Mascara & Eyeliner makes my Eyes Sting

[Netix]

Well that about says it all. When I wear mascara or eyeliner (eye shadow isn't too bad, cos I can rub my eyes a little, but don't like to) my eyes eventually sting, water a bit and even go red. Not nice, so when I was working, I hardly used to wear much makeup (by 3pm, eyes look shocking, not a good look in the office).

Now, I would like to wear makeup again, and feel more like a lady, but even though I have tried several different brands of mascara (mabelline-sp!?, avon, some other strange brand, and revlon too I think), I haven't had much luck.

Is it the chemicals in the mascara (I don't get it in my eyes) that is irritating, or what? Any ideas? Should I just put up with it, and get myself some eye drops?

[Lilly-Pilly]

Have you tried having your eyelashes tinted?? It takes about 15 - 20 mins, costs around $20 and lasts for 4 - 6 weeks
You get the look of eyeliner and mascara and don't have to do anything to your eyes each day!

[Curly]

Maybe get your eyelashes tinted and then use an eyelash curler to "open" up your eyes? That way you don't have to put up with the irritation every day.

I have had my lashes tinted once and the beautician was careless enough to get a bit in my eye which really stung so make sure you let them know you have very sensitve eyes if you choose to do this.

[Netix]

Oooh, I never thought of that! Love it! I will have to go and ask my hairdresser (if you could call her that, I only go every six or twelve months!)

Is it okay to do while you're pregnant?

[Curly]

I think it's more of a beauty therapist thing than a hairdresser thing and yes it would be fine to get it done while pregnant, the tint doesn't touch your skin.

The other thing I was going to suggest was perhaps try a more expensive mascara. I'd throw in a recommendation for Clinique, their Long Pretty Lashes version, it gives you an enhanced natural look rather than making you look really made up. (If that's the kind of look you like that is!) My eyes tend to be a little sensitive too, not like yours by the sound of things, but I've never had trouble with this one.

[Nelle]

I've used an Alamay brand eyeliner before that I liked, I think they market to sensitive skin. So that might be worth a shot?

I always get sore eyes from mascara, but that's because I'm an eye rubber when I'm tired...bad idea. I look like a panda too. :P So, who here has had their eyelashes tinted then?

[Lulu]

I find if I go without makeup for a week or so, then wear it to work, my eyes seem really sensitive. Now I have to wear it everyday and my eyes don't seem so sensitive.
Some mascaras can feel really 'heavy', I have a new light one (Cover Girl) and it doesn't bother me!

[mum3girls]

I find it really difficult to apply mascara (makes my eyes water) and cannot apply eyeliner - barely can handle someone else putting it on for me. Doesn't bother me once it's on though. I've had my eyelashes tinted a couple of times, find it difficult having it put on (and keeping my eyes shut for the whole 10 mins, I keep wanting to blink for some reason) but the effect is really good.

Have you tried a hypoallergenic mascara? There's some available specifically for people with sensitive eyes and contact wearers.

[Lilly-Pilly]

I have my eyelashes tinted all the time, they look fantastic. You can also get them permed, which makes it look like you have used a eyelash curler every day without having to do a thing. When you get them permed it also includes a tint.

If you eyes start stinging during the treatment you need to let the therpaist know, they'll remove it and wash it off and then if its not fully developed then it can be reapplied so that its not stinging.

Its not really the therpaists doing if it stings, generally if you squint your eyes tight or try to open them at all the tint can go into the eyes. When you apply the tint you have the edges of the eye covered with special pads and vaseline so the tint doesn't get on the skin.

[Netix]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have been wearing mascara on both the top and bottom lashes for about the last week, and my eyes have actually been really good. I had a thought that maybe it was more of the air cond in the buildings I was working in which may have been drying my eyes out, and since I was wearing eye makeup, I haven't wanted to rub my eyes, which I don't worry about if not wearing makeup at work. IYKWIM.

The mascara I'm using at the moment is an Avon one, haven't used eyeliner for ages though. I really loved the mabyelline (SP?) wonder curl mascara, but I don't think they make it any more? Does anyone know what mascara is out now that is the most similar to this?

I may still look at getting my eyelashes tinted, as a special treat to me.