Why does eyeliner make my eyes hurt?

Author: Peter Stehr  |  Last update: Wednesday, October 29, 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 are my eyes so sensitive to eyeliner?

  • Allergic Reactions: Ingredients in makeup, especially in eye products like mascara and eyeliner, can cause allergic reactions.
  • Irritation: Some makeup products can irritate the delicate skin around the eyes or the eyes themselves, especially if they contain harsh chemicals or are not formulated for sensitive skin.

Is eyeliner supposed to sting?

It all comes down to numbing products and technique! Most of my eyeliner clients say it feels like a tickle sensation. You may want to look at what others say about the experience when choosing your artist!

What is the best eyeliner for sensitive eyes?

Eyeliner For Sensitive Eyes
  • Chantecaille. $36. ...
  • Clinique. $27. 3,440.
  • Hourglass. $28. ...
  • Sisley-Paris. $73. ...
  • Laura Mercier. $29. ...
  • Sisley-Paris. $73. ...
  • Bobbi Brown. $36. 2,869.
  • Sisley-Paris. $73.

What is a safe eyeliner to use?

Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense Eyeliner

This richly pigmented eyeliner offers instant intensity for the eyes using a formula that's free of irritating ingredients like parabens, mineral oil, and fragrances.

What Is The Best Eye Makeup For Dry Eyes? Can you wear makeup with dry eye?

What is the best drugstore eyeliner?

The Best Drugstore Eyeliners
  • Best Overall Drugstore Eyeliner: Maybelline TattooStudio Gel Pencil.
  • Best Pencil Drugstore Eyeliner: L'Oreal Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner.
  • Best Budget Drugstore Eyeliner: Wet n Wild On Edge Longwearing Eye Pencil.
  • Best Liquid Drugstore Eyeliner Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner.

Where not to put eyeliner?

What Should You Not Do With Eyeliner? DON'T line your whole eye. DON'T tight line your waterline on top and bottom.

How do you know if you are allergic to eyeliner?

Recognizing the symptoms of an allergic reaction to eye makeup is essential for prompt action. Common symptoms include redness, itching, swelling, tearing, and a burning or stinging sensation.

What is the best eyeliner for seniors?

Our Top Picks
  • Best Overall: Clinique Liquid Eyeliner at Amazon $28. ...
  • Best Budget: Maybelline Gel Pencil Eyeliner at Amazon $9. ...
  • Best for Thick Lines: SALE. ...
  • Easiest to Remove: Estēe Lauder Double Wear 24H Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil at Amazon $32. ...
  • Best Longwear: ...
  • Best Satin Finish: ...
  • Easiest to Use:

Why does eyeliner make me cry?

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.

How do you apply eyeliner without poking your eyes?

Pull down your lower lid (be gentle!) and expose your waterline above your lash line with your finger. Angle your eyeliner pencil, so you don't poke your eye and then swipe from the outer edge towards the inner edge filling the waterline. You can do the same for your upper waterline if you want more definition.

Why do my eyes burn and water when I wear makeup?

Outdated or Contaminated Products. Old or expired makeup is another common culprit. Over time, bacteria can accumulate in your makeup products, especially those used near the eyes, like eyeliner and mascara. Applying such products can cause inflammation, burning, and eye infections.

Does getting eyeliner in your eye hurt?

Harmful Effects of Bacteria

Once you use a makeup tool, the bacteria sticks to it. This buildup of bacteria increases your chance of an allergic reaction or eye infection with each use. If makeup gets into your eyes, irritation and redness can occur.

Does bottom eyeliner age you?

Does Bottom Eyeliner Age You? In certain circumstances wearing eyeliner on the bottom lid can make someone appear older or hardened as it can make the eye seem more sunken.

Is it OK to leave eyeliner on overnight?

Yes, sleeping in eye makeup can be particularly harmful. It can irritate your eyes, potentially leading to infections or styes. Mascara and eyeliner can clog the tiny hair follicles and oil glands on your eyelids. Over time, this can even weaken your eyelashes, making them brittle and prone to breakage.

Do you put mascara on first or eyeliner?

“Mascara always last after eye shadow and liner as you want to keep it clean with no particles in it,” advises Vogue beauty and health director Sigourney Cantelo. This also helps to achieve a more precise result with your eyeliner: “It's easier to see where you're drawing if you have nude lashes,” she says.

What is the easiest type of eyeliner to apply?

Whether you choose pencil, gel, or liquid, each has its own special application and skill level. An eyeliner pencil is perfect for an everyday look and is arguably the easiest to use. Just make sure to regularly sharpen your pencils (if needed) to achieve a clean, precise line.

Is elf a good eyeliner?

It's easy to apply, stays on all day without budging, offers great pigmentation, and comes in a generous amount—at an incredibly affordable price. If you're looking for a reliable, long-lasting eyeliner that won't break the bank, I highly recommend giving this one a try.

What eyeliner looks most natural?

While you can create stunning eyeliner looks with liquid liner, gel liner, and everything in-between, However, Linter suggests using a pencil liner if you're going for that natural, barely-there look.

Why do my eyes hurt when I wear eyeliner?

If eyeliner is continuously being applied, tiny particles are allowed to then build up. The residue build-up can seriously damage the eyes — leading to infection, irritation and blurred vision.

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 you calm sensitive eyes?

With sensitive, irritated eyes, you want to be gentle and avoid touching them as much as possible—which isn't easy when they're itchy or painful. Cold compresses are great for reducing swelling and sensitivity, and Clear Eyes eye drops for itchy eyes, dry eyes or sensitive eyes can help bring relief.

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