Eye Makeup for Dry or Sensitive Eyes - Healthline

25 Aug.,2025

 

Eye Makeup for Dry or Sensitive Eyes - Healthline

Certain makeup products, such as those containing preservatives, can irritate your eyes. You also want to use clean brushes and remove all makeup before going to sleep.

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When you have dry eyes, all you want is to make your eyes feel more comfortable. You may be considering talking to a doctor about prescription eye drops, special ointments, or even surgery to close your tear ducts.

But did you know that your makeup habits may be making your dry eyes worse? Before seeking treatment, you might want to first try changing your makeup habits.

Items that come in close contact with your eyes, such as mascara and eyeliner, may contaminate your eyes and make your symptoms worse.

Keep reading to learn more about makeup products to choose and to avoid, as well as healthy eye recommendations for applying and removing eye makeup.

What typically causes dry eye?

Dry eye is a condition in which your eyes are unable to produce adequate tears to keep your eye moist. Your tears may be evaporating too fast, leaving your eyes dry and scratchy. Or your tears may not have the correct balance of oil, water, and mucus to be effective.

There are many reasons why dry eyes occur. Sometimes it’s because your body is aging. Other times it’s because of an underlying medical condition like rheumatoid arthritis or a thyroid problem.

Learn more about dry eye.

Certain makeup products can irritate your eyes. Here are tips for choosing the best products for dry eyes:

  • Use thickening mascara since it’s less likely to flake after it dries.
  • Use creamy eye shadow rather than powder eye shadow (to avoid particles falling into your eyes).
  • Use an eyelash curler instead of mascara.

When you have dry eyes, there are some makeup products that you should avoid, such as:

  • old mascara that crumbles when it dries (all eye makeup should be discarded after 3 months)
  • makeup removers that have oil or parabens
  • powder-based and liquid-based products, including eye shadows and foundations
  • products that contain fragrance

Many eye makeup products come in contact with the membrane covering your eyeball, called the cornea and conjunctiva. The cornea, which covers your iris, and the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of your eye, are covered by tear film.

Studies suggest that where you apply eye makeup can make a difference. One experiment involved measuring the volume of glitter particles in subjects’ tears when using eyeliner. Those who applied the liner on the inner part of the lash line experienced a higher volume of particles in their tear film than those who applied it outside of the lash line.

The researchers suggested that the movement of makeup particles into the tear film could make eye irritation and dry eyes worse.

For instance, if you use mascara that crumbles when it dries, you’ll get particles in your tear film. If you apply powder close to the bottom of your eye, you increase the risk of particles moving up into your eye. Powder eye shadows can also expose your eyes to more loose particles.

The bottom line is that eye makeup can thin out your tear film. This causes tears to evaporate more quickly. In fact, some people get dry eyes because of eye makeup.

Although eye makeup can cause problems with dry eyes, there are ways to apply it to minimize particle transfer. Here are some tips:

  • Insert lubricating eye drops about 30 minutes before applying makeup.
  • Use separate applicators for each type of makeup.
  • Always apply eye makeup outside of your eyelashes (don’t line the inner rim of your eyelids)
  • Apply mascara to just the tip of the eyelashes.
  • Keep mascara use to a minimum.
  • Use makeup on other areas of your face instead of the eyes.
  • Sharpen eye pencils before each use.

Makeup removal

You should also take care when removing makeup. Healthy eye-makeup practices include:

  • Always take off eye makeup before you go to sleep.
  • Wash makeup brushes on a regular basis.
  • Don’t use makeup when you have an eye infection.

You may be tempted to try eyelash extensions or have your eyeliner tattooed on to avoid using makeup. However, these methods can also contribute to dry eyes in different ways.

Eyelash extensions can collect debris and aggravate blepharitis, which often occurs with dry eye. Some eyelash glues also contain formaldehyde, which is toxic to the surface of your eyes and can dry them out.

Eyeliner tattoo can also make dry eyes worse. They have been found to cause meibomian gland dysfunction, a huge contributor to dry eyes.

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What makeup can I wear with dry eyes?

Look for products that don’t contain preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), formaldehyde, or paraben. These ingredients can irritate the eyelash glands that keep your eyes lubricated.

Also avoid eye shadow that contains loose powder or glitter that can fall into your eyes. Instead, use creamy eye shadow and thickening mascara since they’re less likely to flake.

You can also try using an eyelash curler instead of mascara. And always look for products that are fragrance free as certain fragrances can irritate your eyes.

What mascara can I use for dry eyes?

Look for hypoallergenic, thickening mascaras that don’t contain preservatives like benzalkonium chloride (BAK), formaldehyde, or paraben.

You should also wash your make-up brushes on a regular basis, and don’t apply eye makeup if you have an eye infection.

Which eyeshadow is best for dry eyes?

Look for creamy eyeshadow instead of powder eyeshadows or those containing glitter. Also try to find makeup that’s hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes.

How do you apply eye makeup for dry eyes?

If you have dry eye, try applying lubricating eye drops to your eyes about 30 minutes before applying eye makeup. Also, be sure to apply eye liner only on the outside of your eyelashes, never on the rim of your eyelids.

However, with the right hygiene, application, products, and nightly removal, you may be able to keep wearing it.

10 Top Eye Makeup Tips and Techniques for Older Women - AARP

Eye makeup can be a little hit or miss for women over 50. Many tend to either pile on mascara or skip eye makeup entirely, relying solely on lipstick. But that is a mistake. With a few simple techniques using shadows, liners, and mascara, you can enhance your peepers, especially if they have become a bit crepey or hooded with age. Here are some tips to help your eyes stand out with just a little cosmetic know-how.

1. Check the mirror — not social media — for inspiration

The eyes you have now may very well not be the ones you had a few years ago, but don’t let that get in the way of makeup. Celebrate their twinkle and experienced gaze rather than surgical procedures or Botox. But do two things first. Start your reboot with an eye check by an optometrist or ophthalmologist — especially if you’re experiencing redness or irritation. This will rule out potential medical issues, the wrong contact lenses or incorrect lens solution. Then, check your current eye makeup stash. Toss any past their expiration dates — especially mascara, which should be renewed every three months — and any that smell funky or look discolored, chalky or off-color. Treat yourself to updatesbecause eye makeup is your BFF. It will always make you feel more polished and confident, sexy and fresh — even on a bad hair day.

2. Always prime your lids

Primer is a must. It will prevent your eye makeup from creasing, feathering, smearing and looking like an unmade bed. But be sure you buy the right kind for your lids. Mature lids can be warm and moist, so makeup smears, looks mushy or disappears; or they can be cool and dry, so shadows don’t blend, and liner skips or is tough to apply. Those who have watery eyes or warm, moist lids can try Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Eyeshadow + Primer in Soft Pearl or Warm Taupe  ($12, cvs.com), a sheer, oil-absorbing formula that is resistant to sweat and hot-flash-proof. You can also use it under the eyes. Those with cool, dry lids can try creamy moisturizing formulas like Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Weightless Eyeshadow Primer- Always An Optimist Collection ($21, sephora.com), or a lightweight version like Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ($26, sephora.com). Here’s the real secret to using all eye primers: Use the tiniest amount and blend it over the lids from lash line to crease. Then, let it set for a minute before applying makeup.

3. Use a high-pigment eye pencil in black or dark brown

Liner is what really restores definition and shape to your eyes. The pencil should glide on and look opaque — not sheer — but it also shouldn’t be too slippery or too dry. Once again, choosing the right pencil texture for your lids matters. If you have watery eyes or moist, warm lids, choose a waterproof formula like the Neutrogena Intense Gel Eyeliner in Dark Brown 30 or Jet Black 10 ($10, target.com) or Almay All-Day Intense Gel Eyeliner in Rich Black or Deep Chestnut ($8, target.com). Those with dry lids can try a soft but intensely pigmented pencil, such as the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner in Tootsie, Bourbon or Demolition ($23, kohls.com).

4. Gently hold lids taut to get a smooth line

There’s a great trick to this. Look straight into the mirror and gently pull your eye taut (but not tight!) at the outer edge while applying the liner to your upper lids. This decreases the lids enough so you can draw a sleeker line without bumps and wiggles. Work from the outer eye inward and try to keep your eye slightly open to control the line so it doesn’t get too thick or heavy. Resting your elbows on a table or desktop steadies your hands and makes the process easy. Use a lighter hand when lining below the eyes so the effect there is softer. However, there’s an exception: For deep-set hooded eyes, emphasizing the lower lash line with liner or lining the inner lower rim (also known as the waterline) can help give eyes a much stronger shape.

5. Double up on the line

Another trick really powers up the effect of pencil liner. Go back over the pencil line with a same or similar dark powder eye shadow — like Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeshadow in Blackout-Matte ($22, sephora.com) or the darkest shade from your palette of shadows (see tip number 7). This fills in any gaps between pencil and lash roots and reinforces the intensity of the liner. It really dramatizes eye shape, which is exactly what aging eyes need most. Those with deep-set, hooded or watery eyes should double line with a marker-like pen liner — such as the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner in Intense Black ($24, ulta.com) or NYX Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Eyeliner Vegan Formula in Black ($11, target.com) — instead of powder shadow. If you go the liquid-liner route, know that pencil lining first makes using the pen easier, but be sure to keep the emphasis at the base of the lashes. Don’t try to get tricky and draw a "wing." Double lining with shadow gives a smokier effect; with liquid liner you get a sharper one. Both add definition without a hard look, thanks to the layering.

6. Contour the crease to get bigger-looking eyes

Contouring the crease works for everyone except those with deep-set lids where the crease is not visible. Use a neutral medium-toned shadow crayon — like the Nudestix Magnetic Matte Eye Color in Taupe, Chocolate or Slate ($27, ulta.com), Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow in Caramel or Cobblestone ($33, sephora.com) or Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick in Taupe ($34, sephora.com) — that’s in sync with your skin tone. Trace the hollow of the eye right above the crease, but keep the emphasis on the outer half of the eye. Then, blend the line with a brush to slightly soften it and retrace it with a similar shade of powder shadow in a brown or gray shade — depending on whether your eye makeup is on the warm brown or cool gray side. The creamy crayon works as a base, so the shadow clings.

7. Depend on foolproof neutral shadows

Shadow palettes with six to 12 neutral shades are the update to our old quads. They’re fun and let us layer our beiges, browns and grays, mattes and shimmers, lights and darks for a customized effect. But for a fast daily look, you really need only a light shade on the lids, a medium shade for the crease and a dark shade to double line over your pencil. It’s the contrast of lighter lid, medium crease and very dark liner at the lash line that creates the illusion of bigger, more sculpted eyes. Choose a palette of practical neutral shades — not trendy colors — like the Wet n Wild Color Icon 10-Pan Eyeshadow Palette in Nude Awakening ($6, target.com), CoverGirl TruNaked Eyeshadow in Nudes ($16, walgreens.com ) or the Morphe 18T Truth or Bare Artistry Palette ($20, ulta.com). Save those shade-of-the-minute colors for your nails!

8. Use a lash curler and black mascara

We all know curling lashes opens the eyes, but here’s another trick. Once lashes are securely in the curler, turn your wrist away from you as you squeeze to get maximum curl. Squeeze the closed curler for a few seconds, relax it, then squeeze again — and always curl before mascara, never after. Black mascara is the best shade for everyone, but the formula makes the difference. At age 50-plus, most of us have short or thin lashes that benefit from a lightweight plumping formula — like the CoverGirl Simply Ageless Lash Plumping Mascara in 110 Soft Black ($12, cvs.com) — rather than a heavy, gimmicky lash-lengthening one. Go for volume, not length. And, of course, for those with watery eyes or moist lids, a waterproof mascara like L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara in 360 Waterproof Black ($11, target.com) or Maybelline Full ‘N Soft Waterproof Mascara in 311 Waterproof Very Black ($12, target.com) is a must.

9. Try false lashes

How much effort you're willing to put into a daily “eye” is a very personal choice. Mascara does plenty, but for an extra boost, try fake lashes. They can make all the difference to mature eyes, especially at parties or evening events (where the lighting is usually terrible or dim) and, of course, in photos. Forget looking overdone and choose a natural-looking strip — like the Kiss MLBB Lashes ($5, cvs.com) or Ardell Naked No. 433 False Eyelashes in 420 ($5, cvs.com) — rather than over-the-top, superthick statement styles. Lashes do give our mature eyes — especially those that are small, deep-set or have crepey, softened lids — a fresh, wide-awake look. No need to splurge. Inexpensive drugstore lashes are super-evolved with flexible skinny or transparent bases. Try an updated clear glue like Duo Lash Adhesive Brush On Clear ($5, target.com), which doesn’t contain latex or formaldehydeand is odorless, water resistant, quick drying and easy on sensitive eyes. Get one set for starters before springing for a multipack.

10. Do your brow tails

Finally, brow makeup is the finishing touch that makes any eye makeup look better. Most women in their 50s, 60s and 70s are missing brow tails or have very sparse outer brows. You don’t need to fuss or get into a complicated multistep routine. Just finish and lift your brow shape by extending it outward to stretch the shape. It expands the look of your entire eye area and makes you look groomed. Try a firm, fine-tipped pencil such as the JOAH Brow Down To Me Precision Brow Pencil ($9, cvs.com) or a waterproof brow pen like the L’Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Micro Ink Pen ($13, cvs.com) — both make drawing realistic hairlike strokes to fill gaps and duplicate a tail easily. For super quick color and grooming, try a mascara-like tinted gel such as the Maybelline Brow Fast Sculpt Eyebrow Gel ($9, cvs.com) to shape wiry, unruly brows. Those above come in plenty of authentic-looking shades. When in doubt, always go a shade lighter than you think.

Editor's note: This article was originally published on Dec. 24, . It has been updated with new products.

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