Dry Eye Routines / Makeup
Makeup Wearer Eye Care Routine
Eye makeup is an under-recognized cause of eye irritation and dryness. The good news is you do not have to give it up. The fix is better products, better placement, and removing it the right way each night. Here is the routine.
Key Takeaways
- Eye makeup is an under-recognized cause of eye irritation, so treating the cause means choosing better products and habits.
- Every makeup and cleanser at Dry Eye Rescue is selected for sensitive eyes, an Eye Doctor Approved standard.
- Keep liner and shadow off the waterline, the inner rim where the oil glands open.
- Remove all eye makeup every night with a gentle, rinse-free cleanser or wipe.
- Use a preservative-free drop to soothe irritation, and replace eye makeup regularly.
- If irritation continues, an eye care professional can check your lids and tear film.
Quick Answer
Use eye-doctor-approved makeup and removers, keep product off the waterline, and remove all eye makeup each night with a gentle rinse-free cleanser or wipe. Soothe with a preservative-free drop, and replace eye makeup every few months.
Your Makeup Wearer Routine
1. Choose eye-doctor-approved products
Every makeup and cleanser at Dry Eye Rescue is selected for sensitive eyes. Replacing old or harsh products with better ones is part of treating the cause, since makeup is an under-recognized source of irritation.
2. Keep product off the waterline
Do not apply liner or shadow on the waterline, the inner rim of the lid where the oil glands open. Product there blocks the glands and works its way into your tears.
3. Remove eye makeup every night
Use a gentle, rinse-free cleanser or single-use wipe to remove all eye makeup before bed, so nothing sits on the lid margin overnight.
4. Soothe and refresh
Use a preservative-free drop if your eyes feel irritated after a long day in makeup, and replace eye makeup every few months to avoid bacteria building up.
Eye cosmetics applied along the lid margin can block the oil glands and add to irritation, so removing eye makeup each night and keeping product off the waterline supports the ocular surface. Source: peer-reviewed reviews of cosmetics and ocular surface health.
Products That Help
The makeup routine is built on gentle removal and soothing. Every product here is Eye Doctor Approved, meaning it is selected by eye care professionals for sensitive eyes.
Eye Doctor Approved
iVIZIA Micellar Cleanser
A rinse-free, preservative-free cleanser that gently removes eye makeup at night.
On the Go
iVIZIA Cleansing Wipes
Single-use micellar wipes to remove eye makeup when you are away from home.
Soothe
Optase Hylo Relief
A preservative-free drop to soothe irritation after a long day in makeup.
Dry Eye Rescue Tip
The single biggest win is never sleeping in eye makeup. Product left on the lid margin overnight blocks the oil glands and feeds the bacteria that cause irritation.
Makeup Still Irritating Your Eyes?
If better products and removal do not settle things, an eye doctor can check your lids and tear film. Dry Eye Rescue works with a network of over 5,000 eye care professionals who can find the cause of your dryness and tailor your care. Use the Doctor Locator to find one near you.
Important Disclaimer
This page is educational and does not replace advice from your eye care professional. Individual needs vary, and persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a professional. Follow the product label. Discontinue any product that causes pain, redness, or swelling, and see an eye care professional. Product and brand names referenced are trademarks of their respective owners.
Most Common Questions
Can I wear eye makeup if I have dry eyes?
Yes, with the right products and habits. The goal is to reduce irritation, not to give up makeup, by choosing gentle products and removing them properly.
What does Eye Doctor Approved mean?
It is a Dry Eye Rescue trust mark for makeup and cleansers that have been selected by eye care professionals as suitable for sensitive eyes.
What is the waterline and why does it matter?
The waterline is the inner rim of the eyelid where the oil glands open. Putting makeup there blocks the glands and gets product into your tears.
How should I remove eye makeup?
Use a gentle, rinse-free cleanser or a single-use micellar wipe each night, so nothing is left on the lid margin overnight.
How often should I replace eye makeup?
Replace eye makeup every few months. Old product builds up bacteria that can irritate the eyes and lids.
Is it bad to sleep in eye makeup?
Yes. Makeup left on overnight blocks the oil glands and feeds bacteria, which is a common cause of irritation and dryness.
What if a product still irritates my eyes?
Stop using it. If irritation continues even with gentle products, see an eye care professional to check your lids and tear film.
How do I find an eye doctor?
Use the Dry Eye Rescue Doctor Locator to find an eye care professional near you from our network of over 5,000 providers.
Start Your Makeup Routine
Pick up an Eye Doctor Approved cleanser and a soothing drop, or find a doctor if irritation continues.
