10 Top Eyeliners for Sensitive Eyes: Achieve Gentle Glam!
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Looking for the top eyeliner for sensitive eyes? We understand how challenging and frustrating this can be, especially if regular eyeliner products make your eyes itch, tear up, or become red.
But the great news is there are plenty of safe, gentle options that can define and enhance your eyes without irritating them!
And we’re here to help you find the right one for your needs. We’ve created a list of the top eyeliners for sensitive eyes and sensitive eyelids.
With these products, you can say goodbye to discomfort and hello to effortless, itch-free, and gorgeous eye makeup looks!
- Formulated with vitamin E to nourish the skin
- Hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested
- Free of fragrances that can cause irritation
- Self-sharpening eyeliner
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Water-resistant formula
- Waterproof and smudge-resistant
- Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- Certified hypoallergenic
Table of Contents
Top 10 Eyeliners for Sensitive Eyes
An eyeliner specially formulated for sensitive eyes, this highly pigmented product gives you ultimate precision and definition without compromising your safety and comfort.
Primary Benefits: Allows you to create different looks; doesn’t irritate the eyes; glides smoothly across the eyelids
Features:
- Waterproof
- Ultra-fine tip
- Vegan
Create precise lines and get beautiful lashes at the same time with Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner.
Carefully crafted for sensitive skin and sensitive eyes, this hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested eyeliner creates sleek, well-defined lines that bring out the beauty of your eyes without making them water or causing your eyelids to itch.
Its liquid formula also makes it one of the top eyeliners for contact lens wearers. Unlike powder eyeliners, it won’t get into your eyes and contaminate your lenses.
Plus, it’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and easy to apply; it glides on so smoothly! In addition, it’s affordable and safe for everyday use.
This multitasker is even formulated with a lash serum. So when you apply it to the base of your lashes, it can improve their appearance!
We love this product’s continuous ink pen formula. That means you don’t need to pause and dip your brush every so often.
You’ll get a smooth and even line in one stroke!
Primary Benefits: Lets you draw with smooth precision; lasts up to 12 hours; never smudges
Features:
- Waterproof
- 0.4-mm tip
- Ophthalmologist-tested
Whatever your signature eye look, create it with the Maybelline Master Precise by Eye Studio.
Want to achieve the perfect winged eyeliner? This is the top liquid eyeliner for sensitive eyes to help you achieve that look.
It’s a super pigmented eyeliner that’s gentle on the eyes. Not only is it dermatologist- and opthalmologist-tested for safety, but it’s also fragrance-free to ensure it won’t irritate your eyes or eyelids.
But even with its mild formulation, it’s smudge-proof! You can maintain your look without having to worry about smearing your makeup — perfect for creating maximum definition!
However, it may take three to four minutes for it to dry out. Be sure to keep your eyes closed after you put this on!
Want to create crisp, thin lines? Or a soft smudged look? Either way, you can rely on this eye-safe and skin-safe eyeliner!
Primary benefits: Resists smudging or running; helps define and enhance your eyes; glides smoothly across your lids
Features:
- Formulated with vitamin E to nourish the skin
- Hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist-tested
- Free of fragrances that can cause irritation
Get dramatic-looking eyes with ease by using the Almay Hypoallergenic Eyeliner Pencil!
Aside from being hypoallergenic, this eyeliner from Almay is also enriched with vitamin E, which helps nourish the sensitive skin around your eyes.
Additionally, its opthalmologist-tested formula makes it a superb choice for those with sensitive eyes; in fact, many people who suffer from the issue say that it really doesn’t cause their eyes to itch or turn red!
And what truly makes it one of the top drugstore eyeliners for sensitive eyes is that it has a built-in sharpener that ensures precision and convenience. Best of all, its long-lasting formula lasts for up to 16 hours without running or smudging.
The NYX Epic Ink Liner is, without a doubt, epic when it comes to intensity. The matte ink gives you insane precision for sharply defined lines.
Primary Benefits: Lets you draw with smooth precision; lasts up to 12 hours; never smudges; easy to control
Features:
- Waterproof and certified hypoallergenic
- Felt brush tip
- Vegan
Get the perfect, long-lasting cat eye with NYX Professional Epic Ink Liner.
This one’s a crowd favorite, and it’s one of the top eyeliners for allergic eyes.
Why? SkinSAFE, a Mayo Clinic partner in identifying irritating ingredients, found the Epic Ink Liner by NYX to be 100% hypoallergenic.
In addition, it has a deep, matte black color that’s breathtaking.
Its sharp, flexible tip also allows for ease, precision, and ultimate control when creating different looks, whether it’s a thin, barely there line or a thick, dramatic cat-eye or siren-eye look.
And it’s smudge-proof and cruelty-free too!
We know how much of a hassle it is when your pencil eyeliner needs constant sharpening. With the Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner, that’s no longer a problem.
It’s a mechanical pencil, so you just twist it and you’re ready to line again.
Primary Benefits: Offers up to 24-hour wear; gives both natural and bold definition; easy to remove
Features:
- Waterproof and smudge-resistant
- Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers
- Certified hypoallergenic
For a smooth glide and beautifully defined eyes, try Maybelline Unstoppable.
Here’s another one from the phenomenal drugstore brand Maybelline. This smudge-proof eyeliner is ideal for sensitive eyelids. And it’s ophthalmologist-tested and safe for use, even if you wear contact lenses.
It offers five different shades: onyx, espresso, sapphire, pewter, and the popular cinnabar. More choices for you to look your best and find the right shade for your skin tone and preferred look!
Plus, despite being super thin, the Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner can give you super thick lines with impressive definition.
And surprisingly, it’s easy to remove even if it’s waterproof. All you need is a mild cleanser to wipe it off.
Natural and nourishing ingredients are all the rave these days. That’s why we love this pencil eyeliner.
It’s reinforced with moisturizing oils that ensure smooth and non-irritating application.
Primary Benefits: Goes on smooth; long-lasting; doesn’t make sensitive eyes water
Features:
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Enriched with natural oils
Accentuate your eyes the natural way with the Fifth & Skin Better’n Ur Eyes eyeliner pencil.
Not only has this eyeliner been tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists to guarantee its safety, but it also offers intense color payoff and smooth application.
Smudge-proof, waterproof, and heat-proof, you can wear it with full confidence all day because it remains intact no matter what. It also doesn’t dry out or flake.
Plenty of users also love how soft it feels on the skin!
In one stroke, you can create sleek and sophisticated lines with this L’Oreal eyeliner.
Primary Benefits: Resists fading for up to 16 hours; draws precise lines; provides rich color payoff
Features:
- Comes with a built-in sharpener for easy use
- Has a smudger for blending
- Sleek packaging
Say goodbye to eyeliners that fade quickly and get this long-lasting eyeliner for sensitive eyes!
Tired of liners that smear, bleed, or feather?
This opthalmologist-tested pencil eyeliner is for you! It’s suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, letting you create strikingly sharp lines that last for 12 hours. And with a rich, creamy formula that glides easily across the lids without dragging, it’s ideal for beginners.
It even comes with a built-in sharpener for easy use and a smudger for smooth blending.
If you want an eyeliner that doesn’t tug on your delicate eyelids, this product’s for you!
Primary Benefits: Easy to apply; versatile enough for different looks; lasts long
Features:
- Self-sharpening eyeliner
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Water-resistant formula
With its velvety smooth texture, this liner is a breeze to use every day!
One of the top waterproof eyeliners for sensitive eyes on the market, this opthalmologist-tested Clinique product has makeup goals written all over it.
Many happy reviewers say it doesn’t irritate their sensitive eyes. And because it’s transfer- and water-resistant, it stays put even when it’s exposed to sweat or water.
It also doesn’t tug on your eyelids, and it has a smooth and creamy texture that allows you to achieve a smokey-eye look and smudge or blend it out well.
The downside? The smudger brush it comes with can feel a bit rough on your skin.
Here’s an eyeliner that can draw attention to the beauty of your eyes while keeping your delicate skin happy!
Primary Benefits: Gentle on the skin; doesn’t cause irritation or itchiness; brightens the eyes; prevents quick fading
Features:
- Enriched with nourishing ingredients like shea butter
- Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
- Available in black and brown
A gentle formula and beautiful, long-lasting color payoff? This eyeliner gives you the best of both worlds!
Boasting an ophthalmologist-tested formula with olive oil and shea butter, this eyeliner is super safe, gentle, and moisturizing on even the most delicate eyelids. It won’t cause any irritation or discomfort while still giving your eyes fantastic definition.
Of course, its performance is impressive; it doesn’t fade or smudge throughout the day, and it features small light diffusers that help brighten your whole eye area too.
This liner comes in two colors: brown and black. So whether you want brown eyeliner for a natural look or a black one for a more striking makeup style, this pencil has you covered.
Those who love gel eyeliner are in for a treat with this one: it's among the best gel liners for sensitive eyes!
Primary Benefits: Intense color; offers a smooth finish; lasts long even with exposure to moisture
Features:
- Dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested
- Waterproof formula
- Creamy texture
Even sweat and humidity are no match for this safe, long-lasting eyeliner!
Not only has this eyeliner been tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists to guarantee its safety, but it also offers intense color payoff and smooth application.
Smudge-proof, waterproof, and heat-proof, you can wear it with full confidence all day because it remains intact no matter what. It also doesn’t dry out or flake.
Plenty of users also love how soft it feels when applied to the skin!
How To Choose the Right Eyeliner for Sensitive Watery Eyes
Shopping for eyeliner but have sensitive eyes that tend to water and sensitive eyelids that are prone to irritation?
Here are key things to keep in mind to make sure the product you select fits your needs:
Read the Label
The product has to have at least one of the following labels:
- Hypoallergenic — This label means the product contains no irritating ingredients or allergens in its formulation.
- Opthalmologist- and dermatologist-tested — This label indicates that the product has been tested by experts to verify that it is indeed safe for those with sensitive eyes.
- Fragrance-free — This label means the product is free of fragrances that can lead to irritation.
- Safe for sensitive eyes and skin — This label indicates that the makers of the product specifically designed it to be safe for those with sensitivities.
Look for a Waterproof and Smudge-Proof Formula
A waterproof eyeliner is your ideal option if you wear contact lenses or if your sensitive eyes water often. This way, if your eyes get exposed to an irritant that makes them water at some point in your day, you can be sure that your eyeliner won’t fade.
Additionally, it’s best to buy a smudge-proof product. This means the product won’t smudge or flake, which can allow it to get into your eyes and cause redness or stinging.
Do a Patch Test
If the skin around your eyes is extra delicate, do a patch test on your hand before trying your new eyeliner out on your eyelids. This will help prevent any unwanted reactions.
Here’s how to do a patch test:
- Apply your eyeliner to the back of your hand. Then wait for an hour or two and see if you get an adverse reaction.
- If you do have an allergic reaction, then you shouldn’t use the product anywhere near your eyes.
- If the waiting period has passed and you still get no adverse reaction, it’s safe to say that the product is okay to use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Do Tightlining If I Have Sensitive Eyes?
Tightlining involves applying eyeliner to your waterline or the thin lining of skin between your skin and your eyelashes. Now this area is highly sensitive, and it’s extremely close to your eyes.
As such, tightlining can irritate your eyes and skin. And the results the technique yields are not worth the pain and the tears!
If you do want the tightline look, here’s a trick: Use a gel eyeliner or a pencil that’s safe for sensitive eyes, then draw as close to the waterline as possible without actually drawing on the waterline itself.
How Do I Stop My Eye Makeup Products From Irritating My Eyes?
The best thing to do is use eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara that’s hypoallergenic and proven safe for sensitive eyes. Additionally, you should wash your hands before applying the makeup and avoid sharing your products with others.
Don’t Let Sensitive Eyes Hold You Back From Achieving Stunning Eyeliner Looks!
It’s true that finding the perfect eyeliner without worrying about red, watery eyes can be difficult.
But with the many options we’ve laid out in this article, you can finally achieve your eye makeup goals without irritation.
With some experimenting, you can discover the most ideal eyeliner for you! Don’t be afraid to try new products and find your new go-to for everyday looks and glammed-up styles!
Want To Up Your Eye Makeup Game?
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- 15 Korean Eyeliners for Stunning Eye Looks
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- MAC Paint Pot Painterly: Is This Eye Makeup Worth the Splurge?
I don’t understand why there isn’t any cake eyeliner for sensitive eyes. Clinique made one but it is now discontinued. Cake eyeliners do not contain water and are not prone to contamination, which is one of the reasons I cannot wear mascara. If you know of any hypoallergenic cake eyeliners please let me know. I would appreciate any information you may have. Thank you.