Why do my eyes get irritated when I wear eyeliner?

Author: Julius Corkery  |  Last update: Friday, November 21, 2025

Particles of eyeliner could get into the eyes and also cause problems if you have sensitive or dry eyes. It is even more affecting for those who wear contact lenses, especially when eyeliner is put on the inner lid margin. If eyeliner is continuously being applied, tiny particles are allowed to then build up.

Why is my eyeliner irritating my eyes?

Application of eyeliner can make the eyes sting or burn if you are allergic to some ingredients in it. You may experience pain, a stinging or burning sensation right after applying the makeup or a while later.

How to apply eyeliner without irritating eyes?

For pencil eyeliner in your water line (the thin line rught above your lower lashes) hold your underye area down with your finger and apply. For liquid eyeliner (in the area where you would put a wing) make sure the tip isn't touching your eyelashes. That's what causes most people to flinch.

How do you stop eye irritation from makeup?

Makeup Tips for Sensitive Eyes
  1. Don't Let Makeup Come in Direct Contact with Your Eyes. ...
  2. Avoid Sleeping in Makeup. ...
  3. Clean Brushes and Applicators. ...
  4. Wash Your Hands. ...
  5. Be Selfish, Don't Share. ...
  6. Eliminate Problem Products. ...
  7. Purge Your Makeup Collection. ...
  8. Keep It Simple.

What kind of eyeliner is best for sensitive eyes?

Eyeliner For Sensitive Eyes
  • Clinique. Quickliner For Eyes Intense. $27. ...
  • Bobbi Brown. Ink Eyeliner. $36. ...
  • Laura Mercier. Caviar Tightline Eyeliner. $29. ...
  • Neen. Side Eye Liner. $20. ...
  • Clinique. Quickliner For Eyes. $27. ...
  • Trish McEvoy. Intense Gel Eye Liner. $32. ...
  • Bobbi Brown. Long Wear Gel Eyeliner. $36. ...
  • Lune+Aster. Dawn to Dusk Kajal Eyeliner. $24.

Eyes Too Sensitive for Eye Makeup? | Eye Doctor Reviews | Molly Burke

What eyeliner does not irritate your eyes?

CLINIQUEQuickliner™ For Eyes Intense Eyeliner

Recommended for sensitive eyes... Great for sensitive eyes. I have extremely dry and sensitive eyes, and I love this eyeliner. What it is: An eyeliner pencil that offers a richly pigmented shade for instant intensity.

What makeup won't make my eyes water?

Look for products formulated specifically for sensitive eyes/skin, or choose products that are suitable for sensitive eyes/skin such as Skyliner Automatic Gel Eyeliner. With its quick-setting, soothing formula, Skyliner is one of the best gel eyeliners available.

Why am I suddenly allergic to eyeliner?

The basic ingredients of all cosmetics are waxes, oils, detergents, dyes, perfumes, lanolin, and preservatives. Any of these can cause an allergic reaction in the delicate skin around your eyes. It might seem strange to suddenly become allergic to a makeup you have been using for years.

When not to wear eyeliner?

"The reasons eye doctors do not recommend to wear eyeliner on the waterline of your eye is because there are specialized glands there that produce and excrete oil. "The oil should be an olive oil texture, but as you can see here it looks more like toothpaste.

How do I get rid of irritation around my eyes?

A cool compress and petrolatum-based barrier cream (like Aquaphor or Vaseline) can help soothe the skin. More serious dermatitis and eyelid eczema often needs treatment with prescription medications like steroid ointments and calcineurin inhibitors like pimecrolimus (Elidel) and tacrolimus (Protopic).

What can I wear instead of eyeliner?

Eyeshadow as Eyeliner: You can also use eyeshadow as a liner by applying it with a damp angled brush. This can create a softer and more diffused line compared to traditional eyeliner.

What brand of eye makeup is hypoallergenic?

Clinique is one of the biggest names in makeup for sensitive eyes and skin. This brand is formulated without known allergens and offers high-quality products for sensitive eyes and contact lenses.

Why do my eyes water when I wear eyeliner?

One common culprit is applying eyeliner or eyeshadow directly to the waterline. This technique is called tightlining, which is a surefire way of creating polish and definition, but it can also introduce product very close to the eye, leading to irritation.

Is it bad to wear eyeliner on your waterline every day?

Applying eyeliner directly on the waterline can sometimes obstruct the oil glands, potentially leading to irritation or infection.

Why does eye makeup bother my eyes?

The production and turnover of the tear film helps keep our eyes feel comfortable and see clearly. When you wear eye makeup, especially powder or glitters, the loose particles can cause the tear film to break down and evaporate too quickly, leaving your eyes feeling dry and irritated.

Is eyeliner better on the top or bottom?

Wear a darker colour eyeliner or eyeshadow on the top lid - and softer colour on the bottom lid. Avoid using eyeliner on the bottom lid in full daylight settings, such as for a garden lunch or the beach. Reserve bottom eyeliner for low light settings. Test the look of lining the wet line - not just the lid.

Can eyeliner cause eye problems?

Avoid applying eyeliner to your eyelid margins

These oil glands provide the oily component of the tear film that lubricates your eyes. Makeup can block these oil glands, causing an unstable tear film that evaporates too quickly. This can lead to issues with dry eye and irritation.

Does bottom eyeliner age you?

And we won't stand for it. Lining the waterline not only makes eyes look smaller, but it ages you, dulls your complexion, and makes us all very, very sad.

How to get rid of eyelid dermatitis?

How is eyelid dermatitis treated?
  1. Corticosteroids (like hydrocortisone) applied to your skin.
  2. Oral (taken by mouth) corticosteroids.
  3. Calcineurin inhibitors.

What are three signs of contact dermatitis?

Signs and symptoms of contact dermatitis vary widely and may include:
  • An itchy rash.
  • Leathery patches that are darker than usual (hyperpigmented), typically on brown or Black skin.
  • Dry, cracked, scaly skin, typically on white skin.
  • Bumps and blisters, sometimes with oozing and crusting.
  • Swelling, burning or tenderness.

Are you supposed to put foundation on your eyes?

To avoid drawing unwanted attention to the area, many makeup artists would recommend not applying too much, if any, foundation around the eye.

How do you keep makeup from irritating your eyes?

Makeup Tips & Tricks to Try if You Have Sensitive Eyes
  1. Wear Makeup That's Formulated for Sensitive Skin. ...
  2. Avoid Irritating Ingredients. ...
  3. Toss Out Expired Cosmetics. ...
  4. Clean Your Makeup Brushes Weekly. ...
  5. Try Eyeliner and Eyeshadow that Won't Tug. ...
  6. Use Smudge-Free, Non-Flaking Mascara. ...
  7. Don't Apply Eyeliner to Your Water Line.

What are basal tears?

Basal tears are in your eyes all the time to lubricate, nourish and protect your cornea. Basal tears act as a constant shield between the eye and the rest of the world, keeping dirt and debris away. Reflex tears are formed when your eyes need to wash away harmful irritants, such as smoke, foreign bodies or onion fumes.

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