This may sound, and feel, familiar. One minute, you’re applying the perfect smokey eye or then…an unexpected flood of tears. What’s going on? Experiencing watery eyes while wearing makeup isn’t uncommon, and it is frustrating. There are a few culprits to blame for this issue, and understanding them can be the first step to eliminating this predicament. 

With a little insight and some helpful products from Jones Road Beauty, conquering watery eyes is made simple.

What Causes Watery Eyes?

A quick science lesson: The eyes are pretty remarkable, organs equipped with a sophisticated system to keep them lubricated and protected. Tears are produced by the lacrimal glands, draining through tiny ducts to the nose. They play a crucial role in maintaining vision clarity and defending the eyes from irritants. 

However, when the balance is tipped—thanks to environmental factors, allergies, or irritants—the eyes can produce excess tears. Makeup, unfortunately, can sometimes be one of these irritants. 

Understanding triggers is essential, especially for those who already deal with sensitivities and are susceptible to irritation.

What Makeup Ingredients Can Irritate Eyes?

Makeup products can contain a complex mix of ingredients. Some components, though common and necessary for makeup to stay put, provide impact, and more, might be disagreeable, especially to the delicate eye area. Understanding which ingredients can potentially cause discomfort can prevent these teary disruptions. 

Here's a breakdown:

• -Preservatives: Essential for prolonging the shelf life of products, certain preservatives, like parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents, can be troublesome for some.
• -Fragrances: Synthetic fragrances in makeup can sometimes lead to allergic reactions, resulting in watery eyes.
• -Expired Makeup: There are myriad reasons to ditch too-old makeup, but top of the list: expired makeup can harbor harmful bacteria, leading to eye irritation. Always keep an eye on the shelf life of products and be cautious of any changes in texture, color, or smell.

It’s always a good idea to test out new products before fully committing to them. Apply a new makeup product you’re interested in on the inside of your wrist to see if you trigger any irritation; while your eyes are more sensitive, this is a low-risk way to see how you may react. This step is especially important if you’re someone who has a history with allergies.

How To Choose the Right Makeup Products

Selecting the right makeup products is not just about the shades or finishes but ensuring that what you put on your skin is safe, especially around the sensitive eye area. 

When it comes to choosing makeup, especially for those with sensitive eyes, here's a comprehensive guide:

Read Labels

Familiarize yourself with ingredient names, particularly those known to irritate. Being an informed consumer allows you to make choices that align with both your beauty aspirations and health needs.

Prioritize Hypoallergenic and Ophthalmologist-Tested Products

Not all makeup is created equal. Hypoallergenic products are designed to reduce the risk of allergic reactions, while ophthalmologist-tested products are verified safe for use around the eyes.

Seek Out Clean Makeup

At Jones Road Beauty, we prioritize offering cool, clean makeup that respects your skin's integrity. Opting for products that are transparent about their ingredients ensures safety and performance, even for those with the most sensitive skin and eyes.

Explore Natural and Organic Makeup

Natural and organic products often contain fewer synthetic chemicals, which may reduce the risk of eye irritation, but even natural components can set off a reaction. Always check the ingredient list.

Check Expiration Dates 

Expired makeup can harbor bacteria, leading to irritations and infections. Regularly check and renew your makeup, to make sure you’re only using fresh, high-quality products.

What Are Proper Application Techniques To Prevent Watery Eyes?

How you apply your makeup is just as important as what you apply. 

One common culprit is applying eyeliner or eyeshadow directly to the waterline. This technique is called tightlining, which is a surefire way of creating polish and definition, but it can also introduce product very close to the eye, leading to irritation. If you’re committed to this technique, go slow so you can easily exercise more control over your tools and makeup.

Equally essential is the cleanliness of your brushes and tools. Regular washing can prevent the buildup of bacteria, which can irritate the eyes. 

What’s a Good Daily Eye Care Routine?

Taking care of your eyes daily can significantly influence how they react to makeup. Regular cleaning ensures no irritants or leftover makeup residue stick around once the day is done. And we don’t need to say this, but never, never sleep in your makeup.

While makeup is a significant factor to watery eyes, sometimes our eyes water because they're dry. Using eye drops or lubricants designed for dry eyes can help restore the eye's natural moisture balance.

Lastly, if you're a contact lens wearer, be extra cautious. Your eyes are already working overtime. Take periodic breaks, especially if you're in front of screens often. This not only reduces dryness but also allows the eyes to recover from any potential irritants.

External Factors

Our environment plays a pivotal role in our daily comfort. Especially when it comes to our eyes, external factors like wind, sun, and pollen can aggravate and cause them to water. Ever gotten caught up in a gust of wind? You know how that unsettles dust and debris, directly causing irritation. Direct sunlight, too, can be harsh on the eyes, causing them to tear up as a protective mechanism.

One of the most straightforward protective measures against these elements is a pair of good sunglasses. Besides making a style statement, they shield your eyes from harmful UV rays and act as a barrier against wind and airborne particles.

Pollen and other allergens also play their part, especially during certain seasons. For those susceptible to hay fever or have known allergies, reducing exposure becomes vital. This might mean keeping windows closed during high pollen days or using an air purifier indoors.

When to Consult a Professional

Makeup and environmental factors aside, if you constantly find your eyes watering, it might be indicative of something more serious. Some signs that it's more than just your makeup causing the watery eyes include persistent redness, itching, or pain.

Regular eye check-ups are important. Not only do they help identify vision problems early but they can also diagnose potential issues causing excessive tearing. Conditions like blocked tear ducts, eyelid problems, or even certain infections can lead to increased tear production.

What Are Tips for Touching up Makeup Affected by Tears?

We've all been there: an emotional moment, a gust of wind, or a minor eye irritation that sends our meticulously applied makeup streaming down our face. Fortunately, with the right approach and tools, it's possible to touch up and revitalize your makeup without starting from scratch. 

Here's a more detailed guide:

• -Blot, Don't Rub: First and foremost, resist the urge to rub. Gently soak up the tears using a soft tissue or cotton pad. This will lift away the moisture without smudging your makeup further.
• -Rehydrate: Tears can strip the skin of its natural moisture. Consider using our Light Moisture Cream or Eye Cream to replenish and refresh the skin. It provides comfort and, if you do have to reapply or touch up, provides a canvas for resetting the makeup.
• -Waterproof Makeup: Quality waterproof makeup can be a lifesaver. Especially for mascaras and eyeliners, they are formulated to withstand moisture and stay in place.
• -Correct with Precision: Keep essential tools handy, such as Q-tips or small brushes, for precise corrections. A Q-tip can clean smudges, especially around the eyes.
• -Touch-Ups: If you’re anticipating a situation in which you may tear up (it can’t always be avoided), keep some items on hand should you have to reapply. A dab of our Face Pencil can seamlessly blend and cover any imperfections, and The Mascara will reset your eyes with just a quick swipe. 
• -Setting Powders and Sprays: After touching up, ensure your makeup stays put. A light dusting of our Tinted Face Powder or a spritz of setting spray can seal in your work.

The Bottom Line

Watery eyes and makeup may seem like adversaries, but by learning the right techniques and any irritants that may trigger a reaction, they don't have to be. 

Understanding why eyes water and how to combat that annoyance is important for everyone to learn. As you explore various makeup options, always prioritize products and techniques that support your complexion and natural beauty.