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If you have itchy eyes that water and prevent you from applying eyeliner, it’s time to get the best eyeliner for sensitive eyes. Eyeliners are a beautiful addition to your makeup kit. They enhance your look and make your eyes pop. However, you need to ensure they are safe. Therefore, pick one from our list. The eyeliners listed here are smudge-free, itch-free, and irritation-free, making them perfect for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes.
Top Picks
13 Best Eyeliners For Sensitive Eyes To Look Great In 2024
1. Best Smooth-Gliding: Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner
Featuring a hyper-easy brush tip, this liquid line offers a smooth glide. It has a revolutionary flex tip brush and a custom hexagonal grip to provide adequate control and stable, easy application. The makeup artist-approved eyeliner stays for up to 24 hours. You can get subtle lines; custom brow, smoky vibes, a shot of color, or a classic tone. This review video about a tester’s experience will provide you with added insights about the product.
Pros
- Offers matte finish
- Brush tip helps create precise lines
- Safe formula for sensitive eyelids
- Smudge-resistant formula
Cons
- May have low color pigmentation
- Uneven liquid distribution
- May not be waterproof
"I prefer using this eyeliner whenever I have to make bold, sharp lines and perfect that cat eye look. Its staying power is also impressive. However, remember to close the cap tightly to keep it from drying out."
Beauty tip
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Over 48,684 satisfied customers on Amazon have said good things about the product.
2. Best Dermatologist-Approved: Physicians Formula Eye Booster Lash 2-in-1 Boosting Eyeliner & Serum
With a multitasking formula, this liquid eyeliner delivers a lash-boosting complex to the base of the eyelashes, improving your look. It also helps condition and nourish the lashes. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, this 2-in-1 pencil and pen is dermatologically approved, safe, hypoallergenic, and cruelty-free. For a more detailed review of this product, here’s a video.
Pros
- Matte finish
- Fine brush applicator tip
- Gluten-free
- Doesn’t smudge easily
Cons
- May not be waterproof
- May run out quickly
- May be difficult to get the cap on
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 9,695 independent reviewers on Amazon have acknowledged the product's durability and functionality.
3. Best Ophthalmologist-Tested: Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil
Image: Neutrogena Defining and improving the look of your eyes, this eyeliner is rich, luminous, and long-lasting. Formulated with rainforest shea butter and nourishing olive oil, it glides smoothly and lasts the entire day without smudging and fading. With an inbuilt sharpener, you can get a smoky, blended, or soft eye look. It is ophthalmologist-tested and dermatologist-tested and is safe and gentle for sensitive eyelids.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Rich color payoff
- Doesn’t smudge easily
- Doesn’t irritate the eyes
- Easy application
- Doesn’t scratch the waterline
Cons
- Could be difficult to get the tip sharpened
- May not be consistent
- Lead may break off quickly
"This eyeliner has been handy for everything from creating a smokey eye to filling my eyebrows. It glides smoothly, and the buildable consistency allows me to experiment easily. Hence, it has found a permanent place in my makeup bag."
Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner Best Smooth-Gliding | Physicians Formula Eye Booster Lash 2-in-1 Boosting Eyeliner& Serum Best Dermatologist-Approved | Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil Best Ophthalmologist-Tested | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color | Pitch Black | Deep Brown | 10 / Cosmic Black |
| Dimensions | 5.51 x 1.81 x 0.5 inches | - | 6 x 5 x 4 inches |
| Weight | 0.32 Ounces. | - | 0.67 Ounces |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 48,684 | 9,695 | 3,579 |
| Price | $7.98 | $8.98 | $8.14 |
4. Best Water-Resistant: Neutrogena Precision Liquid Liner
Image: Neutrogena® Water-resistant and highly pigmented, this eyeliner helps define your lash lines without melting or cracking. The tip glides smoothly for effortless application and helps you get clean lines with sharp edges for that dramatic makeup look. It contains natural ingredients like coconut and honey, and the formula is smudge-resistant and quick-drying, making it the ideal sensitive eye eyeliner.
Pros
- Stays on for hours without smudging
- Easy to get a thin line
- Gentle and hypoallergenic eyeliner
- Easy to clean
Cons
- May not be adequate for everybody
- May be difficult to create a semi-dark line
- Ink may dry out quickly
5. Best Smudge-Proof: Vasanti Kajal Waterline Eyeliner
Image: Vasanti Formulated for sensitive eyelids, this long-lasting eyeliner offers comfort without compromising its durability. With several positive reviews, the vegan eyeliner is also free of gluten and parabens and is safe to use on delicate areas of your eyes.
Pros
- Soft to apply
- Dermatologist-tested
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Smudge-proof eyeliner
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May not stay on the waterline for long
- Not suitable for everybody
"Its intense black hue matches my eyes well and goes with formal and informal settings. I am also amazed at how well it stays even when I apply it on my waterline."
Quick tipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
More than 3,161 buyers on Amazon have said the product lives up to the hype.
6. Best Fade-Resistant: Burt’s Bees Nourishing Eyeliner
Image: Burtsbees Smear- and fade-resistant, this gray eyeliner is formulated for delicate eye areas. This eyeliner is made from cedarwood and natural and botanical ingredients, including mango oil, meadowfoam seed, and nourishing jojoba. You can easily swipe onto the lower or upper lash line to beautifully define your eyes. It is free of synthetic fragrances, silicones, talc, petrolatum, SLS, phthalates, and parabens.
Pros
- Creamy texture
- Easy to apply
- Durable and long-wearing formula
- Ophthalmologist-tested
- Three shades
Cons
- May cause excessive tears
- Application could be lighter
"I have always loved the gentle products offered by Burts Bees, so I quickly got this eyeliner pencil. It applies well and does not settle into the lines under the eyes. It even gives a subtle sparkle that makes my eyes look vibrant."
7. Best All-Natural: Shimarz Black Eyeliner Pencil
Image: Shimarz Formulated with all-natural skin and eyelash nourishing ingredients, this product is safe for the eyes. It has an ultra-smooth formula that glides smoothly and can help improve the feel and look of your eyes.
Pros
- Can be easily sharpened
- Doesn’t irritate the eyes
- Doesn’t smear
- Hypoallergenic
- Paraben-free
Cons
- May be difficult to get a dark shade
- May come off quickly
- May not stay in the inner waterline
"What makes this liner pencil stand out is its natural, non-toxic composition that ensures my eyes stay comfortable no matter how long I wear it. I love how much definition it adds to my eye makeup. Overall, it's an incredible product."
8. Best Plant-Based: Ecco Bella Natural Soft Eyeliner Pencil
Image: Eccobella Vegan-friendly and plant-based, this professional-grade eyeliner helps define and dramatize your eyes. Naturally preserved, this product is made from a blend of vegetable oils, including coconut oil and palm kernel oil. For a neat line, it naturally glides to give a smooth result. It has a fine tip that helps control the pencil easily and creates simple lines and dramatic wings.
Pros
- Easy to remove
- Smooth and gentle
- Gives a shadowy effect
- Natural ingredients
- No harmful chemicals
Cons
- May not be waterproof
- Pencil might be too hard for some
- Color may not be rich and dark
9. Best Fragrance-Free: IsaDora Glossy Eyeliner
Image: Isadora The fluid eyeliner comes with a contour-safe applicator and offers a glossy finish. This eyeliner is waterproof, richly pigmented, and quick drying. Its flexible and pointed applicator makes it possible to draw a fine or broad line. This waterproof liquid eyeliner is clinically tested and fragrance-free.
Pros
- Suitable for watery or hooded eyes
- Precision tip for precise lines
- Dark pigment offers a rich color payoff
- Suitable for contact lens wearers
Cons
- May get smudged easily
- May not stay put all-day
"Its pointed tip glides the product nicely, even when my eyelids are tired or puffy. Its waterproof formulation stays put even when I sweat or go out in the rain but comes off easily with a touch of makeup remover."
10. Best Gentle Formula: L’Oreal Paris Age Perfect Satin Glide Eyeliner
Image: Loreal Paris Featuring a waterproof and gentle formula, this non-irritating eyeliner offers even application and a non-drying feel. It has been created with mineral pigments suitable for sensitive eyelids, and its tug-free pencil offers comfortable wear.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Long-lasting
- Doesn’t migrate
- Ergonomic rubber grip
Cons
- Could be difficult to remove
- May smudge easily
- Pencil may break off easily
"It makes my eyes look bright and bold all day long. Removing it requires extra effort, but its vibrant results and consistent performance make that hassle worth it."
Beauty tip11. Best High-Pigmented: Beauty For Real I-Line 24-7 Eyeliner
Image: Beautyforreal Manufactured from a waterproof gel formula, it delivers a highly pigmented and long-lasting color that doesn’t smudge easily. This gentle gel liner is formulated without any fragrance, making it suitable for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyelids. It includes vitamin E to help nourish, condition, and soften delicate lids. This irritation-free eyeliner pencil comes with a sharpener for smooth and easy application.
Pros
- Doesn’t smear easily
- Doesn’t irritate the eyes
- Waterproof gel formula
- Cruelty-free eyeliner
Cons
- May not be suitable for daily use
- May run out fast
"Despite offering a subtle finish, this eyeliner makes my eyes pop like no other product. It glides smoothly and also comes off without a fuss. While retracting the product may take effort, the tube design is excellent for on-the-go use."
12. Best Hypoallergenic: Fifth & Skin Better’n Ur Eyes Eyeliner Pencil
Image: Fifthandskin Made from botanical ingredients, this natural eyeliner pencil can help accentuate the shape of your eyes. It can be applied smoothly without pulling or tugging. With several positive reviews, this long-lasting and allergen-free eyeliner contains non-toxic ingredients that decrease the chances of irritation, making it suitable for those with sensitive eyes.
Pros
- Made from natural ingredients like castor oil and jojoba oil
- Long wearing formula
- Helps grow eyelashes
- Gluten-free and certified cruelty free
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- May leave a duplicate stain
- May get smudged easily
"Thanks to its hypoallergenic build, my eyes do not sting or water even when I use it to tight line the eyes. Its shade may look a little different than the pictures, but the formulation is smudge-free and gentle."
13. Best With Sharpener: Almay Eyeliner Pencil
The Almay’s mechanical eyeliner pencil can help you achieve those sharp lines on every application. It is equipped with a built-in sharpener that keeps the pencil’s tip pointed and precise consistently. In addition, the smear-proof, crack-free, and highly pigmented formula helps you create smooth lines in just one stroke. Moreover, the fragrance-free eyeliner comes in six shades and is oil-free.
Pros
- Has a matte finish
- Enriched with vitamin E
- Ophthalmologist-tested eyeliner
- Hypoallergenic
- Creates precise lines
Cons
- Line may be softer than expected
- Body might be flimsy
"The standout features of this eyeliner are its non-irritating formula and long-staying power. Plus, the built-in sharpener and retractable tube feel like a bonus."
How To Choose The Right Eyeliner For Sensitive Eyes?
Below are some essential factors that you should consider before buying eyeliner for sensitive eyes.
- Color: If you wear eyeliner daily, you may go for a neutral color. However, consider colors that would make your eye color stand out if you want them for special occasions.
- Thickness: Liquid liners help you create sharp, thin, or even dramatic lines. On the other hand, pencil or gel liners help create sharp, soft lines. However, exercise caution as pencil eyeliners may contaminate the tear film when applied to the rear lash line in those with sensitive eyes (1).
- Water-resistant: Waterproof eyeliners don’t flake or smudge. However, you can only remove them with a waterproof makeup remover. These are ideal if you live in rainy or humid areas.
- Type of eyeliner: Gel and pencil eyeliners are often gentler on sensitive skin than liquid liners. Liquid liners may contain more drying ingredients, while gel and pencil formulas tend to have softer, creamy textures that glide on smoothly without tugging at your skin.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are eyeliners worth it?
Most eyeliners come with a fine tip that allows you to try out winged, cat eye, and other styles with ease, speed, and perfection.
2. What is the healthiest eyeliner to use?
Eye-friendly eyeliners that are ophthalmologist-tested and dermatologist-tested and free of parabens, sulfates, and other harsh chemicals make for an ideal choice as they are comparatively safer to use. However, avoid eyeliners with high pH and lead concentrations (2).
3. Can an eyeliner irritate the eyes?
Using chemical-based eyeliners can irritate the eyes. Also, applying or removing eyeliner in a careless manner could irritate the eyes (3). Always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to identify any allergic reactions or sensitivities before applying the eyeliner near your eyes.
4. Can I apply eyeliner if I use contact lenses?
You may check the manufacturer’s recommendation to ensure the product is crafted for contact lens wearers. In addition, be careful when you are trying to remove the eyeliner. Dr. Alison Ng, optometrist and clinical scientist at the Centre for Ocular Research & Education, University of Waterloo, says, “People who wear contact lenses are most likely to notice some problems. If they have eyeliner stuck to their lenses, increasing deposits might cause vision disruption as the lens becomes cloudier (1).”
5. Is it okay to apply eyeliner every day?
It depends on the ingredients and how you use the eyeliner. For instance, applying it to the inner eyelid could contaminate the eyes and cause vision issues (1).
6. Will wearing eyeliner make me look older?
To look younger, you can apply a thick and even width line only on the lower eyelid. You may also skip the eye primer and use liquid liner on the lower eyelid and pencil on the upper eyelid. Do not forget to skip the colors that highlight your eyelids.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag is a product writer and editor who has a keen interest in the beauty, fashion, and personal care segments. She enjoys compiling lists of unique, innovative, or practical products that can offer convenience and joy to her readers’ lives. Here, she writes about the best eyeliners for sensitive eyelids that can prevent itching and allergic reactions while making your eyes pop. She has thoroughly researched each option listed here and studied customer reviews across several e-commerce websites.
The Bottom Line
There are numerous beauty products available for facial makeup, but when it comes to eye makeup, a single stroke of eyeliner is powerful enough to glam you up and add something unique to your natural look. However, selecting an eyeliner can be challenging if you have sensitive eyelids. Therefore, we’ve put together a list of some best eyeliners for sensitive eyes for you to pick. It includes the Neutrogena Nourishing Eyeliner Pencil infused with nourishing ingredients, the smooth gliding Maybelline Hyper Easy Liquid Pen No-Skip Eyeliner, and the hypoallergenic Physicians Formula Eye Booster Lash 2-in-1 Boosting Eyeliner & Serum. Remember the points mentioned above the next time you go shopping for eyeliners.
Infographic: How To Apply Eyeliner On Sensitive Eyes?
If you have sensitive eyes, it can be difficult to avoid tears or discomfort when applying eyeliner. Now that you know which eyeliners are best for sensitive eyes, you should also know how to apply eyeliner safely and elegantly. Here is an infographic with step-by-step instructions on applying eyeliner to look elegant while remaining safe. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Eyeliner application may cause eye problems study finds
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/04/150401145449.htm - Kohl – the traditional eyeliner: Use and analysis
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17587986/ - Are mascara and eyeliner bad for your eyes?
https://wexnermedical.osu.edu/blog/eye-makeup-risks
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