Tips for Applying Eyeliner for Those with Sensitive Eyes

I have extremely sensitive eyes. I didn't have sensitive eyes growing up, and I could easily cake on all the eyeliner and mascara one could possibly imagine. However as I grew older I noticed that I could no longer use mascara. My eyelids could actually feel the weight of it, and even the smallest amount would be lethal to the sensitivity of my eyes.

 They would turn red, feel heavy and irritated.

So I stopped using mascara.

There was no way that I could go without eyeliner though, and I love eyeliner. I like thick even lines running smoothly across my eye. I found that not all eyeliner pens are created equally, so if you've got sensitive eyes like me, go ahead and read on for advice!

First and foremost, I will have to suggest throwing out any and all eyeliner pencils; you know the kind that you actually have to sharpen? Yes, those, throw them out. One false move, and you end up with a pencil shaving in your eye, and the result is one heck of a painful, irritated eye.

Liquid eyeliner also proved to be very difficult, especially while trying to apply it while your eyes are tearing up. Waterproof only means waterproof once the liner dries, if your eyes are tearing up while applying it, the liner simply slides off of the eyelids.

The best eyeliner I have ever used for my sensitive eyes, hands down, has got to be Revlon's ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen. Although I just suggested skipping on liquid eyeliner, this one by far has got to be the best because the application tip is very soft, and does not contain fiber hairs like other liquid eyeliners.

 These fibrous hairs usually irritate my eye, but with the eye pen the application tip is made of felt, which is soft, yet hard enough as to where it slides across the eyelid creating a perfect line each and every time.

What makes this one so special for those with sensitive eyes is that it dries quickly, and does not cake up or smudge throughout the day. It stays in place even if it gets wet, or if you touch your eyes by accident. Those with sensitive eyes are prone to accidentally rubbing them once in awhile. This eye pen from Revlon allows you to lightly touch your eyes, without smearing your makeup.

Those with sensitive eyes may also want to ease up on using a lot of eyeliner, however with the eye pen you can pile up as much eyeliner as you want. It's one I would suggest to just about anyone, sensitive eyes or not.

Another tip for those with sensitive eyes is to apply your eye shadow first. I know a lot of people who apply their shadows after the eyeliner, and I never understood why, because one false move and you end up with smudged eyeliner, or teary eyes, which cause the lid to just result in looking messy or worn. My advice to anyone would be to apply your shadows first, followed up by your liner last.

Consider it the final finishing touch.

As far as applying it, the easiest method for me has been to start backward. Many women apply liner by starting at the inner lid first; the area closest to the nose. I however add small wings at the ends of my lids first, and then I work my way over to my inner lids. If you have problems making a straight line, then try starting at the outer lids, and not the inner. See how it works for you. It suits my sensitive eyes best, because my inner lid area is the most sensitive, if I begin to tear up while applying, my eyeliner that I already applied is mostly dry, and the waterproof eyeliner will keep it from sliding off or smudging up.

To make things easiest on your sensitive eyes though, skip out on applying mascara, and it will do you a world of good. Your eyes will not be as irritated, nor will you feel the need to constantly touch your eyes. Your eyeliner and eye shadow will stay put for the entire day. Give it a try!