Best mascaras for sensitive eyes
The bestselling mascara has been labelled a “holy grail” by fans, including Celeste Barber.
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While mascara may be a staple beauty item in the makeup kits of many women, for those with sensitive eyes it can be particularly fraught.
Some mascaras can cause a red, inflamed, itchy and just generally unhappy reaction from our eyes.
If you’re not prepared to give up the fluttery, thick appearance mascara gifts your lashes, then Dr Mei Tam, fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, says to look for mascaras that are hypo-allergenic.
“Mascaras often contain ingredients that may cause irritations and allergies including fragrances, essential oils, colophony, shellac and certain preservatives,” Dr Tam tells news.com.au. “The ones labelled hypo-allergenic are generally fragrance-free and won’t contain colophony or shellac which have been reported to cause allergic contact dermatitis.”
If not hypo-allergenic, carefully read the details of a product to ensure it’s suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
MASCARAS TO TRY IF YOU HAVE SENSITIVE EYES
MCoBEAUTY XtendLash Mascara, McoBeauty, $28
This mascara is a bestseller for a reason and loved by celebrities like Celeste Barber, Jules Sebastian and Martha Kalifatidis. Summing up the well-justified hype around XtendLash, MCoBeauty ambassador Barber — whose previous posts about the mascara fuelled a sell out in Woolworths — describes it as “the tits”.
“It doesn’t fall off either, it’s waterproof which is amazing, it kind of coats your lashes,” she said in a TikTok video of her applying the mascara.
The mascara has gone viral on TikTok too, with videos of “obsessed” shoppers applying the “holy grail” tubing mascara racking up hundreds of thousands of views.
Influencer @samjtodd said in one video the mascara worked “just as good” as a $50 brand name mascara she had previously been using.
“It is amazing,” she said in another video. “It’s almost six months and I have only used this mascara, it is so great, it’s tubing so it doesn’t smudge, looks so cute.”
The mascara works by binding to lashes in water resistant “tubes”, however, it will also remove easily with warm water and is suitable for sensitive eyes too.
Ere Perez Natural Almond Mascara, THE ICONIC, $42
This mascara is made from almond oil, beeswax and carnauba wax that will not only help your lashes grow naturally but also stop them from falling out.
It also contains vitamin E, making it suitable for anyone with sensitive eyes or who wears contact lenses.
Jane Iredale PureLash Lengthening Mascara, Adore Beauty, $46
We couldn’t have a list of mascaras for sensitive eyes and not include Jane Iredale, a brand that bills itself as “the skin care makeup”.
This mascara has a protective formula to make lashes healthier that includes added panthenol for conditioning, algae extract to prevent splitting and drying lashes, as well as wheat protein, carnauba wax and radish root extract.
Clinique Lash Power Mascara, Myer, $41
Suited for anyone with sensitive eyes, this mascara is free from harsh fragrance and any phthalates or parabens.
Plus, it promises 24-hours of staying power and will keep your lashes lengthened through rain and humidity.
M. A. C Cosmetics Extended Play Gigaback Lash Mascara, THE ICONIC, $45
This mascara is ophthalmologist tested with a lightweight, buildable formula designed to last for up to 16 hours.
But what makes it really special (and ideal for those with sensitive eyes) is its innovative thermal technology that allows it to wash off easily in warm water, meaning there’s no tugging on lashes to remove it.
Mirenesse Secret Weapon Mascara – Super Volume, Adore Beauty, $39
If you’re a fan of volumising mascaras, you’ll love this tubing option that offers serious thickening and curling action.
It’s hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free so shouldn’t irritate your eyes and panthenol conditions your lashes while you wear it.
Covergirl LashBlast Volume Mascara, Woolworths, $19
A blast from the past, LashBlast Volume Mascara is a tried and tested mascara that provides instant volume.
Plus its hypo-allergenic formula and brush won’t annoy sensitive eyes.
Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Volumising Mascara, Woolworths, $19
Infused with nourishing vitamin E, this Maybelline mascara promises shiny, thick and full lashes after application.
It’s contact lens safe, hypo-allergenic and quickly dissolves when you cleanse so you don’t cause your eyes any grief trying to remove it all.
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes 4-in-1 Mascara, Sephora, $37
Don’t be distracted by its purple glitter casing, this four-in-one mascara – that’s curling, lengthening, treating and volumising – is the real deal.
It’s ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested, and safe for contact lens wearers.
Eye Of Horus Goddess Mascara, Adore Beauty, $39
With its clever hourglass-shaped brush and formula containing the protective antioxidant moringa oil, this mascara curls and lengthens.
It’s formulated for those with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers and is free of parabens.
How can I tell if I have sensitive eyes?
Dr Tam says there are a few things that may indicate your eyes are sensitive. “Eyelid skin that is thin, easily irritated skin that at times can become red, dry, flaky and swell,” says Dr Tam. “The eyes themselves feel dry and have a gritty feeling, or, from the ophthalmologist’s point of view, it often means you’re light-sensitive (photophobia).”
What mascaras should people with sensitive eyes avoid?
There are several elements in mascaras that Dr Tam says those with sensitive eyes should steer clear of. “Lengthening (added microfibres), curling, thickening and volumising (more waxes and beeswax),” says Dr Tam. “Waterproof mascaras and tinting mascaras (may contain Paraphenylenediamine – hair dye) and fragrance containing mascaras.”
How should women with sensitive eyes remove their mascara?
Makeup artist and founder of Basics By B, Bonnie Gillies, says Bioderma Micellar wateris a favourite product of hers and is a great place to start. “It’s fantastic and even the most sensitive skin and eyes can use it, some brands of micellar aren’t as pure as Bioderma so people with sensitive eyes and skin should stick to that brand,” says Bonnie. “Oil cleansers are very effective at removing eye makeup and are gentle on the eyes and skin, too. Remember, oil cleansers need to be used on dry skin then rinsed off, otherwise they won’t work.”
While you’re here, check out our guide to the best anti-ageing facial creams for every stage of life. Plus, we found the best hyaluronic acids from affordable to high-end.
Then, don’t miss the news.com.au Coupons page for all the best discounts on top brands including Sephora and Adore Beauty.
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