Allergic Reaction :(

[Katie0907]

Hi all,

Many years ago I suddenly became allergic to all of my eyeshadow. My eyes would be puffy AF, red, it was awful.

I switched to paraben/sulfate free eyeshadow and have been fine.

I specifically have been using the Sephora brand for a long time now and have recently developed an allergic reaction every time I use it 😞

https://www.sephora.com/product/colorful-5-eyeshadow-palette-P386615?skuId=1582741

Can someone suggest a brand that is better known for extremely sensitive eyes? (Also looking for glittery eyeshadow)

Thank you, I'm so sad to throw out all of my eyeshadows now 😞

[WiscyKristi]

Hi, @Katie0907

Before you toss out your shadows, a few things to consider -

Have you ruled out a sensitivity to your mascara or eyeliner? Sometimes the mascara or liner is the culprit - not the shadow. You could do just one of the products (shadow alone, liner alone (yeah....I know...), mascara alone, to verify which product is really causing the issue.

Do you use a primer? If not, a shadow primer will put a barrier between your lid and the product, and minimize sensitivity. I like the Urban Decay Primer potion and Smashbox 24-Hour eye primer.

Is there a specific color of shadow you gravitate towards? You could have sensitivity toward a certain dye. As much as it pains me, I just can't wear pinkish or purplish shadows - I'm allergic to a lot of dyes in those colors. My lids used to swell, and my eyes would get really red, if I tried to wear pinkish or purplish shades.

Final thing to consider - Do you have allergies? I have really bad spring allergies (sporadic in fall). My eyes are a lot more easily irritated, and I really need to scale back the eye products when allergy season is in full swing.

When my eyes are acting up, I've had good luck with Smashbox shadows and liners. I've had good luck with Benefit Rollerlash, Too Faced BTS, and Clinique mascaras.

To another poster's point - your issue may be with a cleanser or makeup remover. You might want to try formulations for more sensitive skin. I use Philosophy Purity cleanser and Clinique's Take the Day Off, or Smashbox's It's a Wrap remover.

Good luck - hope you are able to find something that works for you!

[RachFace2921]

Before you toss your shadows, try a few different facial cleansers too @Katie0907@.

I spent years thinking I was having reactions to shadow, and the problem was only fixed with a less drying face wash (I love fresh soy face cleanser, but that may not be the silver bullet for you).

I've had luck with Stila shimmer shadows not irritating my eye's.  I've not checked to see if they're free of the specific ingredients you're avoiding.

[JaneanBT]

Hi @Katie0907,

I am sorry to hear about your allergic reaction. I suggest the LILAH B. - Palette Perfection™ Eye Quad - b. alluring. This product is cruelty-free, vegan, and free of synthetic fragrances and gluten. I hope this helps!

Best Wishes,

Janean