Makeup Artist Breaks Down 5 Tips For People With Dry Eyes

We all experience dry eyes every now and then, but there are some who suffer from chronic dryness, which can wreak havoc on their makeup. Per Mayo Clinic, some causes of dry eyes are hormonal fluctuations, medications, or certain autoimmune diseases. You may also be surprised to learn that women are more prone to dry eyes than men, especially as they surpass the age of 50. While there are temporary fixes, such as using eye drops and taking breaks from screen time, having decreased tear production means you need to tweak your beauty routine if you want your makeup to look its best.

Having dry eyes doesn't mean you need to forego beautifying your face, but there are certain steps you can take to alleviate your peepers. Luckily, makeup artist Alexa Persico exclusively shared her expert tips with Glam on how to do so. Having worked with clients of all skin types, Persico knows just exactly how to address this pesky issue. "As someone who loves beauty and makeup, I know how tricky it can be to create a look that feels comfortable when you're dealing with dry eyes," she tells Glam. With Persico's expert pointers, however, you can rest assured that you'll still look your best while easing your symptoms.

Before putting on any makeup, you need to prep the eye area, and that starts with a good eye cream. Our expert Alexa Persico suggested using a product that has hydrating properties while avoiding formulas that are too rich. "Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or squalane — they work wonders for keeping your skin moisturized," Persico tells us. Care Silk contains both ingredients as well as caffeine, so it's anti-aging while decreasing puffiness at the same time, which makes it a great daytime eye cream.

Timing is key as well. If you're wondering exactly where eye cream should go in your skincare routine, apply it after cleansing and toning, but before your all-over moisturizer. To apply, place a pea-sized amount on your ring finger and gently pat the cream around your under eye area. Make sure you allow the cream to fully absorb into your skin before applying products like color corrector or concealer. Putting makeup on top of eye cream too soon may cause it smudge. Instead, wait at least a minute before adding additional products.

Our makeup routine is never complete without a shade or three of eyeshadow, but according to Alexa Persico, too much powder can exacerbate dry eyes. There's always some sort of fallout during the application and loose specks can enter your orbs. "Stick to cream or liquid eyeshadows," the makeup expert stated. Cream and liquid eyeshadows are great for older skin, as they won't make your lids look crepey in the way powders tend to. Look for one in a waterproof or water-resistant formula so that it doesn't settle into your crease throughout the day. You can also look for eyeshadow that is made with hypoallergenic ingredients, like EPILYNX Neutral Eyeshadow For Sensitive Skin.

Setting powders can also irritate dry eyes, but if you need to finish off your makeup with a light dusting, do so sparingly, Persico advised. While you can use a brush for larger areas like your forehead and cheeks, use a small sponge to gently pat the powder around your eye area and the bridge of your nose. Be sure to shake off any excess before doing so to eliminate any stray particles.

Many of us don't think about tending to our skin after applying makeup, but Alexa Persico says that it's wise to use facial mists regularly, especially if you have dry eyes. These sprays are designed to provide supplemental hydration and calming ingredients to the skin, which can be beneficial for those who want to refresh and soothe their skin throughout the day without having to wash off their makeup. Many facial mists, such as Persico's own Brighten Me Baby, can both hydrate and set your makeup.

While you shouldn't spray a facial mist directly into your eyes, it will hydrate and soothe the area around them. Look for ingredients like aloe and rosewater, which can help calm irritated skin. Anytime you need a good pick-me-up, simply hold the bottle a few inches away from your face and spray your face with the formula. "A quick spritz throughout the day makes a huge difference for dry eyes," explains Persico. For an even more refreshing feel, keep the bottle in the fridge. This way, you'll get a nice cool mist that will feel wonderful during hot summer months. As a bonus, the cold sensation will perk you up when you need to power through that afternoon slump.

If you're experiencing irritated dry eyes, it may be time to switch out your eyeliner. Eyeliner, especially kohl varieties, can easily clog the tear glands along the lash line.
"Dry eyes can get irritated by flaky liners, so I always recommend a creamy, smudge-proof formula," makeup artist Alexa Persico exclusively tells Glam. One of her faves is her Set In Stone liquid eyeliner, which promises to be one of the inkiest black colors on the market. "It glides on smoothly and doesn't budge, so you don't have to worry about it causing discomfort," she declared.

For those who prefer using pencils, opt for one with waxy finish that doesn't crumble easily. If you're finding that your eyeliner is too soft, your kitchen freezer may be your pencil's savior. All you need to do is let it chill for about 15 minutes and you'll be left with a sturdy liner that'll be easier to sharpen. Meanwhile, gel eyeliners are a great waterproof option, but don't use them past their expiration date or they'll start to flake upon application or even worse, cause an eye infection.

Another culprit that can make dry eyes worse is flaky mascara. Thankfully, you don't have to avoid using the product completely, however, and makeup artist Alexa Persico shared with us, "Choose one that's lightweight and non-clumping." If you're unsure of which type to get, find one that promises length or a natural finish, rather than volume. Pay attention to the brush as well. You'll want one that's thin with small, evenly-dispersed bristles.

Persico's expert tip: "Curl your lashes to open up your eyes, and apply mascara sparingly, focusing on the base of your lashes." The perfect time to wait between mascara swipes to avoid clumps and flakes is about 15 to 30 seconds, so pause for a beat before the second coat. Before the mascara is completely dry, go through your lashes with a fine-toothed metal comb to get rid of any clumps. Remember, the fresher the mascara, the more it'll apply smoothly so be sure to toss your old tube after three months.