Dionne Brighton
Everybody has their lash look preference, but finding the best mascara goes beyond creating the right effect with lasting, flake-free results. These formulas must also be comfortable and irritation-free when it comes to wear.
Of course, this is quite subjective: the best mascara for one type of eye sensitivity won't necessarily be the right for another. Allergies are a common cause, but irritated, dry eyes can also happen at any time due to contact lens use (or misuse), seasonal sensitivity or hormonal changes. "Dry eye syndrome, or xerophthalmia, is extremely common, and can present with a variety of symptoms such as being uncomfortable, itchy, gritty, red and sore, light sensitivity and increased watering," explains consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon Dr Elizabeth Hawkes.
Whether you're a lifelong allergy sufferer or have unexpectedly reacted to your best natural looking mascara, any sign of irritation shouldn't be ignored. "If you’ve noticed itchiness, puffiness, or redness around your eyes after using makeup, take a look at the ingredients," advises Lenstore's expert optometrist Roshni Patel. "Get to know the types of preservatives used, and avoid brands that use them." The most important factor by far is what is – and isn't – in the formula. That's why we scrutinised each and every one of these product's ingredient lists and tested them thoroughly on our own lashes to give our seal of approval.
The best mascaras for sensitive eyes, chosen by our beauty team
RRP: £26 | Brush type: Synthetic | Shades: Black
Tested by: Amelia Yeomans, Fiona McKim
One of the first mainstream hypoallergenic brands, Clinique always ensures that mascaras are allergy-tested and approved by dermatologists and ophthalmologists (a reassuring trio). This mascara boasts all the features of a foolproof mascara for sensitive eyes – thoroughly tested, free from allergens and fragrance, gentle to remove, and stellar results that last all day.
When testing, we loved using the curved brush, which fit right into the roots of our lashes to give them instant lift. The texture is also one of our favourites of the bunch here – not too wet or too dry, it glides on without pulling and doesn't leave any messy spots after application. We loved how our lashes looked with this on – a perfect sweet spot of nicely fanned-out; a little bit dramatic, but not over the top. As a tubing formula, this is kind to the eyes from application to removal, and we found it super easy and satisfying to soak the little tubes off with warm water on a pad. This product really ticks all the boxes for sensitive eyes that still want impactful results.
Pros
- Opthalmologist-approved formula
- Lifts lashes well thanks to the curved brush
- Removes easily with warm water
Cons
- Not the most volume-boosting effect, if that's your main goal
RRP: £32 | Brush type: Synthetic | Shades: Ultra Black, Espresso
Tested by: Amelia Yeomans, Fiona McKim
Another one of the best tubing mascaras makes it onto our list, but this one takes the practicality and easy removal of tube tech and injects it with a huge dose of glamour. The wand is flexible, cone-shaped silicone covered with tonnes of micro-spokes to coat even the tiniest lashes. This then forms polymer 'tubes' around each hair, which set down for the day until you gently slip them off with warm water - a great thing for anyone wondering is mascara bad for your eyelashes as it's often the removal that causes irritation. Our eyes can also be particularly sensitive to eye makeup removers, so we found this was a great solution. We found that this ophthalmologist-tested product provides brilliant length, lift, and separation, giving results comparable to lash extensions without causing any irritation. We also found that it can be easily layered to get thicker and more dramatic results if you prefer a slightly more spidery finish. Our go-to for glam makeup looks, this will always be an essential in our makeup kit.
Pros
- Mimics the look of lash extensions
- Narrow plastic comb catches lashes easily to build length
- Removes easily with warm water
Cons
- Not especially affordable
RRP: £19 | Brush type: Synthetic | Shades: Black, Brown
Tested by: Amelia Yeomans
This ticks all of the boxes for sensitivity. It's had ophthalmological testing, has a gentle ingredients list that's 80% natural origin, and boasts the ability to be removed with warm water alone, no chemicals required. In terms of the mascara itself, the wand is a flexible silicone cone that we took one look at and thought, yep, this is about maximum length and minimal volume.
And we weren't wrong, as this would absolutely make one of the best mascaras for short lashes. Ours were lightly coated in formula and then stretched out to infinity, but not really bulked up. Our lashes also looked glossy, which might have something to do with the acai oil in the formula. This was one of the most budge-proof formulas on our list – we wore it for more than 12 hours on a pretty sweaty day and it stayed perfectly intact. Impressive!
Pros
- Has a great lengthening effect
- Lasts all day without smudging
- 80% natural origin ingredients
Cons
- Won't create much volume, if that's your main priority
RRP: £32 | Brush type: Synthetic | Shades: Black, Cocoa, Bordeaux
Tested by: Amelia Yeomans
The formula contains shea butter to nourish lashes and niacinamide to avert eyelash breakage, making it ideal for those looking to boost lash health. When testing, we noticed that the micro bristle brush is very similar to the Clinique one in terms of the curved shape. However, this is slightly smaller and more precise, making it brilliant for catching shorter lashes.
The nourishing elements help this formula glide on seamlessly and instantly give a lash lift effect, drying down quickly without causing a mess and staying put for a full day of wear – even in the sweaty summer months. Safe for contact wearers and free from gluten and soy, this is a fantastic option for even the most sensitive eyes that will come off with a swipe of warm water.
Pros
- Understated, fluttery effect
- Curls and lengthens
- Conditions the lashes with wear
Cons
- Won't do much for sparse, thin lashes
RRP: £17 | Brush type: Synthetic | Shades: Black, Brown
Tested by: Amelia Yeomans
Tubing mascaras are definitely some of the best lengthening mascaras if you want length that lasts all day, and this product is a testament to that. With technology that coats every single lash and a fragrance-free, flake-proof formula, the brand specifically recommends it as a perfect pick for those with sensitive skin and eyes.
We first noticed the unique corkscrew wand unlike any other mascaras we have tried. This helped catch every lash, but it may be tricky to get used to initially. The consistency felt extremely moisturising without being wet or runny – essential for our hooded eyes that often catch smudges when applying mascara. Just one coat gave us both length and volume, and we can see this formula being easily layerable with the best lash primers for long-lasting drama. This is another formula that can be removed with water, but we also swiped it away effortlessly and completely with one of the best cleansing balms.
Pros
- Creates a lash lift and tint effect
- Easily removes with water
Cons
- You have oily eyelids; it may transfer
RRP: £23 | Brush type: Synthetic | Shades: Black
Tested by: Amelia Yeomans
BareMinerals is a brand known for its natural and skin-loving ingredients. Their foundation has reached cult status over the years as one of the best powder foundations, and this mascara is one of the brand's best products. The vegan formula is free from parabens, talc and synthetic fragrance–a godsend for sensitive eyes. Why is it so special? The peptide-infused lash serum and mascara duo define and lift lashes while encouraging healthier, stronger lashes after each use.
When testing, we found that the rather wet serum formula helped in applying this quickly and effortlessly and dried down to reveal defined and lengthened lashes. The star of the show is the unique brush head, with five rows dedicated to applying and distributing the product and the other half of the brush serving to define and lengthen; you'll love it for effortless application and a smudge-proof ophthalmologist-tested formula.
Pros
- Natural-focused, opthalmologist-tested fromula
- Lengthening effect
- Serum-infused formula cares for lashes while you wear
Cons
- Results are all about lengthening and strengthening
RRP: £20 | Brush type: Synthetic | Shades: Black, Brown
Tested by: Amelia Yeomans
With a "clean beauty" focused ingredients list and a natural makeup look as the end result, look elsewhere if you are looking for ultra-dramatic volumised lashes. Ingredients-wise, this packs in clever Japanese fiber tech for length, vegan biotin for health, and shine polymers for glossy-looking lashes. Glossier is also a paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic brand, which is very helpful in keeping reactions at bay.
Overall, we found this an easy formula to apply as it simply slips onto the lashes without dragging. However, it did leave a few little smudges here and there, meaning that those with hooded eyes will need a cotton bud on hand for any cleanup. The result was a feathery, fanned-out flutter that lasted well and only dropped a little throughout the day. Lightweight and smooth, this mascara works wonders for sensitive eyes, and it comes in at a very reasonable price considering the hard-working formula.
Pros
- Creates an understated "your-lashes-but-better" look
- Doesn't clump easily
Cons
- You don't like a wet formula, or want lots of volume
RRP: £28 | Brush type: Synthetic | Shades:
Tested by: Amelia Yeomans, Fiona McKim
This tubing mascara formula is simple, vegan and cruelty-free, making it an excellent option for sensitive eyes, with clever tubing technology which defines every lash. We found this held up while testing, but also found that it does not smudge, ever. This, along with the precision brush, made it easy to lift lashes and achieve a full, feathered-out lash.
The formula is infused with conditioning olive oil and shine-boosting vitamin B5, which makes the application process smooth without any tugging. Despite it being a tubing mascara that is usually very easy to remove, we found this wasn't the easiest one when it comes to removal, you can't just use water, you will need to use an eye makeup remover to completely remove it so that's something to note if your eyes are can be sensitive to that. But the volume was worth it.
Pros
- Lasts all day without smudging
- Great volume boost
- Conditions lashes
Cons
- Not the easiest to remove
RRP: £13 | Brush type: Synthetic | Shades:
Tested by: Amelia Yeomans
If its volume is what you're after, this ultra-pigmented mascara is the answer. It's infused with vitamin B5, keratin and vitamin E for glossy, stronger lashes, and adds volume with just one coat. UKLASH is known to be kind to animals and the planet, and that extends to being kind to eyes, too. The curved brush helps curl the lashes and the waterproof formula helps to keep that lift all day. When testing, we found that this was easy to apply, and we were impressed with how hard-working it was with its affordable price tag. However, the waterproof formula means that you need a good eye makeup remover to get it off at the end of the day, so if you're sensitive to that, give this one a miss. Otherwise, this mascara is suitable for contact wearers, and is a fantastic affordable option.
Buy if: Volume and drama is on the agenda for your lashes
Avoid if: You don't use eye make up remover, as you will need it for this waterproof formula
How we tested the best mascaras for sensitive eyes
A selection of the mascaras for sensitive eyes we tried for this feature
To ensure our final edit contained only the best buys, we tested a broad selection from the market. Our beauty team tried each of the best mascaras for sensitive eyes on very irritation-prone eyes for at least one full day – and with each product, we looked at all of the following factors.
- Application: How well and easily each product applied and whether they caused any irritation when first put on.
- Results: How the lashes looked immediately after application and if they gave the right amount of volume and length.
- Wear: How each product wore throughout the day and whether any irritation occurred further down the line
- Removal: How easy each mascara was to remove, the type of makeup remover required and if the process caused any irritation.
- Price: Whether each mascara is truly worth the money in terms of its performance on sensitive eyes.
How to choose the best mascaras for sensitive eyes
- Hypoallergenic: Generally, a product marked as hypoallergenic has been created using ingredients that typically cause fewer allergic reactions. However, there aren’t strict regulations around the usage of the term in relation to cosmetics, so a hypoallergenic product can only reduce the chances of a reaction. The best oil-free mascaras are often designed with sensitivity in mind, so we recommend looking out for fragrance, preservatives, and oils in a formula.
- Allergy-tested, ophthalmologist-tested: More useful terms to look for on packaging for added peace of mind, indicating that the product has been vetted by an eye professional and likely passed a tolerance test.
- Patch-testing: Before committing to a new mascara, it could be worth carrying out a patch test. Simply swipe a little on your outer lashes and leave it there for a few hours. If it doesn’t give you any discomfort, take it as a green light to apply it all over your eyelashes or, if you’re still anxious, apply it from the mid-lengths upwards.
- Expiration date: How often should you replace your mascara to avoid irritation? As a general rule, you should throw out mascaras that are more than six months old (discard them sooner if they dry up or give off an unpleasant smell) Mascaras can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, and no one wants an eye infection.
What is the safest mascara brand for sensitive eyes?
Heritage skincare brands such as Clinique apply the same rigor to their makeup ranges as they do to complexion products – the result being some standout mascaras for sensitive eyes. Brands that bill themselves as 'clean beauty' are usually worth a look, as they often formulate without parabens, a preservative that's been associated with reactions in some forms, and also are often free of artificial fragrance, a generally accepted irritant.
As ever, the best thing you can do is shop around. Read up on ingredients, be diligent with your research and you won't need to limit yourself to a few brands only. Refer to our cheat-sheet on 'how to choose the best mascara for sensitive eyes' to give you a better idea of the things to look out for when shopping between brands.
How to apply and remove mascara on sensitive eyes
What’s in your mascara is only one piece of the puzzle – another is how it’s applied and removed. According to makeup artist Kenneth Soh, a few small tweaks to your technique could make a world of difference in learning how to apply mascara on eyes prone to sensitivity. “I would always start with a good lash curler,” he says. “You’ll be amazed at how much more defined your lashes will look, which means you will only need a light coat of mascara.” Kenneth also recommends applying mascara as close as you can get to the root, without actually allowing the product to come into contact with the skin of the eyelid.
When removing your mascara at the end of the day, take extra care and give it time – excessive scrubbing or several rounds of heavy-handed cleansing will only worsen sensitivity. Waterproof mascaras are a great option for those whose eyes water at the drop of a hat (a common occurrence for the sensitive-eyed), but try swapping traditional formulas for a tubing mascara instead. They work by wrapping lashes in a fine film of flake-proof polymers and are easily removed with warm water. Your eyes will thank you!
Our expert panel
Amelia is an experienced shopping editor with a specialism in beauty and fashion who has written for woman&home, Marie Claire UK, OK!, New!, and Notion. During her time as woman&home's fashion and beauty writer, Amelia tested hundreds of products to sort the best from the rest, and has a particular penchant for hardworking makeup. She was the main tester and reviewer for this guide, separating the best from the rest to compile this thorough edit.
Fiona McKim has been part of the woman&home beauty team for more than a decade. During that time her work has included interviewing countless experts, reporting from backstage at Fashion Week and judging the woman&home Beauty Awards. To support this guide, she shared some of her testing insights on the best mascaras for sensitive eyes.
Dr Elizabeth Hawkes is a consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon and aesthetic doctor who practises in London. As an eye expert, she has advised on some of the things to look for when shopping for sensitive eyes specifically.
Roshni Patel is an optometrist who works for Lenstore. She's explained some of the ways you can tell if you have sensitive eyes and how you can identify potentially sensitising ingredients.
Kenneth Soh is an experienced makeup artist whose work covers editorial shoots, campaigns and working with celebrity clients like Naomie Harris and Kerry Washington. As a makeup expert, he's shared some insights into applying mascara to sensitive eyes for the best results.