The Best Mascara for Sensitive Eyes

Ask anyone what makeup item they can’t leave the house without and we all know they’d say mascara. We're certainly guilty as charged! Just a little swipe of mascara can completely change your look, opening up your eyes in just a few seconds.

But what happens when you have extra sensitive eyes and even the slightest thing sets off itching, watering and stinging? Whether it’s contact lenses, office air-conditioning or allergies, there’s plenty of irritations around town. It’s enough to put you off mascara completely, but never fear: the heroes at Cosmetify HQ are here.

We’ve whipped round and come up with our favourite gentle formulas to give you a list of the very best mascaras for sensitive eyes.

1. Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara

First on the list is a favourite of beauty influencers and TikTokers worldwide, enriched with bamboo extract and fibres for weightless volume. One of a few ophthalmologist tested from Maybelline, this mascara is not only kind to sensitive eyes and contact wearers, but it also promises a fluttery falsie look with its unique Flex Tower brush made for catching every lash.

2.Stila Magnum XXX Mascara

Another opthalmologist (and Cosmetify) approved mascara is this one from Stila, featuring a super-sized brush to give you mega-volume, sky-high curl and a panoramic flutter in just one sweep. Your sensitive eyes will love the conditioning, lightweight formula, while you'll love its amazing curl retention and super intense colour (thanks to 1% diamond powder).

3. RevitaLash Double Ended Mascara/Primer Volume Set

You're already spending plenty of time reading articles like these to find good mascaras for sensitive eyes; you don't want to go through the same process for a mascara primer too! Well, save yourself the trouble with this handy dandy 2-in-1 lash primer and mascara duo. Free of parabens, phthalates and fragrance, this conditioning formula is also water-resistant - something that can be hard to find when you're also shopping for sensitive eyes.

4. Maybelline Lash Sensational Waterproof Mascara

If water-resistant isn't enough for you and you need totally waterproof (not to mention reasonably priced), go for this mascara from Maybelline. The wand's ten layers and six bristle lengths give you maximum volume without any clumps and rosehip oil keeps your lashes nice and soft.

5. Sculpted by Aimee Connolly My Mascara

This super volumising and hypoallergenic mascara lifts, lengthens and defines even the smallest of lashes. You'll get a precise application thanks to the curved wand, separating every lash and coating it with an ultra-black pigment that nourishes your lashes.

6. PIXI Lower Eyelash Mascara Black

Gentle mascaras don’t have to mean lacklustre results. You can still create dramatic makeup looks with the PIXI mascara. This nifty tube small tube is designed for your lower lashes and contains vitamin E and panthenol, which stays put all day long. Not to mention the formula still adds a pop of colour and separates for an exaggerated effect.

7. Colorescience Mascara

Free of all the nasties you don't want in your mascara when you've got sensitive eyes (like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, talcs and drying alcohols), this multitasking mascara not only defines your lashes but conditions, nourishes and prevents them from future breakage with a blend of peptides so your lashes can grow long and strong naturally.

Gentle Eye Makeup Removal

Finding the best mascara for sensitive eyes is only half the battle, what with eye creams, eye masks and makeup removers to contend with. How you take the makeup off is just as important as what you apply to your lashes. So why not try some of our favourite gentle cleansers and eye makeup removers to keep your skin feeling tip-top?

Struggle with sensitive skin all over your face? Don’t panic - we’ve got your back. Take a look at our edits of the the best face masks and sunscreens for sensitive skin to keep you nourished and protected.