Finding the perfect mascara is hard enough – and when you factor in your contact lenses, the search becomes even harder. Eye doctor Ashley Brissette tells Elite Daily that the best mascaras for contact lens wearers are “any [formula] which has been shown to be safe for sensitive eyes, hypoallergenic or tested by ophthalmologists. Dr. Brissette also adds that you’ll want to avoid common irritants like parabens and avoid waterproof formulas.
The expert
Ashley Brissette, MDMScFRCSC, is a New York-based ophthalmologist and founder of Daily Practice, a skincare company specializing in eye-safe formulas. She is also a media spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
What to look for in a contactless mascara
Dr. Brissette confirms that mascara is portable with contact lenses, as long as you are looking for the right formulas. Since mascara particles can get stuck under a contact lens, Dr. Brissette recommends looking for formulas that are “hypoallergenic or safe for sensitive eyes” to make sure your mascara doesn’t cause a lot of irritation. “You can also consider products created by an ophthalmologist or tested and approved by an ophthalmologist,” adds Dr. Brissette.
& What to avoid
Since wearing contact lenses can make you more sensitive to eye makeup, be sure to look for formulas that are free of parabens, which Dr. Brissette considers a common irritant. Dr. Brissette also recommends against wearing waterproof mascara, as it does not dissolve in water and can “migrate into the eyes and lead to irritation, corneal scratching or infection.” She also notes that waterproof formulas can cause tugging and tugging during the removal process, which can “damage delicate skin and lashes.” Be sure to invest in a gentle but effective eye makeup remover (like micellar water or cleansing oil) to avoid having to rub or pull your eyes.
Buy the best Mascaras for contact lens wearers
Need mascara in a flash? Shop the best mascaras for contact lens wearers:
- Best mascara overall: Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara
- Writer’s choice: COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara
- The best mascara and primer duo: Honest Beauty Extreme Length Mascara + Lash Primer
- The best mascara for dry lashes: Pacifica Beauty Stellar Gauze Length & Strength Mascara
- The best tube mascara: Blinc amplified tube mascara
1. The best mascara overall
Advantages:
- Without perfume.
- Paraben free.
- Tested under ophthalmological control.
- Less than $10.
The inconvenients:
- Maybelline is not cruelty-free.
If the length, volume, and curl is what you’re looking for, try TikTok’s Maybelline Lash Sensational Washable Mascara which is contact lens friendly. The wand of this mascara creates a voluminous, long fan effect with 10 layers of different sized bristles that can coat long or short lashes without clumping. Plus, this mascara is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, so you won’t have to worry about it causing irritation throughout the day. Finally, since this washable formula is not waterproof, it comes off quite easily and requires less friction when removing eye makeup. All this for less than $10 – what’s not to love?
2. Writer’s Choice
Advantages:
- Without perfume.
- Paraben free.
- Hypoallergenic and tested by ophthalmologists.
- Contains argan and marula oil to hydrate lashes.
- Adds both volume and length without clumping.
- Is the most affordable option on this list.
The inconvenients:
- The wand is quite thick, so it may be difficult to apply it to short lashes.
Love the look of voluminous, wispy lashes? You’ll want to try COVERGIRL Lash Blast Clean Volume Mascara. This formula is one of my best kept secrets for when I want to look like I have eyelash extensions. without actually wearing false eyelashes. It adds length and volume without clumping no matter how many coats I apply, and it feels nice and hydrating, thanks to the marula and argan oils added inside. This formula is a hypoallergenic must-have for anyone who wants a great mascara that works for their sensitive eyes at a low price.
3. The best mascara and primer duo
Advantages:
- Without perfume.
- Paraben free.
- Tested under ophthalmological control.
- Comes with eyelash primer and mascara.
- Is the number one “clean” mascara on Amazon.
The inconvenients:
- Doesn’t add much curl to lashes.
Honest Beauty’s Mascara + Lash Primer is an award-winning product that’s also safe for contact lens wearers and people with sensitive eyes. This mascara is double sided, with a sheer lash primer on one side and a lengthening mascara on the other. The lash primer and mascara both contain glycerin and jojoba esters which nourish the lashes, which is perfect if you tend to have dry or brittle lashes. The lash primer is great for helping to stay put and create a base for even coverage, while the mascara lengthens the lashes. and adds volume. It’s a bit more expensive than most of the other mascaras on this list, but you technically get two products with this purchase.
4. The best mascara for dry eyelashes
Advantages:
- Without perfume.
- Paraben free.
- Made with nourishing ingredients to prevent brittle lashes.
The inconvenients:
- Doesn’t hold a curl as well as the other mascara formulas on this list.
If you’re looking for something a little more affordable that will nourish your brittle lashes, try Pacifica Beauty’s Stellar Gaze formula. This mascara contains vitamin B, coconut, vitamin E and jojoba esters which all work in tandem to hydrate and strengthen your lashes. It’s a great option if you want a unique formula that will take care of your lashes for the long term. and make them look amazing immediately. Plus, the fluffy brush helps promote a more natural, evenly coated look.
5. The best tube mascara
Advantages:
- Without perfume.
- Paraben free.
- Without oil.
- Contains water and scale resistant tube technology.
The inconvenients:
- Is the most expensive mascara on this list.
Since waterproof mascaras are on the “do not use” list for people who wear contact lenses, consider this waterproof tube formula from blinc. This mascara contains film-forming polymers that wrap around each individual lash, creating tubes of product that can then be easily swiped off at the end of the day. Tube mascaras are water resistant and also don’t tend to flake throughout the day, making them perfect for contact lens wearers who lead active lives. Plus, this one comes in black and brown, giving you the option of a more understated daytime look or a stark black look for the evening.
Expert:
Ashley Brissette, MDMScFRCSC, is a New York-based ophthalmologist and founder of Daily Practice, a skincare company specializing in eye-safe formulas.
Comments are closed.