5 Makeup Tips Every Girl Who Has Watery Eyes Needs To Know

Anjali Agarwal

20 Apr ‘20
UPDATED ON 21 Apr ‘25
Makeup Tips Watery eyes Eye makeup Beauty Hacks
Makeup Tips Watery eyes Eye makeup Beauty Hacks

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Your eyes water due to a lot of reasons like dust, allergens, dry eyes, etc. But if it happens every time you apply makeup, it’s most probably reflex tears. That’s right. It’s the water that your eyes ooze out in response to ward off any irritant. It can be a super annoying problem to deal with. It can ruin your makeup and leave your face looking patchy ugh. Since redoing your makeup several times is not an option, we decided to look for the best makeup for watery eyes and find ways to put an end to this problem, once and for all.

Here are some makeup tips you can follow to avoid watery eyes and keep your makeup looking on fleek. Take a look.

Don’t apply eyeliner on the waterline

Don’t apply eyeliner on the waterline

Applying eyeliner on the waterline may seem like a great way to enhance your eyes, but it can actually do more harm than good. The waterline is a sensitive area with tiny oil glands that help keep your eyes lubricated. When you apply eyeliner directly to it, you risk blocking these glands, leading to dryness, irritation, and even infections.

Moreover, eyeliner on the waterline tends to smudge easily due to constant exposure to tears, making your makeup look messy. For those with sensitive or watery eyes, this can be even more problematic, as the product may cause further irritation, leading to excessive tearing and ruining your look.

Instead of lining the waterline, opt for tightlining—applying eyeliner just beneath the upper lash line. This technique defines the eyes without irritating them. Using waterproof and smudge-proof products can also help maintain a clean, long-lasting look without discomfort.

Stop eyes watering - the basics

Imagine finishing a stunning eye makeup look; with the perfectly blended eyeshadow and an on-fleek cat eye, only to realise that your mascara is running because you can’t stop tearing up. Unintentionally smudged makeup is every girl’s worst nightmare.

Your eyes water due to a lot of reasons like dust, allergens, dry eyes, etc. But if it happens every time you apply makeup, it’s most probably reflex tears. That’s right. It’s the water that your eyes ooze out in response to ward off any irritant. It can be a super annoying problem to deal with. It can ruin your makeup and leave your face looking patchy. Since redoing your look several times is not an option, let’s see if there are ways on how to stop eyes from watering when wearing makeup.

Use only clean makeup tools

Use only clean makeup tools

Using only clean makeup tools is essential for maintaining healthy skin and preventing infections. Dirty brushes, sponges, and applicators can accumulate bacteria, oil, and leftover product, which can clog pores and cause breakouts. Regularly cleaning your tools helps remove these impurities, ensuring smoother makeup application and a flawless finish.

Unclean tools can also lead to eye infections, irritation, or allergic reactions, especially when using brushes near sensitive areas like the eyes and lips. Bacteria buildup can worsen skin conditions such as acne and dermatitis. To avoid this, wash makeup brushes at least once a week with a gentle cleanser or brush cleaner, and replace sponges regularly.

Additionally, sharing makeup tools can transfer bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of skin infections. By keeping your brushes and applicators clean, you not only extend their lifespan but also protect your skin, ensuring a safer and more hygienic beauty routine.

Tips on how to stop eyes from watering when wearing makeup

Do not apply eyeliner on the waterline

So how to stop eyes from watering when wearing makeup? Well you know who’s really the culprit for watery eyes after makeup, don’t you? As soon as you put mascara on your lower lashes or line your lower waterline or blend an eyeshadow over the lower lid, your eyes start to water. This is because along the waterline are the meibomian glands which prevent evaporation of the water in the eyes. So, go for fuller upper lashes and liner on your upper lid instead.

Use only clean makeup tools

Let’s be honest. The most obvious way on how to stop eyes from watering when wearing makeup is to be hygienic. Your watery eyes could be a result of an irritant and bacteria that come in contact with your eyes when you apply makeup. Using clean makeup tools will help. Make sure you clean your makeup brushes and sponges on a weekly basis to keep the germs at bay.

Switch to setting sprays

Switch to setting sprays

So how to fix makeup after watery eyes? The easy way is to switch to setting sprays. Using powder concealers and setting powders are bad news for you when you have watery eyes. The water breaks the powder product down and makes it look patchy and streaky. Rather, use liquid or cream base makeup and lock it with a setting spray.

One of the key steps in makeup application that we all tend to ignore more often than not is the setting process. After you have finished applying makeup, including mascara, set it with a generous amount of setting spray to prevent any smudging during the course of the day. This way, even if you have watery eyes, your makeup will stay in place.

Try the Lakme Absolute Made To Last Setting Spray as it has a nutri-rich design that helps your makeup last long with a matte finish. Loaded with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, it also hydrates your skin without being sticky. All you have to do is shake well and spray it six inches away from your face.

Keep the water from rolling down

Another trick on how to stop eyes from watering when wearing makeup is to stop the water from rolling down. Every time your eyes tear up while applying makeup, stop, breathe and tilt your head up. Don’t close your eyes and try not to blink. Do this until the tear dries up and settles. Once your eyes are not watery anymore, carry on with your makeup.

Fix mistakes with a cotton swab or tissue

If the makeup for watery eyes fails, simply keep a cotton swab or tissue handy. Roll it over the lower lids and inner corner to quickly soak up the water so it doesn’t trickle down and ruin your makeup.

Eyeliner and mascara tips

Smudge eyeliners and mascara tear tracks can ruin a whole look. So, if you can’t control your tears, simply change the way you apply them!

Keep the water from rolling down

Use a primer

Primer is the first step toward a flawless, smudge-proof base, and this applies to your eye makeup as well. Dabbing on just a little bit of primer all over your lids before applying eyeliner provides a great base for the liner to cling onto and prevent budging. It also helps in evening out your lid to make the liner glide smoothly.

The Lakme Absolute Blur Primer not only blurs blemishes and those crow’s feet you may hate at the corner of your eyes, but it is also waterproof and makes sure the rest of your eye makeup lasts all day long. This primer is also light on your skin and gives you a flawless finish.

 

Undo the mishaps with a cotton swab or tissue

Undo the mishaps with a cotton swab or tissue

Choose the right formula

When you are choosing an eyeliner and tend to tear up while applying it, go for one of the best makeup for watery eyes which is a gel liner. This is because gel liners are extremely lightweight yet highly pigmented formulas that simply don’t budge quite as easily.

The Lakme Black Gel Liner is waterproof, lasting for 32 hours. And the best part is that it dries as quickly as 15 seconds! It is also tested and approved by eye doctors making it perfect for those with sensitive eyes.

BePicks

Smudge-proof makeup Long-lasting eyeliner Sensitive eye care Waterproof mascara
Smudge-proof makeup Long-lasting eyeliner Sensitive eye care Waterproof mascara

Anjali Agarwal

Author at BeBeautiful.