Here's the truth: I'm not the best at successfully removing my makeup each night. Sometimes I double-cleanse, but other times I take the daring risk of sleeping with my makeup on (I know, I know). My cleansing routine is often dependent on what's most convenient for me rather than what's good for me.
Unfortunately, I was recently faced with the consequences of my (lack of) proper makeup removal. I went for my yearly check-up at the ophthalmologist, expecting the same general questions they always ask. But instead, my doctor asked me an unexpected one: How do you remove your makeup?
It turns out, my eyes were irritated and had some remnants of old mascara along my eyelids. It was flaky, smudgy and often hard to remove. And it was clear that I rarely ever spent the necessary time trying to remove it to the extent that was needed. My doctor scolded me for my actions, and I knew at that moment my mascara (and cleansing routine) needed a major upgrade for the sake of my eye health.
Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Mascara
What we like
- Non-clumping and smudge-proof
- Doesn't flake
- Made for sensitive eyes
Something to note
- Only comes in black and brown
Shades: Black and brown | Made for: Sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers | Key ingredients: Coconut, argan, and moringa oils | Benefits: Non-flaking, smudge-proof, humidity and sweat-resistant, 12-hour wear
The Clinique High Impact High-Fi Mascara is a highly-pigmented and fiber-infused mascara that lifts and intensifies lashes with a volume increase of 230%, based on testing from Clinique.
The mascara has also been dermatologist, ophthalmologist and allergy-tested to suit sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. This fact is what really reeled me in. While it is hard to define what "tested by" these experts truly means, it is a good indicator that a product has, in some degree, been properly reviewed and recommended.
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According to the brand, the High Impact High-Fi Mascara builds rather quickly — and I found that claim to be pretty accurate. I started from the root of my lashes and wiggled my way up to the tip. To coat all of my lashes evenly, I tend to apply in sections, starting from my outer ends and working inward.
I used the same technique with this wand (which I picked up in the shade Intense Black), and was quickly impressed by how well it dispersed the formula.
About my lashesI've had long-yet-thin lashes since my youth. But in the past, I gave into the lash extension trend, and frequently got them re-filled. I still love the look of them, but after the removal, my lashes were much thinner than before.
I frequently use a lash serum to assist with the recovery, and over time, the health of my lashes has improved. However, I now have to be extra cautious of my mascara since some formulas easily weigh them down now, so I was interested to see if this choice would do the same.
I also suffer from pesky dry eye, which select eye makeup products can sometimes irritate. Luckily, this pick didn't do that.
What I likeThe wand helps coat every lashI'm picky when it comes to my mascara wands. It can't be too bulky nor too slim. This one is right in the middle, and it has an innovative precision tip to coat smaller corner lashes.
If you've struggled with applying mascara, this design makes the process less messy and time-consuming. For instance, I no longer have to awkwardly angle my arm or widen my eyes to prevent the formula from accidentally smudging my lids. The wand nearly catches them all in one sweep (however, every eye shape is different). I've even used the pointed side to define the ends of my lashes.
What also makes the wand unique are its wavy bristles that comb and coat through each lash. I've noticed the bristles are excellent at controlling how much product is applied onto my lashes, so I can layer multiple times without the formula looking clumpy.
Since the mascara is fiber-infused, each tiny fiber coats every lash to boost volume. Think of these fibers as mini extensions for your lashes. "Fibers make it [your lashes] look more lush because the fibers actually stick on your lashes," explains Dr. Emil Chynn, a cornea specialist. "Instead of just getting the particles of mascara and the dying pigment on it, you actually get fibers." So as you layer this formula on, the fibers can contribute to how thick, pigmented and full your lashes appear.
Compared to traditional mascara, I found the formula the most buildable. And since I can apply multiple layers, I've noticed the product adds extra length to my lashes, too.
It has great staying power, and is easy to removeThe brand also describes this mascara as non-flaking, smudge-proof and sweat-resistant. Although it does have fibers, I have experienced little to no flaking. My lashes have also stayed put throughout the day, so reapplication hasn't been necessary. And to put it to the test, I've worn the mascara during my sweat-intensive cardio and pilates classes, and hardly noticed a difference before and after.
This told me it has impressive staying power. But with an effective cleanser, I was able to remove the mascara with ease on my first try. Say goodbye to intense scrubbing!
Clinique's Eye Safety Promise gives me peace of mindConsidering I've previously had issues with my eyes due to irritating makeup, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Clinique has an Eye Safety Promise, which is the brand's commitment to eye safety in their eye makeup category. According to their website, the promise ensures that each product is ophthalmologist-tested by their in-house expert for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
What I appreciate most about the mascara is that you'll see aspects of this promise in the design. For example, the wand and bristles claim to offer safe application, since Clinique says thick wands can accidentally touch and scratch the eye. Plus, the formula is oil-based (argan, coconut and moringa), so you should experience a smooth glide without tugging or lifting the lids.
Some eye makeup products can cause sensitivity and dry eye. Both of our experts agreed that any irritations from mascara are most often from the application and removal itself. This makes cleansing an extra important step each night. With this specific product, some customers had issues with removing the formula entirely from their lashes. Although I didn't have this issue, it is important to use a gentle-yet-effective cleanser (during both steps of a doubling cleansing routine) for optimal makeup removal.
"First, choose a mild, fragrance-free makeup remover formulated specifically for the eye area, as it’s less likely to irritate or dry out this sensitive skin," says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Pooja Rambhia, adding that a micellar water is a good option. "To remove makeup, saturate a cotton pad or soft cloth with the remover, then press it gently over the closed eye for a few seconds to dissolve the makeup." Follow with a mild facial cleanser and lukewarm water, but as you cleanse, you'll want to avoid harsh scrubbing and pulling, too.
As you're removing makeup, Dr. Chynn advises keeping your eyelids completely closed. "Sometimes when [you] try to [cleanse] the upper lid and then the lower lid separately, [you] wind up scraping the cornea and causing a corneal abrasion of some kind."
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm Makeup Remover
What we like
- Doesn't burn the eyes
- Removes majority of makeup
- Washes away SPF, grime, more
Something to note
- A little goes a long way
Best for: All skin types | Key ingredients: Safflower seed oil | Formula: Balm
Clinique's Take the Day Off cleansing balm is one of my favorite products for eye makeup removal. While it works great with other Clinique products, I've found it is equally effective at removing non-Clinique products, too. Like the High Impact Hi-Fi Mascara, it is also gentle on sensitive eyes (no burning!), and can dissolve stubborn eye makeup and SPF.
Who is it best for?If you're looking to upgrade your current mascara, all lashes can enjoy the volumizing and lengthening benefits of this mascara. But before deciding on a mascara, Dr. Chynn recommends testing various options before deciding on the right one for you. And after my own trial and error, I suggest adding this one to your list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Like many people, I also have the tendency to rub my eyes. But rubbing the eyes, especially when you have eye makeup on, can cause many issues, such as irritation, redness and potential infections, claims Dr. Rambhia.
"When you rub, makeup particles like mascara, eyeshadow and eyeliner can migrate into the tear film or irritate the sensitive skin around the eyes, which is especially thin and prone to inflammation," she says. "This can increase the risk of clogging the meibomian glands along the lash line, which are essential for maintaining eye moisture, potentially worsening dryness and discomfort."
If your eyes do feel itchy or uncomfortable, Dr. Rambhia recommends "gently blotting with a tissue or using lubricating eye drops can relieve irritation without disturbing your makeup or compromising eye health."
Similar to my experience, it is true mascara can get in your eye. But according to Dr. Chynn, it is very rare that a piece of mascara can cause an abrasion. "When I see abrasions, it's more [of a] linear, vertical abrasion," he notes. "It's really the brush scraping your eye when you're putting on the mascara. And it's linear because that's the way you're using the brush, and that's where your eye moves when you blink."
While it is easy to rush your mascara application, take your time as you do with any other makeup step.
When it comes to mascara allergies, research shows that certain ingredients can cause a reaction. Dr. Rambhia recommends avoiding mascara formulas with fragrance (a common allergen), parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents, for example.
Fortunately, most mascaras do not contain fragrance, claims Dr. Chynn, including Clinique's. But when it doubt about how you'll react to any new beauty product, a patch test is always suggested.
Dry eye is often caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction, according to Dr. Chynn, which means "the oil glands of your eyelids aren't functioning properly."
While mascara, for instance, can't be the reason behind the condition, says Dr. Chynn, Dr. Rambhia adds that eye makeup products, as a whole, can add on to some of the irritations you might feel.
Dr. Rambhia notes that eye makeup "can migrate into the tear film or clog the meibomian glands located along the eyelid margin," depending on the ingredients (fragrance, alcohols), application and removal. "These glands produce oils that are crucial for preventing evaporation of tears; when blocked, it can lead to increased dryness."
"For dry or sensitive eyes, it’s essential to choose a mascara that’s gentle on the delicate eyelid area, where skin is thinner and especially prone to irritation," says Dr. Rambhia. "Look for conditioning ingredients like panthenol and glycerin, which help keep lashes soft and comfortable, and consider hypoallergenic or ophthalmologist-tested formulas, as they tend to be gentler." She adds that you'll want to avoid formulas with fragrance, parabens and formaldehyde-releasing agents.
Fortunately, most mascaras do not contain fragrances, claims Dr. Chynn, including Clinique's.
If you struggle with makeup removal, Dr. Rambhia also recommends considering water-based mascaras "since they’re less likely to irritate and are easier to remove."
- Dr. Pooja Rambhia, MD is a board-certified dermatologist specialized in cosmetic dermatology and laser surgery.
- Dr. Emil William Chynn, MD, FACS, MBA is a laser vision and cornea specialist in Manhattan. He completed his residency at Harvard University’s Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary.
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with the product and brand to make shopping easier for our readers.
Madison San Miguel is the editorial assistant at Shop TODAY. She covers everything from style guides to the best in beauty, and has previously been published in InStyle, Allure, Byrdie, Elite Daily, Bustle and more.
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Madison San Miguel
Madison San Miguel is the Editorial Assistant for Shop TODAY, who covers everything from beauty to style. Before joining NBCU, her work had been published in Allure, InStyle,Bustle,Byrdie,Elite Daily,Travel+ Leisure, amongmany others. You'll often find her watching cringey reality TV, endlessly scrolling through Sephora reviews, or searching for the best Pad Thai in New York.
