Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara Waterproof (Black/Brown)

Product Information

Carly Rose, OD, a board-certified optometrist and founder of Clear Eyes + Aesthetics in Cincinnati, OH, is a big fan of the Beautycounter Think Big All in One mascara for a few reasons. “Not only is this richly pigmented mascara EWG Verified, but it actually has conditioning tripeptides to help nourish your lashes,” she explains. “I always say that healthy lashes are beautiful lashes. That's the real secret in how to grow long, lushes lashes safely.” This mascara not only volumizes and lengthens, but it also has hydrating ingredients to help strengthen your lashes. We like that the applicator is slim and not bulky, so you don’t have to worry about accidentally smudging the product onto your lash line during application. Dr. DeRosa feels the same. “‘Clean’ does not give you a real measure of what is in the mascara and whether it is better for sensitive eyes. 'Clean’ and ‘natural’ ingredients still can be irritating to sensitive eyes,” she explains. Instead of looking for a mascara that claims it's clean, she recommends opting for a mascara that claims it is hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist tested.

Just as the product's name suggests, this formula is very natural-looking. So natural, in fact, that some folks have complained that it doesn’t look like you have anything on after application. Make sure to apply multiple coats to get a lengthening and volumizing effect. Clean mascara is better for sensitive eyes, in theory, but the term “clean” isn’t a regulated claim. Dr. Brissette explains that "clean" usually means the product doesn't include fragrances or dyes. However, "clean" can mean something different to every company, and a claim that a product is clean doesn't guarantee your eyes won't be irritated by it, she adds. So, here’s the deal with waterproof mascara: Most dermatologists and ophthalmologists recommend not using waterproof mascara on sensitive eyes. Unsurprisingly, most waterproof mascaras are very difficult to remove, which can cause a lot of irritation to sensitive eyes. While we love the clean formula and nourishing ingredients in this mascara, we do notice that it tends to clump a bit after you apply more than one coat. We suggest using a lash comb after use to eliminate any clumps. Dr. DeRosa recommends skipping waterproof mascara altogether if you have sensitive eyes. She explains that waterproof mascara is especially hard to remove, which means you have to scrub extra hard or use stronger cleansers to take it off at the end of the day. And this additional rubbing can result in irritation.

Customer reviews

Some folks have complained that this mascara is difficult to wash off. If that’s the case for you, consider using a cleansing oil to remove your eye makeup, and then following it up with a second cleanser afterward. Carly Rose, OD, a board-certified optometrist and founder of Clear Eyes + Aesthetics in Cincinnati, OH It has a natural finish, so you might need two or three coats if you're looking to make a statement. Brands that have a trusted reputation for treating sensitive skin and eyes that support their claims with hypoallergenic, allergy-tested or ophthalmologist- or ophthalmologically-tested methodologies, as mentioned above, if you tend to experience irritation.

Fragrance and natural extracts. Steer clear of mascaras that include fragrance on the ingredients list, which can be an irritant, and those that contain natural extracts, which can trigger allergies, Wizemann suggests. The most common ingredients that can cause eye irritation include synthetic fragrances, parabens, phthalates, coal tar, polyethylene glycol, and formaldehyde. “If possible, it is best to avoid waterproof mascara because it can dry out your lashes, making them more brittle and prone to breakage,” suggests Jennifer Tsai, a board-certified optometrist and owner of LINE OF SIGHT in New York City. According to Ashley Brissette, MD, MSc, FRCSC, an ophthalmologist at Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and founder of Daily Practice, eye sensitivity is really common, especially with makeup. “Some common signs of sensitivity are redness (of the eyelids or the eyes themselves), watery eyes, itching or burning, swelling or puffy eyes, and blurry vision,” she explains. And any of these symptoms could be a sign that you have a sensitivity or allergy to eye makeup, she adds.

Enjoy your first purchase.

The 49-year-old shared her beauty secrets in a recent interview with Shop TODAY, where she spoke about the mascara and a few more of her other must-have products. “I love a drugstore mascara,” she said. We interviewed a board-certified dermatologist, an ophthalmologist, and two optometrists for their recommendations and commentary on the best mascaras for sensitive eyes. The experts we spoke to include: