Learning how to highlight my eyes without any discomfort or irritation has required some [often uncomfortable] trial and error. In my personal experience, I have some trigger allergies that cause excessive tearing and even swelling, which subsequently lead to me not only feeling like a hot mess, but also looking like one if I’m not careful. Since trigger allergies aren’t the only thing that can lead to eye irritation – it could also be a symptom of chronic dry eye disease (CDE), which needs a doctor’s assessment and treatment – please err on the side of caution, if you’re having eye problems or symptoms such as itchiness, stinging, burning, or excessive tearing. Your eyes aren’t something to mess with! I’m not a doctor, so I can’t give you clinical advice (although you can check out mydryeyes.com for more info), but I can certainly give you some makeup tips to help you avoid any unnecessary eye irritation:

• Cream formulas are less likely to travel into your eyes than powder. You know those flecks of shadow that end up on your cheeks, which we call “fallout”? That can also end up in your eyes. Ouch! Try a shadow stick or cream shadow, which can be easily blended with your finger. Just make sure to wash your hands, first!
• Avoid tight-lining your eyes, as using liner too close to the eye surface may cause more irritation.
• Swap out your eye pencil for liquid liner for a bold look that won’t budge. 
• Be diligent in removing all of your eye makeup, and use a targeted remover. Rather than scrubbing that sensitive skin around your eyes, use a remover that will melt and wipe it away in one fell swoop.
• Read the ingredients. Online ingredient lists are not always correct, which is something that frustrates me so much, so I always double check the boxes before use. What bothers my eyes might not bother yours, so I would always advise checking with your doctor to see what could be a potential trigger for eye irritation. 
• Throw away your mascara and liquid eyeliner after two to three months, as bacteria can grow inside and transfer to your eyes. 
• Make sure the cosmetics you are using are tested to be eye safe. Some multi-purpose products are not intended for use around the eye.
• On days when my eyes are feeling particularly irritated, I put the focus on a different feature. Have you ever noticed how much I love lipsticks? I discovered my love of bold lip colors when I was unable to wear eyeshadows, after prolonged irritation. Though I’ve found ways to enhance my eyes without any issues, I often default to a bold lip and minimal eye makeup.

This post was made in partnership with MyDryEyes.com, where you can check out even more of my eye makeup tips as well as expert advice from an eye doctor to help keep eyes away from potential irritation.