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Mascara for soft, coloured lashes?

(24 Posts)
Genevieve489 Thu 21-Aug-25 20:20:09

I have blepharitis and dry eyes, but my lashes are very fair so I do like to wear mascara, otherwise my eyes just disappear behind my glasses! Some mascaras I've tried make my lashes hard and spiky and others are clumpy and thick. What I'm looking for is something which leaves my lashes soft, but which colours them well. I understand that black is best as it has fewer chemicals than other colours. Any recommendations, please?

Redrobin51 Thu 21-Aug-25 21:21:27

Have you thought about dyeing them? Unusually I have one set of black eyelashes and eyebrow and the other set blonde. I dyeing the blonde set to match and of course it gives more definition to the lashes.
I've always got on with Rimmel mascara. I think they do one in a soft blue container, sorry forgot the name which is gentle for sensitive eyes. L'Oréal makeup is also good.
Good luck as mascara can be a minefield. X

Oreo Thu 21-Aug-25 22:42:41

I haven’t found anything better than the black Rimmel mascara in a blue container, it’s waterproof too.

shysal Fri 22-Aug-25 13:27:35

I saw this product demonstrated on TV so gave it a try. It has a very fine brush which gives good, accurate, non-clumping, soft coverage close to the base of the lashes. Unfortunately it comes with an eyebrow balm, which I don't use. It is a tubing mascara which is non-smudge but comes off with plain water. I can swim with it remaining as long as I don't rub hard. The included balm makes it more expensive, but I think I will stick with it.
I did try buying fine disposable brushes to use with other mascaras, but they were too messy to use.
Good luck with your search, it can get expensive!
rubyhammer.com/products/mascara-brow-duo?variant=44014225228025

Dee1012 Fri 22-Aug-25 13:51:24

I really like Maybelline mascara...Sky High version. I've struggled in the past with sensitivity but have never had a problem with this brand.

JdotJ Fri 22-Aug-25 13:58:35

I dye my lashes and brows so no longer need mascara

Game changer

PoliticsNerd Fri 22-Aug-25 14:53:53

I would advise you to use whatever mascara doesn't upset your eyes. I haven't yet found a mascara that doesn't clump if you keep using the same brush.

The answer, I've found, is in tools. Buy yourself an eyelash separator comb and a couple if spoolies so you can "comb" the lashes and use a clean brush each time so less likelihood of clumping. The comb was an eye opener (literally and figuratively) to me. The tools are cheap to buy and easy to use.

Genevieve489 Fri 22-Aug-25 16:58:39

Thank you very much everybody. I didn't realise that Rimmel did a mascara for sensitive eyes, Redrobin51, so will definitely give that a try. And will also get an eyelash separator comb - hadn't even thought about that, PoliticsNerd. The mascara you mentioned looks lovely, shysal - quite expensive, though. And Maybelline Sky High mascara looks good, too. Lots to think about!

PoliticsNerd Fri 22-Aug-25 17:37:19

What comes around goes around! I didn't know Rimmel had a mascara for sensitive eyes either Genevieve, so thank you for asking the question smile.

Another thing I've thought of is using the folded edge of a tissue under the lower lashes allows you to get more coverage as you aren't worried about splodges and can go down instead of up so it's going on the bit that shows.

Lallylou Sun 24-Aug-25 13:46:41

I seldom use as I have dry eyes and wear contact lenses occasionally but for special days use lancome always black. I'm fair skinned and have white hair xx

cookiemonster66 Sun 24-Aug-25 13:56:35

I find mascara irritates my eyes with the clumps falling into my eyeballs and scratching them. I now have a lash lift and tint done by a professional, and I love it, they look like they have mascara on and stay in shape nicely curled up, would be fab especially as you have fair lashes

HMWALES Sun 24-Aug-25 14:27:33

I have very sensitive eyes and find ICONIC LONDON ENRICH & ELEVATE a fabulous mascara. Have used now for a few years and it never clumps, separates your lashes and leaves them soft. It also conditions your lashes. Quite a few of my friends use it now. Good luck.

Weddingbelle123 Sun 24-Aug-25 14:37:11

I have blepharitis and the dye could cause a reaction

4allweknow Sun 24-Aug-25 14:53:03

I'd go with PoliticsNerd's suggestion. I have suffered with what was diagnosed as dry eye for years. Carbomer gel not much good. Became so bad optician carried out procedure twice to unblock tear duct. No success, now referred to Opthalmology awaiting appointment. I have had blepharitis, treated with lotion and hot eye pad. I wear waterproof mascara and use a lash brush.

Silvertwigs Sun 24-Aug-25 14:53:47

Genevieve489 get them tinted

Tessa1234 Sun 24-Aug-25 15:00:30

I have sensitive eyes and can recommend Avon Lash Genius from Amazon - best I've used and reasonably priced.

knspol Sun 24-Aug-25 15:13:30

PoliticsNerd, never heard of spoolies or eyelash separator comb so thanks for the tip. Mascara is pretty much the only make up I use so very helpful!

Colls Sun 24-Aug-25 15:15:10

Just as an aside, and as it has been mentioned several times, can anyone recommend a good eyelsh dye?
What colour is best to use?

chatterbox2 Sun 24-Aug-25 16:37:57

I've had ongoing problems with eye allergies for years and a few years ago after much research discovered a make called Bell which is available on Amazon for about £5 really easy to remove too.

Jangran99 Sun 24-Aug-25 16:57:26

I have dry eye and blepharitis, also awaiting cataract surgery. I use Rimmel brown/ black but have been advised by ophthalmologist never to use waterproof mascara.

Minnieme Sun 24-Aug-25 18:13:45

Yes I agree. I bought a pack of disposable spooly's very cheap off Am.z.n. I wash them so will last ages

sunglow12 Sun 24-Aug-25 18:52:02

You right - is the best ! 😀👍

ufix1 Mon 25-Aug-25 22:33:01

ELF from Superdrug has brilliant mascara, doesn't flake or give you panda eyes and is very hood value.

Qwerty Mon 25-Aug-25 23:13:58

4allweknow - slightly off task but I found Carbomer gel irritated the skin underneath my eyes and brought me out in a rash there. The eye specialist at the Glaucoma Clinic said it's quite common and recommended Hylo-Forte Drops. I contacted my doctor (eye drops are on prescription), swopped to them and have no problems.