If eyes are the windows to the soul, then the best eye makeup products are their well-dressed treatments. Not only does a fluffy pair of falsies or quick brush of the brows help frame your entire face, but a little eye makeup goes a long way when it comes to impacting how you look and feel, both inside and out. Whether you add a smattering of bold, pigmented colors across your lids, or just a flick of liner and mascara, the right products make it easy to enhance your natural beauty while still feeling comfortable enough to wear all day. Here, we’re pleased to present the best eye makeup products for 2021, with options that are sure to make your eyes sparkle.
To ensure our judges only consider the best of the best eye makeup, we asked a panel of dermatologists about key ingredients to look for—and avoid—based on skin type. According to experts, those with dry, sensitive, and more mature skin should look for products with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and squalane. Oily and combination skin types should also seek out products containing lightly hydrating ingredients like jojoba oil, which is fast absorbing and resembles the skin’s natural sebum.
Eyelid skin and the skin around your mouth are particularly sensitive areas, especially for those with skin conditions like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema. Whether you’ve got a skin condition, or just find that your skin is more sensitive, it’s best to avoid formulas with essential oils, which can trigger flare-ups. No matter what your skin type, dermatologists always recommend wearing sunscreen of at least SPF 30 before applying face makeup to protect skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Read the rest of our dermatologist board criteria here.
Ahead, see 13 beloved brow and eye makeup products that stand out from the pack—and make sure to check out our complete list of star-studded 2021 Healthy Beauty Award winners here.
Reviews have been edited and condensed for clarity and length.