The 10 Best Mascaras for Sensitive Eyes

For some, eyes and mascara just don't play nice. One swipe of the wrong kind can leave you inflamed, teary, and bloodshot.

But don't worry—you're not alone when it comes to feeling that (itchy, burny) pain. Many people "have dermatitis or allergies to eye makeup, particularly to mascara because it gets closest to the eyeballs," said Jessica Lattman, MD, an ophthalmologist in New York. Dry eyes often factor in, said Dr. Lattman, because the condition prevents your eyes from flushing out offending substances.

Those who wear contacts and are allergy-prone are even more likely to react. But the good news is that you can still get lush-ish lashes if you're willing to tweak your ways. Here, experts weigh in on how to wear mascara without putting your eyes through extra stress, plus the best picks for sensitive eyes.

Do a DIY Patch Test

Before you place that wand near your eyes, said Dr. Lattman, try the product out on your inner forearm (swipe a little excess product from the base of the wand with a Q-tip, then dab it on the skin). Cover with a piece of tape or adhesive bandage and check again at the end of the day. If you don't notice any redness, you're good to go.

Shop Old-school

Extension fibers? Proprietary mega-thickening formulas? Not for you. "The simpler the better," said Dr. Lattman. "Less bells and whistles mean less ingredients to irritate you." On top of reading labels and looking for mascaras with the least amount of ingredients, opt for formulas that are mineral-free, hypoallergenic, and ophthalmologist-tested, Debra Jaliman, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City, told Health.

Go Basic Black

Avoid colored mascaras, since these have dyes in them that are more likely to bother sensitive eyes, said Dr. Jaliman.

Avoid Waterproof

Budge-proof sounds good until you have to scrub yourself raw trying to get it (somewhat) off. "Waterproof formulas are harder to remove," which means your sensitive eyes and skin don't get a break, said Dr. Lattman. Yes, you may get the occasional smudge. But isn't that better than itchy, irritated eyes or your contacts popping out on you?

Ignore the Beauty Insiders

The latest makeup vlogger commands you to wriggle that wand in super close to the lash line, but eye care providers beg you not to. "Avoid the base of the lashes and the lower lash line," said Dr. Lattman. And when wearing eyeliner, skip the waterline (that flat inner rim of the eye inside the lash line) to avoid getting a bacterial eye infection.

Take. It. All. Off.

It's true. Sometimes we go to bed without removing our eye makeup. Nothing good comes of this habit. It contributes to blepharitis, an inflammation of the eyelid that leads to a gritty sensation and tearing. Dr. Lattman is a fan of gently scrubbing lashes and lids with Almay Oil-Free Gentle Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($13; amazon.com): "It's like giving a shampoo to your lashes."

Know When To Say 'It's Not Me, It's You'

Relationships change and that beloved mascara you've been loyal to since college may suddenly irritate you. Dr. Lattman said she has known people who have used a product for years to say, "All of a sudden I have redness, irritation, and a scaly appearance—that's an allergy to the product." If that's the case, it's time to part ways.

Another key tip from Dr. Lattman: "Throw mascara away every three months because bacteria can definitely build up and cause an infection."

Start With These Picks

Looking for a tube that fits the bill for finicky eyes? Below, you'll find the 10 best mascaras for sensitive eyes. Keep in mind, though, that everyone has different sensitivities, so remember to start with a patch test, as the experts recommended.

• Maybelline Sky High Washable Mascara
• Clinique High Impact Mascara
• Tetyana Naturals 4D Fiber Lash Mascara
• Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara
• Tarte Cosmetics Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara
• 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara
• Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara
• Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer
• Ilia Limitless Lash Mascara
• Blinc Mascara