EYE MUCOUS While Applying EYE MAKEUP: Causes and Treatment

I’m Dr. Tanya Gill, OD. If you notice EYE MUCUS gathering in the corners of your eyes whenever you apply makeup, you’re not alone. Let’s explore why this happens and how to treat it effectively, while making sure to RULE OUT DRY EYES and RULE OUT BLEPHARITIS as underlying causes.

Why Does EYE MUCUS Appear During Makeup Application?

When you apply eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, foundation, concealer, etc . . .  small particulates and oils can migrate into your tear film. Your eyes react by producing extra mucus to trap and clear these irritants. Often, the debris accumulates in the medial canthus (inner corner), where EYE MUCUS pools. This reaction intensifies if:

• Your MAKEUP IS GLITTERY or POWDERY - the more debris that can fall into the eyes, the more likely an inflammatory reaction will begin. Thus the mucous.
• You’re dealing with subtle dryness that flares up whenever makeup enters the tear film. In this case, you must see your optometrist to RULE OUT DRY EYES.
• Underlying inflammation—perhaps early BLEPHARITIS. When makeup enters the eyes, it like an allergen that drives excess mucus production and tear instability, so we need to RULE OUT BLEPHARITIS.

Steps to Prevent and Treat Makeup-Induced EYE MUCUS

1. Check for Allergens:

   Review your makeup labels. Avoid products with fragrance, parabens, or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Switch to hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested liners and mascaras. Powder and glitter formulas can act as allergens too.

2. Add an Artificial Tear:

   Before applying makeup, instill 1 drop of a preservative free artificial tear. This will serve as a way to 'dilute' any makeup that may be causing that inflammatory response. 

3. Use Gentle, Clean Formulas:

   Choose eyeliners and mascaras labeled “sensitive eyes,” “water-based,” or “ophthalmologist-tested.” These often have fewer irritants. Reading labels and choosing brands that are known for 'clean beauty' can also be a way of reducing that mucous flare up.

4. Cleanse Immediately After:

   Once your day is done, remove all face and eye makeup promptly. First, use SuperHA Eyelid & Eyelash Micellar Water on a cotton pad to remove thoroughly. Finish with SuperGLA Eyelid & Eyelash Foaming Cleanser as the final wash off. Yes, micellar water & makeup debris ALWAYS needs a final wash off. This two-step approach ensures no residual makeup remains to trigger excess mucus production.

   
   

When to See Your Optometrist

If mucus remains heavy despite these tips, it's time to investigate and find out what the problem is. your optometrist needs to rule out many things. Most common is DRY EYES and/or BLEPHARITIS. Early intervention includes a personalized eye care routine and maybe prescription eye drops or ointment if the problem involved bacteria or chronic inflammation.

• EYE MUCOUS MUCUS

• EYE MAKEUP

• RULE OUT DRY EYES

• RULE OUT BLEPHARITIS

• MAKEUP IS AN ALLERGEN

• eyelid skin barrier health

• makeup-related eye irritation

• gentle eyelid cleansing

• warm compress routine

• Dr. Tanya Gill eye care