[in bad shape]

I have always had make-up allergies. For the last 2 years I have had no reactions, up until a month ago. I was in a theater group. I forgot my make-up, so I borrowed a friends. She used physicians formula, which I thought I could use, but I had an allergic reaction to it or a bacterial reaction to it, which caused my eyes to be itchy. After a month of swollen itchy eyes, I thought, "Well maybe I have transfered the bacteria to my make-up or maybe I've formed an allergy to my make-up." So I threw out what I had and I purchased Palladio foundation, eyeliner, mascara, and eyeshadow. Palladio is herbal and the coverage looked natural and un-blochy. But 3 hours after applying it, my eyes became itchy and way way worse. (my eyes were swollen shut last night). I went to the doctor yesterday and he gave me antibiotic drops for my eyes.

Anyways, I know that I cannot use make-up until this infection is gone. I have returned all of the Palladio make-up. Any suggestions on what to try after this infection is gone?
I was previously using Mabelline Pure Stay Compact Powder, which I have used for 2 years without a problem until recently, but to be honest, it looked blochy. Maybelline eyeliner and Maybelline Volume Express Waterproof mascara. I had been using Physician's formula eyeshadow, which I have also used for 2 years again without a problem until recently. I use Beyond Belief Vita C face moisturizer, which is in a pump bottle, so i don't think it could be contaminated.

Should I stick with what has not caused reactions in the past? Or do you think that maybe I've formed an allergy to what I was using? I work in sales - going makeup less is not an option.
I've had allergic reactions to Clinic and Covergirl.

[Sirvinya]

I think it sounds like an allergic reaction. You might do better with mineral makuep as they don't have things like preservatives in them.

[in bad shape]

Any suggestions? I've heard good an bad things about Bare Minerals.

[Sirvinya]

We have an entire forum on mineral makeup!

http://www.makeuptalk.com/forums/f128/

There are lots of reviews so I'm sure you can find some brands to try.

[BeneBaby]

Yikes! That can be frustrating. Sounds like you'll just have to try things out and see if a reaction occurs. Maybe patch test on the weekends??? I have sensitive skin too and I have had pretty good luck with Almay???

[bmichlig]

There are two ingredients that always cause probs for me, no matter what the brand is. One is carmine, the other is bismuth oxychloride. Those two ingredients are found in nearly ALL makeup brands, and in many, if not most, mineral makeup brands too. I'm not saying that's what YOUR issue has been, but those two ingreds. do cause trouble for many people. I'd look at the ingredients for some different mineral makeup companies and order up samples - most of them offer samples of almost all products, so you can really try before you buy.

I had a pink-eye like reaction to a plum mascara I tried once - I didn't think it had carmine in it, and I instantly got that goopey, blood red eyeball thing, crusty nasty, yuck. Went to the dr., she gave me an antibiotic, which wasn't necessary since it was an allergic reaction. On closer reading of the label, I discovered the carmine, so I pitched the mascara (It was brand new, and such a pretty color - I was quite bummed!)

I hope your problems resolve easily and speedily!

[in bad shape]

Thanks for the adive. That sounds exactly like what I'm having. Only I do think that I've given my self a bacteria infection by scratching.

Finally I have something to avoid. Thanks for the specifics on possible allergin ingredients.

[suzukigrrl]

I had a similar problem with repeated eye infections. After I tossed out all my eye makeup and cleared up the eye infections my eyes were still so dry and sensitive that I'm only now starting to use eye makeup again. Is it possible that your eyes are just more dry and sensitive from all of your recent problems? You might just have to wait a while for your eyes to rest before wearing eye makeup again.

[in bad shape]

I plan I going without eye makeup until this clears up, which I hope it does soon cause I have to go back to work on Monday. I canceled a huge appointment on Thursday because my eyes were just disgusting. I work in sales and make my own schedule, but I do have appointments I have to keep. A couple weeks ago I decided to go eye make-up less to see if that would help with the itching. All 4 clients I saw that day made comments on how tired, or down I looked. I guess when they are used to seeing you in make-up all the time, you look weird without it.

[xjackie83]

I would look into mineral makeup. I'm allergic to most makeup too. You have to watch out for the bismuth in some MMU though. It will make your skin itch.

[agostina1]

I would have to agree with the mineral makeup idea, you sound like the perfect candiate. But, you should check out the forums because they're so many different kinds of mineral makeups and not all are pure minerals. And as sensitive as you sound I think you'd want to use the purest.

[emily_3383]

Dont use eyeshadow! I really stopped wearing it because even with primer i still get some irritation and my eye medication is too expensive. lol I do use fluidline and it hasnt irritated my eye. Definately wear mmu, my skin is sensitive and not having to put nasty liquid makeup has helped alot and i pretty much dont break out anymore. Im not allergic to bismuth but thats something you might need to check.

[Sprite7]

Wow! That sucks. Could it be possible that you picked up some kind of infection from your friends makeup? Maybe it is something tenacious, that just won't go away, and is now being aggrivated by products. Whatever the cause...I feel for you.

I have developed an allergy of sorts to makeup around that time of the month. If ANY makeup goes near my mouth, it gets super itchy, and then I have red marks around my lips. The only makeup I can wear when this happens is mineral makeup. During this time, the only products I can use are Cetaphil (cleanser), essential oils to moisten my skin, and mineral makeup.

I hope you can get a handle on this problem of yours. It sounds so uncomfortable for you!

[scarletmaeve]

Yikes. I've had the same eye irritation several times with make-up and unfortunately the only way to clear it up was for me not to wear any during the time I was crusty, gloopy, red and puffy. After the eye mess cleared up, I threw away my mascara and liners (which were Clinique self sharpening)- because I determined that they were the cause. I noticed that if I used self sharpening pencil eyeliners, Id have a problem over using the Brush and Gel (fluidlines) eyeliner which I clean the brush after every application. I also noticed that if I did not remove the eye makeup completely before bed with a NON- OIL based eye makeup remover and then cleaned my face- The problems would start up again.

I would just repeat what most people are saying, to look into mineral foundation. Check out fluidline or a liner that is applied by a brush that can be disinfected often or a pencil that can be sharpened often. Find a simple, mascara. I went into MAC and asked which was their most gentle and I'm happy with what the MUA recommended. Test out a few eyeshadow brands before purchasing, and line the upperlashes, not the waterline or lower lash.
After doing all that I have never had another problem since (and I secretly line my lower lash once in a while ).
Hope your eyes clear up soon.
Hugs,
me

[Leza1121]

Hi,

So sorry to hear what happened to you. The best thing you can do is to stay away from any and all makeup until you get the okay from your doctor.

Feel better soon.