Dry Eyes and Wearing Makeup: New Cosmetics For Dry Or Sensitive Eyes

The Makeup and Dry Eyes Dilemma

In the ever-evolving world of beauty, a new challenge has emerged for countless women: the intersection of eye health and makeup. As we perfect our winged eyeliner, apply a second coat of mascara and create a smoky eye, many of us are encountering an unexpected adversary – dry eye syndrome.
This condition, characterized by insufficient tear production or quality, is forcing a reevaluation how we apply our makeup and even forcing us to stop wearing makeup because of increased eye irritations.

The Visionary Behind ÈYES ARE THE STORY: Where Science Meets Beauty

At the heart of this revolution is ÈYES ARE THE STORY, a brand born from a unique blend of scientific expertise and beauty innovation. Amy Gallant Sullivan’s story, the founder’s, is as compelling as the products themselves, and it is rooted in a family legacy of eye health pioneers.

Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, Amy was immersed in the world of ocular science from an early age. Her father, David A. Sullivan, served as an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School, while her brother, Benjamin D. Sullivan, created TearLab (now ScoutPro under Trukera Medical).
Even her mother, Rose, an intensive care nurse, has personal experience with dry eye disease (DED) and meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

This unique background meant that discussions about dry eye and ocular surface disease (OSD) were commonplace at the family dinner table.
However, it was through her work with the Tear Film & Ocular Surface Society (TFOS) that the founder of Eyes Are The Story first recognised the unmet need for eye-safe consumer products.

The Spark of Innovation

The true “aha” moment came with a startling realisation: dry eye disease is twice as prevalent in women as in men. This led to a crucial question: What do women do more than men?
The answer was clear—cosmetics. Women typically use about 12 beauty products per day, compared to only six for men.

Diving deeper into her research, Amy discovered some alarming facts.
For instance, benzalkonium chloride (BAK), a preservative found in glaucoma medications, is also present in many cosmetics, including eye makeup.
Even more concerning, the concentration of BAK permitted in cosmetics is thousands of times higher than that in glaucoma medications.

This discovery sparked a two-decade journey of research into the link between cosmetics and dry eyes. The result? ÈYES ARE THE STORY – the world’s first cosmetics and skincare line formulated specifically for sensitive eyes. Amy coined the term “optocosmetics” to describe this innovative approach that blurs the lines between beauty and pharmaceuticals.

Understanding Dry Eye Syndrome

But what exactly is dry eye syndrome, and why is it becoming such a prevalent issue?
Dry eye occurs when your eyes don’t produce enough quality tears to keep the eye surface lubricated or when the eyes can’t maintain the tears on the eyes surface.
This can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms, including:

• Stinging or burning sensations
• A gritty feeling in the eyes
• Redness and irritation
• Blurred vision
• Light sensitivity
• Difficulty wearing contact lenses

The Makeup-Dry Eye Connection

The relationship between makeup and dry eyes is complex. Those shimmer-packed eyeshadows we adore? Tiny particles can migrate into our tear film, causing irritation.
The mascara that makes our lashes pop? It might harbour bacteria that exacerbate eye discomfort. Even the simple act of applying and removing eye makeup can disrupt the protective tear film that keeps our eyes lubricated and healthy.

Why Women Are More Susceptible

Women are at higher risk for dry eyes due to a combination of factors. Hormonal fluctuations throughout life, especially during menopause, can significantly impact tear production.
The higher prevalence of autoimmune disorders like Sjögren’s syndrome among women also plays a role. However, perhaps most relevant to our discussion is the increased use of eye makeup or wearing false lashes which can interfere with the delicate ecosystem of our eyes.

The Science Behind ÈYES ARE THE STORY

What sets ÈYES ARE THE STORY apart is its rigorous approach to product development. Leveraging her work with TFOS and access to cutting-edge research on ocular surface disease, Ms Sullivan requires her labs to implement additional trials to validate safety and efficacy for sensitive eyes and skin, dry eyes, and contact lens users. This collaboration spans laboratories in the US, Canada, and Italy, ensuring a truly global approach to eye-safe beauty.

A Holistic Approach to Eye Health

ÈYES ARE THE STORY isn’t just another beauty brand; it’s a paradigm shift in how we approach cosmetics. Founded on a proprietary Eye Science Platform, this innovative line of products marries the artistry of makeup with cutting-edge ocular health research.
Each product is meticulously formulated to support the natural function of your eyes while delivering the pigmentation and performance you expect from high-quality makeup.

Solutions for All Eyes

For contact lens wearers, who often struggle to find compatible eye makeup, ÈYES ARE THE STORY offers a welcome solution. The entire line is formulated to be safe for use with all types of contact lenses, eliminating the need to choose between clear vision and beautiful eyes.

More Than Just Products: A Movement

ÈYES ARE THE STORY is more than just a collection of products; it’s a movement towards a new beauty standard—one that doesn’t ask women to sacrifice their health for aesthetics or their creativity for comfort. It’s about rewriting the story of beauty with our eyes—their health, their comfort, and their natural beauty—at the centre of the narrative.

The Future of Eye-Conscious Beauty

The recent TFOS Lifestyle Report on the Impact of Cosmetics on the Ocular Surface has further validated the importance of eye-safe cosmetics, underscoring the need to integrate products like ÈYES ARE THE STORY into the offerings of Optometrists. Optometrists should be the true gatekeepers and protectors of eye health – not makeup professionals in beauty halls or drugstores.

Your Eyes, Your Story

As we move forward in this new era of eye-conscious beauty, it’s crucial to remember that makeup is just one piece of the puzzle. Maintaining overall eye health involves a combination of good habits, regular check-ups with eye care professionals, and a willingness to listen to our bodies when they’re telling us something isn’t right.

The future of beauty is bright, and it’s one where we can confidently express ourselves through makeup without fear of compromising our eye health.
With innovations like ÈYES ARE THE STORY leading the way, we’re entering an age where beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder – and that eye is comfortable, healthy, and stunningly adorned.

So, whether you’re a makeup minimalist or a full-glam enthusiast, remember: that your eyes tell your story. With the right products and practices, you can ensure it’s a story of health, comfort, and radiant beauty. Welcome to the future of eye-conscious beauty with ÈYES ARE THE STORY.

FAQs About Dry Eye and Makeup

Can makeup cause dry eye syndrome?

While makeup doesn’t directly cause dry eye, it can exacerbate symptoms in those prone to the condition.

Is it safe to wear eye makeup with dry eye?

Many people with dry eyes can still wear makeup with the right products and proper application. Always consult with an eye care professional if you have concerns.

What ingredients should I avoid in eye makeup if I have dry eye?

Avoid products with added fragrances, preservatives like BAK (benzalkonium chloride), and alcohol-based ingredients.

How often should I replace my eye makeup to prevent irritation?

Replace mascara every 3 months and other eye products every 6-12 months to prevent bacterial growth.

Can ÈYES ARE THE STORY products help with my dry eye symptoms?

While EYES ARE THE STORY products are designed to be gentle on the eyes and compatible with dry eyes, they are not a treatment for the condition. Always consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.