eyes watering

No more panda eyes: How to stop your middle makeup from running

Red, watery eyes can accept your look from hero to zero. Here are our expert tips for saving your makeup.

We've all been in that location.

You accept been meticulously applying your makeup – only for your eyes to start watering.

And once those floodgates open, information technology tin can be a tricky ready.

Why practise your optics get watery when applying makeup?

Glory hair and makeup artist Kimberley Forbes says there are many reasons.

"Makeup can clog the meibomian glands located on the waterline of the eye," Kimberley says.

"These glands secrete oil that lubricates your eyes and gives your tears surface tension which stops them from dribbling downwards the cheek.

"When the meibomian glands are blocked, tears evaporate rapidly, which makes your eyes feel dry and they overcompensate by watering."

Not only that, some people'south eyes are sensitive to bear upon and so the concrete act of applying makeup can cause them to water, according to celebrity makeup artist Desiree Wise.

"Pocket-sized particles of makeup tin work their way into your eye and your eyes might be irritated if you're using erstwhile or expired products," Desiree says.

"Tired eyes are besides more than easily aggravated past the awarding of makeup."

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So how practice you avoid watery optics after applying makeup? Experts share their top tips:

Utilise the correct makeup in the right place

Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Dr Nick Andrew warns against using whatsoever cosmetics nigh your eyes unless they are intended specifically for that use.

"For example, don't use lipstick as eyeshadow — y'all'll spread bacteria and may cause eye infections," Dr Andrew says.

Sentinel where you apply your eyeliner

Dr Andrew says studies show people who apply eyeliner along the lash line (inside the rim) get a higher volume of particles in their tear film, compared with those who apply eyeliner but in front of the lash line.

"The makeup particles mix with the tears and irritate the eye," Dr Andrew says.

"The surface of your eye has the richest nerve supply of any tissue in the torso, which means information technology's very sensitive to any products that you put most it."

Give products time to settle

If yous're non accustomed to wearing centre makeup on regularly, yous may initially get a little tearing, Desiree cautions.

"In near cases optics will stop watering within an hour or so, as the products settle and dry and yous become accustomed to them," Desiree says.

Bin out-of-date products

Desiree advises to supercede quondam and expired products, even if there'southward some left.

"This is particularly the case for mascaras and pencil eyeliners," Desiree says.

"Often y'all tin can tell when a production such as a mascara has 'gone off' considering you'll discover a change in the aroma and texture – information technology will become dryer and grainier."

She warns old pencil eyeliners can be targets for mould.

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Tinting may reduce eye watering

Kimberley says to consider having your eyelashes tinted if mascara irritates them, or using hypoallergenic products to minimise irritation.

"Use eyedrops and an eye primer and avoid powders on the eyelid or underneath. And make sure your brushes are clean," Kimberley says.

Focus your eyes

Desiree recommends fixing your eyes on a specific point when you're applying makeup.

"The lark of really focusing the eyes on a certain point, rather than just looking in a general direction, will limit your optics' response to the process that's occurring," Desiree says.

Kimberley says to keep tissues shut by and dab under your eye while leaning forrard.

"Diversion is a great technique, jerk your toes or think of something else while you're dabbing," Kimberley says.

Written by Liz McGrath.