Navigating eye makeup can be challenging for individuals experiencing watery or sensitive eyes, a common issue for those with glaucoma or other sensitivities. Makeup artist Nicola Chapman has shared a set of strategies designed to help keep mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow in place without exacerbating eye discomfort.
Chapman, who has experience doing makeup for her mother who has glaucoma, notes that while glaucoma itself may not directly cause watery eyes, the condition and its treatments can lead to dryness, redness, and sensitivity. These issues can result in makeup smudging and fading.
Choosing the Right Products
When selecting eye makeup, Chapman advises looking for products that are ophthalmologically tested, going beyond general hypoallergenic claims. She suggests brands like No7, ILIA, bareMinerals, Clinique, and Jane Iredale as good options for sensitive eyes, emphasizing the need to find a balance between gentleness and staying power.
For eyeshadow, Chapman recommends matte formulas, particularly in stick form, to avoid powder fallout that can irritate the eyes. She suggests brands such as Victoria Beckham Beauty, VIEVE, and Urban Decay for matte stick options. When eyes are red, she advises opting for taupe or purple-toned shades over red-browns or burgundies, as these can be less likely to emphasize redness.
Chapman also suggests using an eye primer as a base instead of concealer. She applies a skin-toned primer across the lid and near the lash line, both above and below the eye, to create a stable base that holds makeup. Primers from brands like bareMinerals and Trish McEvoy are among her preferences.
Regarding mascara, waterproof or water-resistant formulas can be beneficial. Chapman specifically points to tubing mascaras, which tend to resist water and can be removed with warm water, minimizing the need to rub the delicate eye area. She advises against mascaras containing fibers, which can be difficult to remove. No7's tubing mascara and RUM are mentioned as suitable options.
For eyeliner, Chapman favors softer pencil formulas that glide on easily and do not irritate the eye. Rare Beauty and ILIA are among the brands she recommends. She notes that while tightlining is a popular technique, it may not be ideal for sensitive eyes.
Application and Removal Techniques
Chapman stresses that makeup removal is as crucial as the application. For tubing mascaras, she recommends using warm water. She also advises caution with overly oily removers, suggesting simpler, less oily methods to avoid blocking tear ducts. Ultimately, she emphasizes that personal experimentation is key, as what works for one person may not work for another.
Managing Difficult Days
On days when eyes are particularly watery or sensitive, Chapman suggests embracing sunglasses. They can shield the eyes from wind and bright light, both of which can exacerbate watering and redness, while also offering a degree of confidence.
Chapman's overarching advice is to find a personal balance between makeup performance and eye comfort, stressing that individual results may vary.