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If you've ever dealt with makeup smearing due to watery eyes, you understand the frustration. Luckily, there are simple adjustments you can make to your makeup routine to solve this issue.
Steps to Follow
Choosing the Appropriate Makeup
Avoid makeup products containing allergens. Before purchasing makeup, carefully examine the ingredient list. Steer clear of products containing common allergens such as parabens, sulfates, petroleum-based ingredients, or silicones. Additionally, if you're gluten-sensitive, ensure that the makeup does not contain wheat, which is a common ingredient. Keep in mind that the term 'hypoallergenic' lacks FDA or government regulation, so always verify the ingredients to ensure suitability.
Opt for fragrance-free makeup to prevent eye irritation. Fragrance is a common culprit for causing irritation, even if you don't detect a scent in your makeup products. It's often added to mask the smell of other ingredients. Avoid using products with fragrances, especially those applied near the eyes like moisturizers and eye creams.
EXPERT TIP
Daniel Vann
Licensed Aesthetician
Licensed Aesthetician
Opt for products with minimal ingredients. Makeup artist Daniel Vann advises, 'Generally, makeup with fewer chemicals tends to be less irritating. Also, steer clear of fragrances in products, as they can be more problematic for many people than they realize.'
Opt for eye products containing hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin B5. Makeup infused with moisturizing elements such as concealer, mascara, or cream eye shadow can help prevent dryness and redness in your eyes. Look for products enriched with organic oils, butters, and cucumber extract.
Avoid makeup products containing glitter or sparkles. Whether it's eyeshadows, bronzers, or mascaras, glitter particles can easily fall into your eyes, causing discomfort.
Choose a tubing formula mascara that applies while wet. Tubing mascaras coat your lashes with small wet tubes that adhere to them as they dry. These formulas, often water-based, are preferable to traditional waxy formulas, which can flake off and dry out your eyes.
Opt for basic black mascaras without added properties or dyes. While lengthening, thickening, or waterproof mascaras may seem appealing, they often contain extra chemicals that can irritate your eyes. Additionally, colored mascaras, especially those containing red dye, can lead to watery eyes. Avoid thickening mascaras containing hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and waterproof mascaras that are harder to remove, causing additional irritation.
Preparing to Apply Your Makeup
Perform a patch test on a small area of skin on your arm before applying makeup. Even products labeled as hypoallergenic can sometimes cause skin reactions. Use a cotton swab to apply a small amount of makeup to your forearm and cover the area with a bandage. Check for any redness or itching at the end of the day to ensure the product is safe for use.
Remove nail polish from your hands if it could be irritating your eyes. Surprisingly, the chemicals in nail polish, such as formaldehyde, can emit fumes that irritate your eyes. Try going polish-free for a while to see if it alleviates your watery eyes.
Apply eye drops at least 30 minutes before applying makeup. After washing your hands, tilt your head back slightly and administer a drop into the inner corner of each eye. Keep your eyes closed for 1 to 2 minutes to allow the drops to soak in and flush out any irritants. Avoid using redness relief drops, as they can be habit-forming and may worsen redness over time.
Wash your hands thoroughly before applying makeup. Considering the amount of dirt and germs your hands come into contact with throughout the day, it's crucial to ensure they're clean before touching your face or applying makeup. Use gentle soap and warm water to cleanse your hands thoroughly, especially if you use your fingers to apply eye shadow or cream.
Proper Makeup Application
Apply eye cream approximately 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) away from your eyes. Placing eye cream too close to your eyes can lead to it seeping into your eyes as it absorbs into your skin, causing irritation. Leave a small space around your eyes free of cream to prevent this from happening.
Before using powder eye shadow, apply primer to your eyelids. Powder shadow can easily crumble into your eyes, especially for those with sensitive eyes. Apply a hypoallergenic primer on your lids before applying powder to help keep it in place. Alternatively, consider using cream eye shadow instead of powder to avoid eye irritation.
Limit eyeliner application to your lash line, avoiding the waterline. Applying eyeliner too close to your eyes, especially on the waterline, can increase the risk of eye infections due to bacterial contamination. Consider sharpening your eyeliner before each use to remove any potential germs.
Apply mascara only to the upper half of your upper lashes. Avoid applying mascara to the roots of your lashes to prevent irritation of the delicate skin on your eyelids. Start from the middle of your upper lashes and brush upward in a horizontal motion to coat the lashes with mascara. Avoid applying mascara to your lower lashes to prevent running or smearing, especially if you have watery eyes.
Preventing Eye Irritation
Avoid touching your eyes throughout the day. It can be tempting to rub your eyes when they're irritated, but rubbing can exacerbate the problem and transfer germs from your hands to your eyes. If you must rub your eyes, ensure your hands are thoroughly washed first.
Clean your makeup brushes weekly using soap and water. Makeup brushes accumulate makeup, oil, and bacteria over time. Clean them by swirling them in soapy water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. Alternatively, use shampoo or dish soap for cleaning. Always cover your brushes after cleaning to prevent airborne germs.
Replace mascara every 2 to 3 months, and eyeliner and eyeshadow annually. Makeup products have a shelf life due to exposure to facial bacteria. Dispose of them earlier if they dry up or develop an odor. Pumping mascara introduces air and bacteria into the tube.
Avoid sharing makeup to prevent eye infections. Sharing makeup, especially eye products, increases the risk of contracting conjunctivitis (pink eye) from contaminated cosmetics. Look out for symptoms such as discharge and itching, and consult a doctor if you experience any.
Remove eye makeup nightly using specialized wipes. Leaving makeup on overnight can lead to eyelash follicle blockage and eyelid inflammation. Use eye makeup remover wipes to gently cleanse mascara, eyeshadow, and eyeliner, then rinse with water. Opt for gentle makeup removers with hydrating ingredients like panthenol or aloe vera.
