I’m not a full-face-of-makeup kind of girl. It’s only on certain occasions that you’ll see me wearing a full-coverage foundation with a bold smoky eye and a bright red lip. What I do reach for on the daily? A good tube of mascara, Glossier Generation G, brow product, and a dash of blush. I’ll even go so far as to say you can eliminate everything but mascara, because we all have those days that we have to get ready in a pinch.
But here comes my problem when it comes to mascara: I have sensitive eyes, just as I have pretty sensitive skin. One swipe of the wrong mascara and my eyes start to burn and water nonstop, leaving a smudged mess that’s not exactly the look I was going for. And even though I have found one that works well for me, I’ve been itching for a switch it up a bit as of late.
That’s when I turned to the vast world of Amazon, Sephora, Dermstore, and Walmart to find the absolute best mascaras for sensitive eyes. By combing through the reviews, I was able to find 17 holy-grail products that seem like they won’t make my eyes burn, water, or itch. Bonus if they add instant length and volume, which several promise to do.
Ahead, see the 17 best mascaras for sensitive eyes, all of which I’m dying to try out ASAP.
“I’ve tried just about every mascara on the market; I have sensitive eyes. This product does not irritate them. It goes on well, does not clump or leave you with raccoon eyes at the end of the day. It’s easy to remove. I also wanted a product that would be good for my eyelashes since they’re small and falling out, and this product fits the bill. I like the ingredients in this product since I’m changing to more natural products. I can get some length from using this product but cannot get thicker, fuller lashes from it. Guess can’t have everything. All in all, I’m happy with this product and will probably buy it again.” — Lee P.
“My eyes are extremely sensitive, and this is the first mascara I’ve ever used that doesn’t make my eyes water or burn. It doesn’t clump, which is really great for people who are less than blessed in the lash department. With other mascaras, I’ve ended up with what appeared to be five giant eyelashes. Now I have a much more natural look.” — Terry
“Easy to use for sensitive eyes. Lasts a long time. Stays put fairly well. Easy to take off. The brush is good and basically puts the mascara where you want it I use a light application because I’m older.” — Amazon customer
“It works! The mascara doesn’t irritate my eyes. Usually my eyes itch and water the moment I put on mascara, but Easy on the Eyes was just that. Easy on my sensitive eyes, and I love it. Also, I like that it drys fast and lasts all day. This is a great product. I’ll definitely recommend this mascara to my family and friends.” — Mrs1Satterfield
“I have sensitive eyes after having episcleritis. This mascara is easy to use, lasts all day, and is easy to remove. The biggest thing is that it doesn’t dry out my eyes or irritate them in any way. Plus it looks great! Love it!” — Amazon customer
“I cannot say enough about this amazing mascara. Lengthens and does not irritate my very sensitive eyes. This mascara is not chunky or cakey, yet gives incredible length and definition. And it doesn’t flake or run. Win-win!” — G. Lo
“This mascara is wonderful! I’ve always had very sensitive eyes, and the mascaras I’ve used in the past have always irritated my eyes—even organic and natural brands. This was my first time using Naturally Rooted mascara, and I’m so impressed. Not only do my eyes not itch or bother me while I have the mascara on, but my lashes also look amazing. They are very long and full, and I’ve never had a natural mascara give me look I’ve I was trying to get. I’ll definitely be purchasing this mascara again!” — Haylee Smith
“I’ve been using this mascara for years. I have very sensitive eyes, and this is one of the few that doesn’t irritate them. I get compliments on a regular basis of how great my eyelashes look and have even had people ask me if I have eyelash extensions.” — Madhatter
“I curl my lashes and apply one light coat, and apply again only on the tips to keep a clean pretty look all day. It’s a rich full-coverage mascara that doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. It washes off easily with water, soap, cleanser, or mascara remover. I don’t like a heavy look on my eyes, and I can accomplish that easily. If I applied the second coat to the whole lash, it would be a beautiful look. I just prefer a lighter, brighter presentation. I’d recommend this to anyone who has sensitive eyes.” — Texangelnoel
“This is what I was looking for. Volumizing mascaras are too much for me, as I have lashes that are already thick (thankfully). I simply wanted a mascara that would lengthen and separate. This does the trick via the skinny brush with no bristles. It lasts the day without irritating my sensitive eyes. If you want a pretty look without the drama, get this.” — DG
“I have sensitive eyes; a lot of cosmetics cause them to swell. I do really well with this mascara. Finally found one I can wear that applies great.” — Maria C.
“I’ve had to stop wearing mascara for the last few years because of extreme eye sensitivities. Between contact lenses and allergies, every mascara on the market seemed to make my eyes itch, water, or burn. Mostly it seemed to be triggered by fragrances and mineral oil–based ingredients. I tried Lights, Camera, Lashes on a recommendation from an associate at my local store, and I have now purchased several tubes without any reaction at all! My lashes look great: thick, full, and defined without being clumpy. I have no smudging or smearing, which, with contact lenses, is very unusual. I’ve also used the waterproof version (Lights, Camera, Splashes) and found that it works very well.” — ShopperSpender
“I love this mascara. The color is subtle and pretty. I love the dark green as well. I have brown eyes, so it’s nice to have mascara options that flatter my eye color. I also have very sensitive eyes, and this product doesn’t bother me at all.” — CS
“Hands down the best mascara I’ve ever worn! I have to be extra careful what makeup I wear on my eyes because they’re extra sensitive and water very easily. This mascara does not irritate my eyes in any way and does not run through out the day. I highly recommend it to anyone with sensitive eyes.” — Cassie V.
“I’m super picky about mascara, and I’d have to say this is one of the best I’ve ever tried. I have super sensitive eyes and thin lashes, so I’m always looking for the perfect everyday product. This product is great. No clumping or flaking, and gives tremendous volume and length with out looking like you’re wearing false eyelashes. Love, love, love this product.” — Amazon customer
“No eye irritation and best natural mascara I’ve found thus far. It’s a new product for Glo. I hope the come out with a dark brown color.” — purchaser
“I have sensitive eyes that are easily irritated. I like this mascara because I’ve had no sensitivity complications while wearing this mascara. Also, falling asleep with the mascara on has not been a negative experience.” — purchaser
