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Original poster

Eye make up for dry eyes / blepharitis

29 replies

icouldusesomehelphere · 19/01/2022 12:58

Hoping Mumsnet can work it's magic!

I have dry eye syndrome / blepharitis which developed a couple of years ago.
Previous to this I could wear any make up I liked & had no issues.

I now struggle to find anything that I can tolerate.
I tend to use high end cosmetics due to generally sensitive skin, but all my usual brands are causing watery / sore eyes.

I have tried specialist places such as Butterflies eye care & Eye Care brand cosmetics, but they are rubbish & don't stay on.

I really need eye make up as I am old AF, very pale with light eyes & hair. I look extremely washed out & ghostly without a bit of eyeliner & mascara (& lipstick)

Has anyone found the holy grail of eye make-up for hyper sensitive eyes?!!

OP posts:
thinkfast · 19/01/2022 13:11

Watching with interest OP. I have the same issue and now only wear eye makeup on special occasions.

Original poster
icouldusesomehelphere · 19/01/2022 23:19

@thinkfast

Watching with interest OP. I have the same issue and now only wear eye makeup on special occasions.
It's so annoying isn't it! Angry
OP posts:
SoonbeSpringtime · 19/01/2022 23:40

I think it’s really hard to recommend brands to someone with sensitivity and medical issues. I also have the same problems and because I get one very wet eyelid which makes any powder go clumpy, I use a good quality cream shadow on my lids with just a bit of dark powder to line the under eye. It’s not hugely long lasting, but that goes with the conditions anyway.

www.boots.com/la-roche-posay-respectissime-mascara---volume-76ml-10226271p
Is the mascara I’ve got. I don’t apply loads though. I tend to go for a lighter look all round really.

minipie · 20/01/2022 00:00

Have you tried dying your eyelashes? I am starting to get dry eyes and wondered about this.

I would definitely recommend non waterproof mascara so you don’t need chemicals to get it off.

Sorry if these are too obvious!

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 20/01/2022 00:04

I had the same thing but discovered it wasn't the makeup that was irritating me it was the fact I needed to thoroughly cleanse my eyelashes at night. Now I use a tea tree gel wash ,it's amazing and I can wear make up again. I'll find the name...

MrsPelligrinoPetrichor · 20/01/2022 00:06

OPTASE eye lid cleansing gel, Amazon or Boots stock it.

ShinyHappyPoster · 20/01/2022 00:06

My DSIS works in the field and swears by this brand Eyes Are The Story I've just started using them and they're great.

ChillysWaterBottle · 20/01/2022 00:51

Oh I have the same issue!! Its driving me bonkers! I wish I could advise you but I haven't found anything yet. I hope this thread takes off because I'd be interested to know what people recommend.

Mosaic123 · 20/01/2022 02:25

You could have semi permanent make up done? Eyebrows at least? It's a tattoo that wears off eventually.

unname · 20/01/2022 02:33

1% hydrocortisone used morning and evening or an eye cleansing product line Ocusoft will usually resolve this problem quickly.

It’s typically caused by the same bacteria as dandruff.

Do you have pets?

unname · 20/01/2022 02:34

Like, not line!

Original poster
icouldusesomehelphere · 20/01/2022 23:32

Thank you so much for these replies!
Loads of ideas Thanks

OP posts:
Original poster
icouldusesomehelphere · 20/01/2022 23:37

@ShinyHappyPoster

My DSIS works in the field and swears by this brand Eyes Are The Story I've just started using them and they're great.
I can't find if they are shipped to UK! I'll try anything!
OP posts:
ShinyHappyPoster · 21/01/2022 00:01

Oh let me check. I'm in the UK but perhaps my DSIS got them early.

Gonnagetgoing · 21/01/2022 10:02

Just wanted to update, I use:-

www.pharmanord.co.uk/all-products/eye-health/omega-7

for my dry eyes and you can use an eye mask too.

I personally haven't found issues with dry eyes, they're oilier than anything so I have to use tubing mascara or waterproof or mascara smudges.

Vohgue · 21/01/2022 13:15

I can only use neutrogena makeup wipes to remove my eye makeup. Anything else and they flare up. I use diorshow mascara (once again, the only one I can use without issue). And another killer I found was sparkly eyeshadow/powder - cannot use anything powdery near my eyes, especially if it contains bismuth or other shimmery, glittery stuff. I use a cream By Terry eyeshadow stick and if I want definition, a small amount of marc jacobs gel Hiliner. This has taken years of hit and miss and awful reactions - hopefully some of it works for you too

Malibuismysecrethome · 21/01/2022 17:23

You can get blepharitis wipes from the chemist and be scrupulous about removing eye make up. It’s awfully hard to live with as you will keep reinfecting if you don’t treat it as I’m sure you are aware.

wonderspread · 22/01/2022 00:45

Going to basically repeat what some others have said, but are you cleansing/managing your eyes regularly? I find it makes a huge difference.

I follow a fairly basic approach, recommended by my optometrist but it’s also on the NHS website.

Basically cleanse eyes of any make up/creams as usual - I use Eucerin eye make up remover or Inkey List oat cleansing balm (depending on if I’m wearing make up), as neither of these cause any irritation for me.

Then use a hot damp flannel on eyes for about 5 minutes. Then massage gently around the eyes. Finally dilute some baby shampoo in water, dip in a cotton bud and cleanse along the lash line (different buds for each eye).

Finish off with some eye drops, I like Blink intensive tears.

I don’t use mascara but that’s just because I don’t like it, but I have no issues with eye make up as I do this every day and it keeps everything in check.

Original poster
icouldusesomehelphere · 22/01/2022 01:46

Yes, religious about cleansing eyes and daily eye drops from optician.
I keep creams / moisturisers away from eyes because this makes them flare.
I dread to think how much I have spent on eye make-up in the last few years ☹️
I want a new set of eyes!!!
Will try all the recommendations - thank you ♥️

OP posts:
wonderspread · 22/01/2022 01:56

Oh that’s a shame OP Sad hopefully some of the recommendations above help.

I mostly use Laura Mercier products which I’ve had no issues with, have also used Urban Decay, but I don’t generally react to make up (creams, cleansers etc on the other hand, yes!) so that may not be a reliable recommendation.

LadyEloise1 · 22/01/2022 20:08

Watching with interest. My eye lids flare up ( swell up with a reaction so often ). I never know what eye product will set them off - eye pencil, mascara or remover.
What didn't set them off yesterday might well do so tomorrow. Sad
Someone suggested dying eyelashes. If i did that I probably wouldn't be able to open my eyes for a fortnight. 😩

ChillysWaterBottle · 27/01/2022 18:20

Bumping this thread because I'm finding all the recommendations super useful so far and hoping more will come x

Coffeepot72 · 27/01/2022 19:02

I had four sessions of IPL treatment with my optician and my dry eyes are 95% cured

minipie · 27/01/2022 19:12

Oooh never heard of that Coffeepot will investigate!

starfishmummy · 27/01/2022 19:20

@thinkfast

Watching with interest OP. I have the same issue and now only wear eye makeup on special occasions.
Me too. I avoid mascara and prefer things like pencil eyeshadow or cream ones that don't have powdery bits. Cream or liquid eyeliner. But not often.
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