I've been using eyeliner pencils for years and now have become allergic to them. When I use them, my eye become swollen, red and itchy. I've tried switching to Physicians Formula and Almay but it hasn't helped. I don't want to stop using eye makeup. Has anyone else had this problem? Any suggestions?

Have you tried using fresh product? Different brands?

You could have developed a sensitivity and if you have then there might not be anything you can do about it. There is probably a brand out there that will work for you though. A lot have different enough formulas that you should be able to find something.

I'm allergic to most makeups. The only brand that seems to work for me is Covergirl, which I find odd because it's not an all natural product, it's not specifically designed for women with sensitive skin or allergies. But for some reason that brand works for me.

It took me a long time to weed out those that I couldn't use before I found one that does. Sadly you're going to have to take that journey too. There is no one company or brand that all people with allergies will do okay with. Allergies are very specific, therefore you'll have to weed through those that don't work, and those that do.

Good luck. :)

Thank you for your help. Appreciate it. I'll keep trying different brands and hopefully find one that works on me. I think I'll go to a health food store and see if they have any natural eye makeup. I'm so used to makeup that I just can't go outside without it, sad to say.

Thanks!

I hear you. But I do have to say, as I've gotten older, wearing makeup isn't that important to me anymore. I often find it too much hassle to put on. Now it's only if we have a special event to go to, or a family dinner. If I'm just going out to buy groceries, I don't bother. :)

I'll ask a friend of mine that's really into all natural products, if she knows of any makeups that you may be okay with. Give me a bit. She is on this site, but she doesn't post that often. I'll send her a link to your question and see if she can recommend any brands to try out. :)

Alty directed me here.

Unfortunately, I don't know much about makeup allergies, not having any and almost never using makeup, myself. I do know that with skin allergies and sensitivities it can be almost impossible to find a product that works for you. In that case, sometimes the only options are to deal with the reaction, forgo using the product, spend outrageous amounts of money on specialty products, or make your own.

A little searching will lead you to recipes to make your own makeup. They won't be as durable (waterproof, smudgeproof, etc) as you're used to, but you'll have complete control over the ingredients. It's cheaper than commercial brands, too. I found one link for you, so you have an idea of what to look for and what you might be in for, should you decide to go that route.

http://wellnessmama.com/4948/homemade-makeup-recipes/

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to go check out some health food stores. I can do away with eye shadow and other things but eyeliner pencils I can't do without. Alty, I wish I could be like you and could say "the heck with makeup!" I am getting older and yet I'm so used to it I just can't go out without my eyeliner. I guess this new allergy is telling me something... time to give it up. :(