No more panda eyes: How to stop your eye makeup from running
Weâve all been there.
You have been meticulously applying your makeup â only for your eyes to start watering.
And once those floodgates open, it can be a tricky fix.
Why do your eyes go watery when applying makeup?
Celebrity hair and makeup artist Kimberley Forbes says there are many reasons.
âMakeup can clog the meibomian glands located on the waterline of the eye,â Kimberley says.
âThese glands secrete oil that lubricates your eyes and gives your tears surface tension which stops them from dribbling down the cheek.
âWhen the meibomian glands are blocked, tears evaporate rapidly, which makes your eyes feel dry and they overcompensate by watering.â
Not only that, some peopleâs eyes are sensitive to touch and so the physical act of applying makeup can cause them to water, according to celebrity makeup artist Desiree Wise.
âSmall particles of makeup can work their way into your eye and your eyes might be irritated if youâre using old or expired products,â Desiree says.
âTired eyes are also more easily aggravated by the application of makeup.â
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So how do you avoid watery eyes after applying makeup? Experts share their top tips:
Use the correct makeup in the right place
Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Dr Nick Andrew warns against using any cosmetics near your eyes unless they are intended specifically for that use.
âFor example, donât use lipstick as eyeshadow â youâll spread bacteria and may cause eye infections,â Dr Andrew says.
Watch where you apply your eyeliner
Dr Andrew says studies show people who apply eyeliner along the lash line (inside the rim) get a higher volume of particles in their tear film, compared with those who apply eyeliner just in front of the lash line.
âThe makeup particles mix with the tears and irritate the eye,â Dr Andrew says.
âThe surface of your eye has the richest nerve supply of any tissue in the body, which means itâs very sensitive to any products that you put near it.â
Give products time to settle
If youâre not accustomed to wearing eye makeup on regularly, you may initially get a little tearing, Desiree cautions.
âIn most cases eyes will stop watering within an hour or so, as the products settle and dry and you become accustomed to them,â Desiree says.
Bin out-of-date products
Desiree advises to replace old and expired products, even if thereâs some left.
âThis is particularly the case for mascaras and pencil eyeliners,â Desiree says.
âOften you can tell when a product such as a mascara has âgone offâ because youâll notice a change in the smell and texture â it will become dryer and grainier.â
She warns old pencil eyeliners can be targets for mould.
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Tinting may reduce eye watering
Kimberley says to consider having your eyelashes tinted if mascara irritates them, or using hypoallergenic products to minimise irritation.
âUse eyedrops and an eye primer and avoid powders on the eyelid or underneath. And make sure your brushes are clean,â Kimberley says.
Focus your eyes
Desiree recommends fixing your eyes on a specific point when youâre applying makeup.
âThe distraction of really focusing the eyes on a certain point, rather than just looking in a general direction, will limit your eyesâ response to the process thatâs occurring,â Desiree says.
Kimberley says to keep tissues close by and dab under your eye while leaning forward.
âDiversion is a great technique, wiggle your toes or think of something else while youâre dabbing,â Kimberley says.
Written by Liz McGrath