredients and is gentle on sensitive eyes. The application is easy to apply and leaves your lashes looking flawless. It’s also smudge-proof. It is free of parabens and sulfates. It is excellent for everyday wear and can be easily washed off with a makeup remover or cleansing balm.
Best Waterproof for sensitive eyes: essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
The essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect mascara is waterproof and gives your natural lashes a volumizing, false-lash effect. It doesn’t flake or fade and stays put all day. The brush is conical in shape and can be used individually to add definition to your lashes. This cruelty-free mascara adds maximum volume to thin lashes. You can easily remove the mascara using gentle makeup removers, micellar water, or cleansing balm.
Best Fragrance-free: Marcelle Ultimate Volume Waterproof Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
The Marcelle Ultimate Volume Mascara has a long-lasting, waterproof finish. The mascara makes lashes look thicker and fuller without clumping. This mascara comes with a special brush that applies the correct product. This brush can grab each lash and coat the mascara for an eye-opening effect.
Best for buildable volume: Clinique High Impact Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
The High Impact Mascara is infused with rich black pigments that give intense color and add drama to lashes. If you’re looking for a buildable mascara, then this is your go-to for buildable volume and natural lashes. Clinique high-impact mascara is also featured with the soft fiber brush, which combs and defines each and every lash to kick up the volume and length. Dr. Ashley Brissette (MD, MSc, FRCSC) tested this mascara for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers; it is safe and does not irritate the eyes.
Real User experiences and Verified Reviews
As Miss Kitty ages, her eyes have become more sensitive. She gave this mascara five stars and said in her review that her eyes are getting more sensitive with age, and every mascara bothers her. Miss Kitty is pleased with the results of high-impact mascara, which doesn’t irritate her sensitive eyes. Furthermore, she said, it lasted throughout the day with no smudges or flakes. It stays put on your lashes until you remove it.
Miss Gloucester Gal‘s husband gifted her a Clinique perfume, and this mascara is included in the gift set. Gloucester Gal didn’t wear mascara because she wears contact lenses, and the flaking particles caused severe irritation to her eyes. She decided to give high-impact mascara a try, and she was pleased and surprised with the results. This mascara lasts throughout the day without flaking or smudging. In addition, she recommends this mascara to all contact lens wearers.
Best for sensitive, dry eyes: twenty-twenty beauty Clean Sweep Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
This mascara, which is clean, vegan, and treatment-based, enhances the length, fullness, and strength of eyelashes instantly and over time. It is formulated with biotin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to strengthen and hydrate the dry, thin eyelashes. It is gentle on dry, sensitive eyes and takes no effort to remove. The beauty Clean Sweep Mascara is made with clean, vegan ingredients and is ophthalmologist-tested and approved. This buildable mascara doesn’t clump and is great for everyday use.
The eye-safe formula is all good for your eyes and helps hydrate and strengthen your lashes without irritating them. The ingredients work like a lash serum for your eyelashes, and with continued use, they promote healthier hair growth. The wand is very friendly, and the brush provides a smooth application while coating the lashes from root to tip.
Real User experiences and Verified Reviews
Miss NemoMichelle said the curved brush grabs each and every lash to coat them evenly. The formula lengthens and also provides some volume. It did not clump, and it lasted well throughout the day without flaking. Furthermore, she said that it stayed on her lashes even after she got wet accidentally.
Patricia L. Condelli rated this mascara five stars and said it is perfect for sensitive eyes. She wore it while performing with her singing group. Even after a lot of dancing and sweating, this one stayed put on her lashes and didn’t budge or run. She was pleased that the mascara did not flake, and even if she accidentally got some on her face, it was easily removed with a dry tissue. Furthermore, she mentioned that she wears contact lenses on stage and has allergy issues, and she was pleased with how this mascara gently treated her sensitive eyes. Even after the second coat on her previously coated eyelashes, the mascara does not clump.
Miss Patricia L. Condelli highly recommends this mascara to those who have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses.
Miss Jessica liked the slightly curved wand and said it was very smooth to apply. On the other hand, she said the product is a little clumpy, and if you have an eyelash brush, it may help with clumps.
Best for bottom lashes: Rimmel KIND & Free Clean Mascara
Price at time of publish: Check price at Amazon.
Overview
Rimmel Kind mascara is made with 99% of natural ingredients. According to the brand’s claim, it is a clean and vegan mascara that delivers volume and length with its bio-based fiber bristle brush. The wand is ultra-soft, provides precise application without being clumpy, and lasts up to 36 hours. It is formulated with organic shea butter and biotin that condition and strengthen the lashes instantly. Rimmel Kind mascara comes in two colors: black and brown. The black color is for popping your eyes, while the brown color is for grabbing attention.
Real User experiences and Verified Reviews
Kaylin Moss said it is so easy to remove and stays put when she needs it. She wants to buy another bottle of Rimmel Clean mascara.
Kate had been on the hunt for clean mascara for a long time. It makes her lashes look natural and thick, which was not easy with any other mascara. Furthermore, she said that it is easy to remove and won’t hurt sensitive eyes.
Miss Lori gave Rimmel Clean mascara five stars and shared her experience while reviewing it on Amazon. She talked about its longevity. She said that she wore it all day to an event, and it did not smudge a little. It stays beautifully, providing a natural look.
Conclusion
I have compiled a list of the top seven hand-picked mascaras for sensitive eyes; all mascaras are verified by customer reviews on Amazon and brand websites. I have also provided links with reviews, so you can see and read the original review by the consumer. Additionally, before and after results are also provided to help in the user’s decision-making. I sourced these before and after images from the retailer’s website, edited them, and also mentioned the credit on each image. If you have any complaints, please let me know below in the comment box. Your participation is highly appreciated.