I Asked an Eye Doc Why My Eyes *Always* Tear Up From Mascara

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When you have sensitive eyes, finding eye makeup that won’t trigger redness, itchiness, or puffiness is a challenge—but the search for a gentle mascara is a on whole different level than that for eyeliners and eyeshadows. Tracking down the best mascara for sensitive eyes—aka a non-irritating formula—that'll give you long af lashes without making your eyes water or burn can seem impossible.

Not sure if you have sensi eyes? We gotchu. “The most common sensitive eye symptoms are redness, tearing, and swelling when in contact with irritants—such as new mascara, cream, or even makeup remover,” says optometrist and dry eye expert Inna Lazar, O.D. “Other signs that may indicate you have sensitive eyes include burning and itching, as well as intermittent blurry vision.”

But there’s hope yet for a sensitive eye-friendly mascara, according to our experts. I chatted with two experts to learn which mascaras are the best for sensitive eyes, find out what ingredients lead to irritation, and how to effectively remove mascara to avoid stinging. Yep, you can consider this your full guide to mascara for sensitive eyes. Peep our top picks rn:

Whether or not you experience any eye sensitivity, the following 12 mascara formulas are a worthy addition to any vanity. Keep reading to discover your new favorite mascara for sensitive eyes. Plus, find tips for how to gently remove stubborn mascara once and for all.

MakeWaves Lengthening + Volumizing Mascara

It comes as no surprise that Tower28’s Make Waves Mascara is a stellar pick for sensitive eyes. (After all, the whole brand was developed specially for those with sensitive skin, getting a nod from the National Eczema Association for many of their formulas.) However, it’s the small details that make it one of the best mascaras of all time.

Optometrist Jennifer Tsai, O.D., loves this one because it’s allergy-tested, and says it makes a dramatic difference on all lash lengths. The triple wave wand scoops, lengthens, and volumizes lashes in a single swipe, and two coats gives even short, stubby lashes a falsie-like effect without the crunch. Plus, thanks to the unique AquaFlex technology (which, FYI is often found in hair care to add hold and curl definition), you won’t experience any humidity-induced smudging or flakes, even through all-day wear.

• Shades: Two (black and brown)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “OBSESSED! Not clumpy. Easy removal. Lengthening. The way that the wand is curved makes for a mess free application, no mascara on your eyelids. 10 out of 10!”

Roller Lash Super Curling & Lifting Mascara

Benefit’s mascaras are completely untouchable, IMHO. I’ve been a loyalist to their formulas for almost a decade, and none come close in comparison to Roller Lash. My lashes naturally grow downwards, which, physically, is a pain. I can’t count how many lashes I’ve ripped out with my lash curler (RIP).

Luckily, I was able to ditch my eyelash curler for good with the help of this genius product. The scooped brush lifts and curls every single lash to the heavens, and they stay perky all. damn. day. Along with the game-changing wand, the formula is infused with vitamin B5 and serin to condition and strengthen my lashes a bit too.

• Shades: One (black)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “Best mascara I’ve had! It's wand helps to separate the lashes and evenly apply the product. The mascara doesn’t crumble or streak, I’ve bought many tubes of this mascara and totally recommend it!”

Mascara 101 Lengthening and Lifting

Rather than using questionable ingredients like formaldehyde and coal tar dyes (both of which are known to cause irritation, FYI), Saie’s no-frills mascara formulas keeps things simple and natural. The hyper-nourishing formula features a mix of beeswax and shea butter to nurture, strengthen, and lengthen lashes, so your eyelashes actually become healthier. Despite the conditioning abilities, it doesn’t weigh down my naturally down-turned eyelashes, and I find myself grabbing it when I want subtle definition rather than an intense doe-eyed result.

• Shades: Three (classic black, rich, warm brown)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “Love, love, love this mascara! It’s definitely the one for you if you’re looking for something very natural looking and to help enhance your lashes. I have very sensitive eyes and gave up on wearing mascara for a while but this mascara brought me back to life!”

2-in-1 Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer

The secret to really taking your lashes to the next level? Using an eyelash primer. I get that it may seem silly to purchase a separate lash primer (at least I think so, my vanity is already jam-packed). Fortunately, this dual-ended pick comes with a built-in primer to truly extend your eyelashes to new heights. The ophthalmologist-tested, cruelty-free mascara utilizes jojoba esters to hydrate my lashes. Swipe on the clear primer to lengthen and prolong hold before layering on the mascara. It makes my lashes nearly touch my brows (fr!).

• Shades: One (black)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “This is a great mascara. I use it for both my lashes and sparse brows. It applies very soft and smooth. Blends well and lengthens lashes nicely. I have used higher prices brands and this product works far better.”

High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara

Clinique was one of the first skincare brands I ever used (thanks, mom!). That said, it took me 27 years to realize that their makeup shouldn’t be slept on, particularly this high-impact mascara. The conical brush effortlessly grabs and extends the teeny tiny hairs along the inner corner and fans them out. Little fibers build upon each lash for a long-lasting doe-eyed result that easily washes off with a bit of water at the end of the night. Dr. Tsai also happens to be a fan, too; she loves how lightweight the formula is.

• Shades: One (intense black)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “Gives amazing volume and lasts all day and night. I fell asleep after a party wearing makeup and the mascara was still there, NOT SMUDGED at all in the morning.”

Perfect Strokes Universal Volumizing Mascara

This vegan formula doesn’t disappoint, according to Dr. Tsai—and over 2,000 Sephora shoppers agree. Selena Gomez knew what she was doing when she developed the innovative formula. It’s essentially an all-in-one mascara that lengthens, curls, lifts, and volumizes each lash from every angle, creating wow-worthy definition.

But the best part? It's so buildable yet feels practically weightless on my lashes. I'm able to craft any lash look I desire, from a natural flutter perfect for the office to va-va-voom drama for big nights out.

• Shades: One (black)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “This mascara gives your lashes a new life who has short lashes like me. I love to wear this mascara. That feels really natural.”

Triple Threat Mascara

“This is my favorite mascara,” says Dr. Lazar. “It does everything you want your mascara to do—volumize, lengthen, and lift—without all the harsh ingredients. It simply makes lashes look amazing.” The ultra-slim brush with packed silicone bristles not only prevents annoying smudging on your lids during application, but it also helps grab, separate, and extend every lash from the root for fuller results. TBH, a few swipes may make you ditch full-on falsies for good (I genuinely haven't picked mine up since I started experimenting with this mascara).

• Shades: One (black)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “This is my second order for the mascara. I love it so much. It doesn't go on clumpy and it lasts the whole day. The brush is brilliant, I can get to the shorter lashes with it rather than a chunky brush.”

Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara

I’ve cycled through many mascaras over the years, yet I always find myself returning to this tubing mascara formula. Rather than layering on coat after coat, the long-lasting tubing formula wraps every lash in tube-like polymers to dramatically elongate them. I rely on this for my marathon 12-hour days because I know it will never flake or budge until I’m ready to rinse it off at the end of the night—and the little tubes slide right off with just water, no soap needed! The fact that it was developed specially for sensitive eyes is simply the icing on top.

• Shades: Six (black, brown, deep blue, purple, green, and pink)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “Absolutely love it. After relieving years of lash extensions, I was devastated at the shape of my lashes. What brought me to lashes was simply my dislike of the process of taking mascara off. Thrive mascara not only makes my lashes look fantastic, it’s easy to remove.”

Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara

The clean version of CoverGirl’s iconic Lash Blast mascara, this drugstore mascara favorite pumps up the volume without parabens, sulfates, talc, or mineral oil. Instead, the sensitive eye-friendly formula is infused with argan and marula oils to condition lashes and ward off clumps. One swipe quickly produces eye-opening effects, but you can easily build it up—and people just might believe you’re wearing falsies. (But seriously, someone asked me if I was when I had this on).

• Shades: Four (pitch black, very black, black, black brown)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “Early last year I began my quest for the best clean mascara. I was willing to pay almost anything for a product that worked, and I did! Out of all of the almost dozen products I tried, hands-down, this is THE BEST. Not one even held a candle to this one. I love it when a drugstore product wins the race!”

Healthy Definition Mascara

I’m the kind of person who loves big, bold lashes that extend up to my eyebrows, and more often than not, I find that mascaras made by skincare-centric brands tend to fall flat. That couldn’t be further from the truth with Healthy Definition from Neutrogena, though. The flake-resistant, biotin- and panthenol-infused formula lengthens and volumizes for overall fuller lashes while majorly moisturizing. I find this reduces eyelash fall a little bit.

Additionally, the comb side of the brush really defines my lashes and cuts through any potential clumpiness. Start with the short bristle-side to deposit the mascara, then flip it over to allow the long brushes to drag it root to tip. I get clump-free, volumized eyelashes every time.

• Shades: Two (black and brown)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “Used a “ high quality Sephora “ brand for years. My eyes would burn, so I decided to give this a try. So glad I did! Lengthens beautifully, all day wear with no flakes, smudging and no burning my eyes! Oh and easy to remove! I will always buy this from now on.”

Clean Sweep Mascara

Ophthalmologist Diane Hilal-Campo, M.D., got so weary of watching her patients damage their eyes with beauty products that she took matters into her own hands and created an entire eye-safe beauty line. Out of all of Twenty/Twenty Beauty’s offerings, this lengthening mascara is a serious standout because it’s made without 66 (!!) ingredients commonly known to cause irritation. The formula has become a standard for those with sensitive eyes, and eye docs all over (including Dr. Lazar) can’t stop raving about it. “I love that it’s enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and biotin, to help strengthen and lengthen lashes,” she says. “Plus, It’s also safe for contact lens users.”

• Shades: One (black)

• Waterproof: No

Glowing customer review: “This is the only mascara I can use for my extremely sensitive eyes. It feels like I’m wearing nothing at all! There is zero smudging—and usually every mascara smudges on me. It’s super black and makes my lashes pop. Please don’t ever discontinue!! This is the only mascara I will ever buy again.”

Why do my eyes always hurt when I wear mascara?

According to Dr. Tsai, there are several reasons why your eyes might get irritated when wearing mascara. “If your eyes hurt, it’s typically from chemical irritants found in the mascara, such as preservatives that can often cause discomfort or a burning sensation,” she says. “There are also eye conditions that cause irritation such as blepharitis and dry eyes, which increases sensitivity when wearing mascara.”

Dr. Lazar tacks onto this, saying that “contact lens wearers may be more susceptible to discomfort from mascara, as particles from flaking or clumping mascara can adhere to the lenses, causing irritation.” She explains that the best way to avoid any pain or irritation in any situation is to use hypoallergenic formulas, replace your mascara every three to six months, avoid waterproof formulas, and always apply your mascara gently.

Should I use clean mascara for my sensitive eyes?

For the most part, clean mascaras are some of the best choices for those with sensitive eyes. “Clean mascara formulas contain fewer synthetic chemicals and harsh ingredients, making them a better option for sensitive eyes,” says Dr. Tsai. However, Dr. Lazar reminds us that clean doesn’t automatically mean risk-free. “Natural ingredients can still cause allergic reactions or sensitivities in some individuals,” she says. Plus, there’s no industry standard for what can be considered clean. A good rule of thumb is to read through the ingredients list before purchasing any mascara to see if it contains anything that has irritated your eyes in the past—and avoid it if it does.

What is the best way to remove mascara?

Sometimes it’s not the mascara that causes irritation. Yep, it could just be all the rubbing and tugging you have to do to remove the mascara. Dr. Lazar calls removing mascara “an art”—and she’s not wrong. Dr. Tsai recommends using a gentle cleanser, like micellar water. “Hold a doused cotton round against your closed eyelids for a few seconds before gently wiping off the mascara," Dr. Tsai says. "This gently dissolves the formula so you don’t pull at your skin,” she adds. “One of my favorite micellar formulas waters is the Lumify Eye Illuminations 3-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water & Eye Makeup Remover because it’s eye-safe and non-irritating.”

How to choose the best mascara for sensitive eyes:

Look at the ingredients list

More than any other factor, you should carefully look over the ingredients before purchasing a mascara if you have sensitive eyes. “The ingredient list is key,” says Dr. Lazar. “Be sure to avoid formulas with fragrances, parabens, sulfates, and phthalates, as these can irritate sensitive eyes," she says. "Instead, opt for mascaras with fewer and gentler ingredients.”

Dr. Tsai also recommends looking for “ingredients that are fragrance-free, paraben-free, and oil-free," as "natural ingredients are much gentler on the eyes." But you should look for formulas with conditioning ingredients, like biotin, panthenol, and argan oil. These not only soften your lashes, but they’re also very mild on your delicate eye area, so try prioritizing mascaras that include a few of these, like the Neutrogena Healthy Definition Mascara.

Avoid waterproof formulas

Waterproof mascaras may have incredible longevity, but the removal process can wreak some serious havoc on sensitive eyes. If you’re looking for something that will keep your lashes looking long and full from morning to night, try a tubing mascara, says Dr. Lazar, like Thrive Causemetics Liquid Lash Extensions Mascara. “These formulas come off with warm water and gentle pressure, avoiding the need for harsh makeup removers,” she says.

Select a mascara with ophthalmologist approval

When it comes to the health of your precious sensi eyes, your eye doctor knows best. So, if you’re really concerned about what mascaras you put so close to your eyes, consider one that has been ophthalmologist-tested—or just bring a few tubes to your next eye appointment and ask them for their recs. This label guarantees that the formula has been reviewed and approved by an eye doctor, giving you more peace of mind that it will work for you. A variety of the mascaras on this list have earned that seal of approval, including the Twenty/Twenty Beauty Clean Sweep Mascara and Honest Beauty Extreme Length 2-in-1 Mascara.

Meet the experts:

• Inna Lazar, O.D., is a Connecticut-based optometrist and dry eye expert.

• Jennifer Tsai, O.D., is a New York City-based optometrist and founder of Line of Sight Vision.

Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?

Mary Honkus is a contributor for Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories, including reviewing every Maison Margiela Replica perfume and finding the most spot-on Baccarat Rouge 540 dupes. She's an authority in all beauty categories, but the one thing she refuses to live without is mascara. For this story, she spoke with two board-certified ophthalmologists to learn what to look for in a mascara for sensitive eyes, and tried dozens of formulas for herself to find the best formulas that enhance volume, length, and lift without causing irritation.

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