Recommendations for a hypoallergenic mascara please.

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I’ve been having problems with the skin on my eyelids and underneath my eyes for the past year now. It started when I got a new eye cream, the skin became very dry, itchy and sore. I ditched the eye cream straight away but the skin never improved, yesterday the skin under my eye was very sore and when I looked in the mirror it had got to the point that it had cracked and bled. The skin on the rest of my face is normal, I’ve never had problem skin. I do have dermatitis on my hands and it is similar to that only more itchy. I did at one point think it might even be thrush on my eyelids but it doesn’t seem to be.

I’ve gradually replaced everything I use on my face; moisturiser, face wash, foundation, concealer, make up remover and it’s just not improving. The only thing left is my mascara, it might not be this but it’s worth trying.

Can anyone recommend a hypoallergenic mascara that doesn’t irritate them but is also good as a mascara? Thanks.

I have had similar problems after a reaction to a mascara and finally found (after lots of expensive mistakes including Clinique) that I love this one from Boots. No reaction to it at all and my lashes look good: www.boots.com/no7-lovely-lashes-mascara-7ml-10169567

It's not sold as waterproof but it has great sticking power.

The lush one, 'eyes right' has far fewer chemicals in it, made with jojoba oil and wheatgrass to condition.
It's not waterproof but it really doesn't effect my eczema on eyelids, and it doesn't leave my lash line dry or irritated.
Also look at what you are removing eye makeup with, I have to use something different to what I'd use on the rest of my face, as my eyes are so sensitive.

My eyes suddenly became sensitive to mascara a year ago, so I’m currently working through different brands on the hunt to find something that won’t set them off. I had a thread on it on here recently, that gleaned lots of great suggestions. I’m sure you’d find it if you scroll down a bit.

I’ve just bought a Chantecaille one, after reading several recommendations, and so far so good.

My thread here:
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/3222602-Sensitive-Eyes

Thank you all of you, I’ll have a look into all of your recommendations. Interesting about Clinique, Florence, as that was one that a friend had said to try. I’ve just skimmed your thread MadMary, I haven’t heard of a few of those mentioned but will look into those too.

elefunk, I have switched eye make up removers several times but was thinking last night to maybe just get some coconut oil. I’ll pick some up today to see how it works.

I’m not even sure if it is the mascara that’s doing it as it’s one I’ve used for a couple of years, not the same tube of course, but as I say I’ve changed everything else so not sure what else it can be. If this doesn’t work I think I’ll have to be off to the dr as it’s getting really uncomfortable.

I had a Dr Hauschka one which was lovely, didn’t irritate my eyes at all, but it migrated onto my face. I think I got it from Big Green Smile website.

Good luck!

Might it be prudent to go and see a GP? Once your skin gets back to ‘normal’ again, it might be possible to use normal hypoallergenic products again.

Oh I will see the GP, but want to rule everything out first. I don’t want to waste an appointment where they say “have you changed this, this and this, once you have come back to us”. If it’s still irritated I want to be able to say that I have tried everything first.

I find the my eyelids sensitive too. Try Blephasol lotion or wipes which really help. You get it in Boots or on Amazon.
The No 7 mascara works well for me. I remember reading an article that recommended Tarte mascara but I've not actually tried it.

I could have written this post myself. The only thing I find helps is using blepasol twice a day everyday. It stops the soreness on the eyelid and under the lid. It's very gentle and doesn't sting at all. I too started with this problem after using a new eye cream, I find that using mascara irritates my eyes, so I use it sparingly now.

OP, get thee to the GP! Putting more stuff on it and changing things like you say is not going to help. You really need to stop using everything you’re already using, get the dermatitis under control (short course of steroid cream should do it) and then be ultra careful about adding new things back in. All the stuff you’re using will be irritating it even if they’re not the cause.

I’ve just had a similar things to you and I think I’ve found the cause, a particular micellar water. I’d already pared back my skincare to one eye cream (v moisturising oils of life one from body shop) a very basic moisturiser suitable for eczema prone skin (embryolisse lait creme concentre, brilliant stuff) and the Pure hot cloth cleanser from Waitrose.

Doctor was more concerned that I stop using things which might have been the cause, at least until it was under control, than that I had changed everything up. They won’t tell you to come back when you’ve changed things. Good luck!