Why we care about eye makeup safety. (We promise.)
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Clinique Story

Why we care
about eye
makeup safety.
(We promise.)

Clinique's dedication to eye safety goes beyond rigor—it's a promise. The Clinique Eye Safety Promise ensure that every single eye makeup product created by the brand is ophthalmologist-tested, safe for sensitive eyes, and safe for contact lens wearers. Its a category-wide commitment to uncompromising science and safety standards.

Products protected by this promise have undergone hundreds of rigorous evaluations, plus ophthalmologist testing, to ensure they are compatible with the delicate eye area. In addition, decades of development experience has produced high-performance allergy tested formulations designed to exclude common allergens, minimizing allergic reactions, such as itching and redness. In order to keep up with best practices and new technologies straight from practitioner, Clinique has partnered with Dr. Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC, a New York City-based ophthalmologist and spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

But even the safest makeup is only the finishing touch to beautiful eyes. See below to delve into common eye concerns, tips on eye safety from Dr. Brissette, and what to look for when choosing the best eye makeup for you.

Common eye concern

Millions of Americans annually experience common eye conditions such as dry eye, which can result from issues like inadequate tear production or rapid tear evaporation.1 Factors like poor air quality, pollution, increased screen time, and improper hygiene contribute to this rise, explains Dr. Brissette.

Additionally, seasonal allergies can lead to symptoms such as sniffling, sneezing, teary eyes, and even coughing. Triggers like pollen, pet dander, pollutants, or mold may cause eye sensitivity. It's advisable for those prone to allergies to use gentle skincare and makeup products to prevent eye irritation.

Prioritize eye health

Vibrant, sparkling, and healthy eyes require a comprehensive approach to eye safety. By prioritizing hygiene, regular eye check-ups, UV protection, mindful screen time, and a healthy diet, you can help safeguard your eye health.

Practice proper hygiene

Maintaining eye hygiene is key for infection prevention and overall safety. Always wash your hands and remove makeup at the end of each day or before sleeping, even for a quick nap.

"The best way is to use an eye makeup remover," explains Dr. Brissette, who uses Clinique's Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm. This product quickly and gently dissolves makeup, sunscreen and pollutants without any pulling or tugging. "Gently wash over closed eyelids, rinse with warm water, and pat dry with a soft towel." Repeat the process if residual particles remain. "Cleansing the eyelids and lashes daily is essential to maintain the health of your lids, lashes, and eyes," she adds.

Additionally, avoid sharing cosmetics, wash hands before application, check product expiration dates, store cosmetics correctly, and use only eye-approved products.2

Schedule regular eye exams

Eye exams are an essential part of maintaining your vision. Ophthalmologists or optometrists can detect hidden issues. Seek professional help if you experience decreased or double vision, eye pain, or other symptoms.

Shield your eyes from harmful UV rays

Select sunglasses that offer protection against both UVA and UVB rays to prevent sun-induced eye damage.3 These sunglasses also can help reduce exposure to outdoor allergens, which can cause eye irritation.

Practice computer and screen safety

Digital eye strain can occur from excessive use of devices that emit blue light, such as computers, and mobile devices. This can lead to tired eyes, blurry vision, and headaches. Dr. Brissette advises limited screen time, and the CDC suggests the "20-20-20 Rule" —every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds and look at something 20 feet away.4

Stay focused on nutrition

What you eat is crucial for good health, including your eyes. Dr. Brissette suggests including colorful vegetables and Omega 3s, as found in the Mediterranean diet, which is often recommended to boost eye health.

Makeup tips for sensitive (but still stunning) eyes

Eye makeup can take your look from basic to bombshell, with your eyes the star of the show. But you should still be mindful of the products you are using, especially if you have sensitive eyes or wear contact lenses.

As Dr. Brissette explains, many mascara products can be too heavy, weighing down your lashes. "That can lead to breakage and irritation as particles can find their way into the eyes."

Clinique's High Impact High-Full Volume Mascara offers a solution. Non-clumping, non-flaking, smudge-proof, and sweat- and humidity resistant, this mascara was designed not just for sensitive eyes or contact lens wearers, but anyone who's looking for a gentle mascara. It's also dermatologist tested.

The secret starts with the gentle, lightweight formula. "Preventing the heavy, weighed down lashes flaking particles into the eyes," says Dr. Brissette, "is essential to improving wear and comfort." A blend of three nourishing oils (argan, coconut, and moringa) provide additional benefits: "The oil helps the glide function for easy application and helps to condition and nourish the lashes, which is important," explains Dr. Brissette. The formula is even free of alcohol, fragrance, parabens, and SLS.

But this formula isn't afraid to make an impact, delivering 230% more volume, thanks to a precision-tipped brush that coats the hardest-to-reach lashes.5 "The 12-hour-wear claims are a real standout for me," says Dr. Brissette, as is the mascara's fiber-infused technology, which makes removal easier since it minimizes tugging and pulling on the eyelids and lashes.

Ease of application is also important. "When it comes to safely using mascara, the bristle design should help to comb through the lashes without pulling," says Dr. Brissette. "If [the wand] is too large, there is the risk of touching the eyeball, which could cause a scratch, so the design of the wand is essential to safe application."

At Clinique, every lash deserves the same high standard of care and attention. The Clinique Eye Safety Promise serves as a reminder of a decades-long commitment to eye safety, beginning with safety assessments and ophthalmologist testing, but always ending with the ultimate result: bold, beautiful eyes.

1 National Eye Institute, "Dry Eye."
2 U.S. Food & Drug Administration, "Eye Cosmetic Safety."
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Sun Safety."
4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health."
5 Clinical testing on 31 women.