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4 min read
If applying mascara usually ends in tears, here are the formulas that promise to be kind to those with sensitive or delicate eyes.
If you suffer with sensitive eyes, applying mascara can turn into a bit of a struggle. If some formulas irritate your already irritable eyes, chances are you’ll end up with more smudged around your eyes and down your cheek than on your lashes. And when all you’re trying to do is give your eyes a bit of pop, it’s really bloody annoying.
Anything from dust, contact lenses, air conditioning and allergies (hello, hay fever) can cause sensitivity so it’s always best to choose a mascara that’ll be kinder to both your eyes and lashes.
That means avoiding certain things like fragrance (which, when found in mascara, tends to be at a much higher concentrate than you’d think), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC for short, it’s often used as a gelling or thickening agent) and isopropyl myristate (a solvent that can be super dehydrating).
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It’s also worth seeking out a mascara that isn’t difficult to remove. Excessive scrubbing at the end of a long day isn’t ideal for those with sensitivity, so finding a gentle eye make-up remover that’ll just melt away the formula with no effort required is as important as finding the right mascara.
Some experts recommend so-called ‘tubing’ or polymer mascaras which are waterproof and easy to remove with just hot water. When applied, they coat lashes in tiny tubes and bind to your natural lash until removal which makes them much less likely to cause irritation.
Keep scrolling to see which hypoallergenic mascaras we recommend.
The best mascaras for sensitive eyes
Green People Volumising Mascara
Green People’s sensitive eye-friendly mascara delivers longer, fuller lashes in a blink. It’s formulated with earth mineral pigments, giving an eye-defining intense black colour - just one coat and you’re set for the day.
Made with sustainable ingredients, certified cruelty-free, and vegetarian-approved, it’s not just good for your lashes, it’s good for the planet too! Plus, say goodbye to the hassle of removing stubborn mascara, this gem lifts away in seconds, leaving your eyes feeling as fresh as a daisy.
e.l.f. Big Mood Mascara
Prepare for full-on lash impact with e.l.f.’s Big Mood mascara. Lift, lengthen, and add instant volume with its hourglass-shaped brush. It’s also long-lasting, smudge-proof, waterproof, and vegan-friendly.
Available in black, brown, deep green, and bold blue, at just £8 you can definitely justify multiple purchases. Your eyes and skin will thank you.
Bare Minerals LASHTOPIA™ Mega Volume Mineral-Based Mascara
A premium quality mineral-based mascara that builds lashes and protects your peepers. Bare Minerals LASHTOPIA™ has a large brush to get into every lash and will give you buildable, thick lashes without clumping.
It’s formulated with nourishing minerals and moisturisers that keep your delicate lashes soft and lush. Plus, LASHTOPIA™ stays put all day, whatever the weather is doing - perfect.
Bare Minerals LASHTOPIA™ Mega Volume Mineral-Based Mascara, £17.85
Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara
Clean beauty brand Tower 28 was founded by Amy Liu to bring playful, creative products to those who suffer from sensitivities and eczema. MakeWaves is a vegan, water-resistant, smudge free and contact lens safe mascara from this LA-based brand whose products are gradually appearing more in the UK.
The triple-wave mascara wand features three suspended bands that catch every lash. The curved shape works on all lash types and give fantastic lash lift.
Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula
One of the most highly-rated tubing mascaras, this Clinique mascara for sensitive eyes promises to stay put for 24-hours without smudging or smearing.
The unique brush is designed to lift and lengthen even the tiniest of lashes, and it is ophthalmologist tested.
Shop Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula at Clinique, £25
Glossier Lash Slick
Like the rest of the brand’s products, Glossier mascara lives up to the hype. Lash Slick is the ideal your-lashes-but-better formula, it separates and lengthens without flaking or smudging throughout the day and is allergy, dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, hypoallergenic and non-irritating. Phew.
Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara
A tubing mascara that won’t clump, smudge or budge and only requires one coat. It’s infused with jojoba oil to help nourish lashes, keeping them soft and looking shiny.
Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara Brown
Experience lengthy, voluminous lashes with Lash Sensational Sky High mascara from Maybelline. The flexible mascara brush bends to reach and volumize every lash, ensuring a full effect from root to tip.
Infused with bamboo extract and fibers, this gentle mascara formula creates long, lush lashes that feel light and non-clumpy. Choose from an impressive colour range from standard black and brown to eye-popping blue, burgundy and pink. Allergy and ophthalmologist tested, this mascara is perfect for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Volume Mascara
Formulated by one of the most trusted sensitive skin brands, this is the ultimate mascara for anybody who suffers with sensitive eyes. It’s suitable for contact lens wearers, too. The micro-aerated formula works to volumise lashes without weighing them down.
Shop La Roche-Posay Toleriane Volume Mascara at lookfantastic, £20
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