My Top Holographic Eyeliner for Sensitive Eyes (Get the Dramatic Look Without Worry)

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Teryn Greenway

Makeup Assistant at Glamour N Glow

Teryn fell in love with beauty after she began to use it as a coping mechanism. She quickly became obsessed with makeup. Her love for makeup continued to bloom after she started working at Ulta. Now, she works as a makeup assistant for local filming teams!

Latest posts by Teryn Greenway (see all)

• Urban Decay Heavy Metal Review: Is This Eyeliner a Gamechanger? - February 7, 2023
• My Top Holographic Eyeliner for Sensitive Eyes (Get the Dramatic Look Without Worry) - January 20, 2023
• Is Morphe Cruelty Free: Iconic Products Full of Controversy - August 23, 2022

Is there a holographic eyeliner for sensitive eyes worth buying?

There will likely never be a full glitter or glue-based product that sensitive eyes folks can use. We’ll always have to hunch over ingredient lists and troubleshoot products til the end of time. But all hope is not lost! Brands now include hypoallergenic formulas and even make holographic shadows and pencils for those extra sensitive to liquid. My favorite holographic eyeliner for people like me is the 24/7 Glide-On eyeliner because it is perfect on my eyes year-round and has pigment! 

From a young age, I’ve always suffered from irritated eyes. My eyes have never been my friend, whether it is allergy season leaks or summer dryness. For years I assumed I couldn’t wear lots of makeup, and indeed not anything as intense and product heavy as the holographic eye looks.

However, through working at Ulta and with makeup artists in the film industry, I have learned a ton of tips and tricks that allow me to enjoy whatever eye look I want without itchy, painful dryness, and I can’t wait to share them with you guys in this Holographic eyeliner for sensitive eyes guide.

My Top Holographic Eyeliner for Sensitive Eyes at a Glance

If you want to find a great holographic pencil liner and you have sensitive eyes, here’s the products I’ve used and love: 

1. Rimmel London Wonder Holographic Liners — lots of colors to choose from. Easy application and they didn’t irritate my eyes.
2. 24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner — My top pick overall, with 38 shades, this liner lasts ALL DAY! 
3. NYX Holographic Halo Creme Liner — Takes some time to master application, but when you do, watch out! 
4. LA Girl Holographic Eyeliner — Super pigmented, long-lasting, and definitely worth a try! 

Other Products You Should Try to Replace Holographic Eyeliners:

1. Danessa Myricks Multichrome Gel for Eyes and Face — Use a liner brush to get the full holographic effects. I love this product! 
2. Haus Laboratories Glam Attack Liquid Eyeshadow — Not a liner, but this liquid eyeshadow can easily replace one, especially if you like bold lids and vibrant colors! 

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My Best Holographic Pencil Liners For Sensitive Eyes

The safest and best if you’re experiencing significant sensitivities to eyeliner/glitter-based products is to stick to pencil-based eyeliners. Liquid makeup tends to contain more harsh chemicals than powders and pencils. The downside to these products is that they are often less vibrant than liquids and fade much more quicker.

Rimmel London Wonder Holographic Liners

The Rimmel London Wonder Holographic liners are two-in-ones that are meant to create ombre looks but can also be used separately.  

Shade Range: The fun part about these liners is that they are dual-ended, meaning each pencil has two shades! There are four shade combinations: black/gold, green/holographic, white/plum, and white/blue. All have a glitter/shimmery finish. 

Wear Time: This product is smudgeable as it stays easy to move its entire lifetime. This means it is easy to wipe off, so avoid touching the eye. This product is not waterproof but doesn’t irritate the eye unless you get glitter in your tear duct. So unless your eyes are naturally watery, you’re experiencing allergies, or you need a good cry, this liner can withstand most of the day. The product can last up to 6 hours with proper prep and avoiding touching.

Pros:

• Two liners in one! 
• Very budget friendly and available at Walmart.
• This product isn’t irritating as long as you avoid your tear duct. What irritates the tear duct is fallout glitter getting stuck and making your eye water due to the foreign object in your eye.

Cons:

• Smudges easily 
• Flimsy packaging that falls apart easily. 
• While having two shades available is convenient, the design makes it hard to use, especially as you sharpen it shorter. 

24/7 Glide-On Waterproof Eyeliner (aka my all-time favorite pencil liner)

I believe there’s a piece of heaven in this formula. It’s been my favorite since my teens, and I’ve tried hundreds of different liners on my hunt for good eye health. This product is sold anywhere that carries Urban Decay. 

Shade Range: There are 38 shades that include five different finishes: matte, shimmer, glitter, satin, and metallic. They range from rainbow shades to nudes to blacks and browns! They also expand their shade range occasionally, so almost any color you could think of, Urban Decay has a pencil for you! 

To achieve a holographic/sparkly look, you will want to gravitate toward the shimmer (9 of the shades), glitter (5 of the shades), and metallic finishes (11 of the shades). 

Wear Time: As the name states, this product lasts ALL DAY LONG. It is waterproof and doesn’t smudge or transfer. As I said, it is THE heaven-sent liner from the gods!

Pros:

• A fantastic formula that feels moisturizing and glides on like a dream.
• Cruelty-free and long-lasting.
• Most shades are vegan formula, so it is safe for most eye allergies. 
  • Pro tip: Avoid the tear duct if you have eye allergies because any fallout could cause irritation if it clogs the duct. 

Cons:

• It’s relatively expensive for a pencil eyeliner. 
• Not all of the shades are vegan, so check the packaging for the vegan heart if you are vegan or have sensitive skin! 

Best Holographic Liquid Liners For Sensitive Eyes

Liquid liners are terrifying if you’re struggling with eye makeup allergies. They’re often painful and itchy and will quickly rub off when your eyes water all day long. However, many brands are mindful of allergies when making liquid products. It’s much more annoying to buy than pencil products because you must be more mindful of the ingredients.

NYX Holographic Halo Creme Liner

I tried this because a fellow writer/editor here at Glamour ‘N Glow recommended it to me. When I tell you I fell in LOVE! For context, I’ve been sick most of the winter and, as a result, have felt absolutely hideous. This is an effort-free product that gives a perfect amount of color/pigment to make me look put together with two swoops of a liner brush. Did I mention that my eyes didn’t itch at all, and the formula survived a lung/sinus infection, so it can take on tears and rain too!

Shade Range: There are five pigmented shades to choose from: pink, green, copper, black, and holographic. Each has a holographic finish that stays sparkly all day. Note that it doesn’t dry completely, so it’s easy to smudge. It also can dry into creases, so prep is essential with this product.

Wear Time: It is difficult to apply until you get the hang of the formula and prep. I found the product very flakey and hard to work without proper prep. Once I properly set my eyes before applying, the product went on smoothly with a liner brush and stayed for around 8 hours. It comes off easily with a cleansing balm and doesn’t appear to be waterproof. It will transfer as the glitter falls out throughout the day. 

Pros:

• All five shades are pigmented and beautiful. 
• The paint pod can easily last until expiration because a little product goes a long way. 
• Great for a pop of color or creative looks. 
• As long as you prep your lids, it’s a very easy product to use, so you can have eye looks that look high effort in seconds. 

Cons:

• It does have mild fallout, but it’s after hours of wear and dusts off easily with a powder brush. 
• It’s a hot mess without prepping your lids. 
• It’s only available at Walmart. 

LA Girl Holographic Eyeliner

These liners are a bit hard to find in stores but are often in stock at H B Beauty! They are super pigmented, but the holographic shades tend to dry a bit chalky. 

Shade Range: There are nine shades in total. Three are matte, three are chrome, and three are holographic. Stick to the chrome for your holographic/sparkly looks because the actual holographic shades dry very chalky and white.

Wear Time: Most of the liner lasts all day on the lid. I wore it for 12 hours and will admit the general white chalky line stayed put all 12 hours. However, TONS of fallout and glitter required multiple clean-up trips. It was not waterproof; it wiped right off with a single swipe of a wet cloth. It dries quickly, so blending and working with it is pretty hard.

Pros:

• Non-irritating formula. 
• Budget-friendly product.

Cons:

• Tons of fallout. 
• Annoying to use wand.
• Only available online.
• Dries chalky.

The Best Eyeliner Alternatives

There are other alternatives if you struggle to find a liner that works. For example, with a fine enough brush that you wet with water, you can use your favorite eyeshadow to create a liner look.

However, if you’re going for a holographic look, it is essential to use a primer paler than your skin tone to create the shape of your line first. This helps keep the liner in place and assists with pigmentation.

The Best Holographic Gel Eye Shadow: Danessa Myricks Multichrome Gel for Eyes and Face

The best place to find Danessa Myrick’s glitter gel is at Sephora. It’s a highly pigmented product that can be used anywhere on the body. A little goes a long way with this formula. It is also made fragrance free and with skin sensitivities in mind!

Shade Range: There are ten color-shifting shades. Some of my favorites include Monarch, Sweet Tooth, Lightening Bolt, and Strobe Light (the best for holographic looks)

Wear Time: When properly applied (prep and set with spray), it can last for quite a few hours without fallout. It’s a vegan formula making it safe for most sensitive eyes. It’s also fragrance-free and cruelty-free! It doesn’t smudge but is not waterproof. 

I suggest applying the product with your fingertips and keeping your eyes closed until it is completely dry. This prevents the product from moving on your lid or sliding off while it dries. It is a flaky formula that is supposed to look like glitter flakes on your lids, but I promise that it doesn’t move unless you are constantly rubbing your eyes! 

Pros:

• Very pigmented 
• Easy to apply
• Very versatile 
• Color shifting formula
• Vegan, cruelty free, and fragrance free!

Cons:

• Doesn’t last all day 
• It dries out in the jar quicker than any other gel product I’ve ever owned. 
• You must keep your eyes closed the entire time it dries, which without a fan can take around 5 minutes.

The Best Holographic Liquid Shadow: Haus Laboratories Glam Attack Liquid Eyeshadow

This liquid eyeshadow is absolutely gorgeous and has one-swipe coverage. It was one of my very first liquid eyeshadows I’ve ever tried, and it has been a staple in my collection ever since. I only experience irritation if I accidentally cake too much product around my tear duct!

Shade Range: There are 15 shades, 13 of which are shimmery. Colors range from pastels, to blacks and browns, to nudes! My favorite shade is Angel Baby, which is rose gold! 

Wear Time: While these are liquid eyeshadows, not liners, they are absolutely fantastic. You can apply it to the lid and blend it out for a sparkly shadow look or use the edge of the applicator for the liner. Dip a pointed liner brush in the bottle for a cat eye and draw your tail!

It lasts all day with or without prep and doesn’t have fallout. It is vegan and cruelty-free. It also is super blendable but doesn’t smudge after it dries down. It will settle into creases without prep, but that is literally my only complaint. It’s even able to handle tears and rain, but it doesn’t stain the lid when removed at night!

Pros:

• Amazon prime product 
• The applicator makes it super easy to use as eyeliner
• Fair price for a prestigious product
• Long wear time.
• Versatile product

Cons:

• It’s currently only available through Haus Lab’s amazon storefront. 
• Shades tend to come in and out of stock often.

Why Some Eyes Are Sensitive to Glitter and Liquid Eye Makeup

Irritation with eye makeup can happen for many reasons, and below we will dive further into each cause. However, most are allergies to ingredients, sensitivities to chemicals, incorrect preparation, or even too much glitter in the tear duct!

Signs and Symptoms of Irritation

• Itchiness around your eye, especially in the tear ducts
• Redness in the white of your eye
• Puffiness/swelling 
• Scaly patches around the lid and corners
• Dry and watery eyes that slowly (insanely quickly) make your makeup disappear 
• Note: These allergies will happen to both eyes. If only one eye is irritated, something is likely lodged in the tear duct. This could be glitter or something that requires medical attention. If symptoms last more than 24 hours after washing off the makeup, consult your doctor! 

Common Allergies to Eyeliner

Allergies to eye makeup happen because your body considers the product a “foreign substance.” These are the most common things people are allergic to in their eye makeup.

• Fragrances –
• Preservatives –
• Allergic to metals?
• What about latex?

Ingredients to Avoid if You Have Sensitive Skin

Another huge reason that makeup can irritate eyes is that you have sensitive skin. The following ingredients can cause irritation, and an allergy test can quickly help you to rule out the elements that bother your eyes. However, if you cannot get an allergy test, you can troubleshoot by cutting out one ingredient at a time on different hypoallergenic liners.

• Formaldehyde (It will be listed as various ingredients such as: DMDM hydantoin, methylene glycol, quaternium 15, and 3 dioxane.)
• Sodium Benzoate
• Oxybenzone
• Parabens
• Phenoxyethanol
• Methylchloroisothiazolinone
• Talc

Application Is Key – Tips and Tricks

One reason that your eye makeup is irritating you could be improper application. Skipping out on prep can cause the product to drift into your tear ducts throughout the day, making your eyes water and itchy. Another reason could be using too much pressure or stretching the skin when applying.

Don’t Forget to Prep!

Prepping your eyelids is the critical step to your eye makeup, not irritating your eyes. It will keep your liner in place all day, so you don’t have to worry as much about fallout going into your eyes. Introducing a good eye cream into your skincare routine is the first step. This helps those with puffy under eyes, dryness, and fine lines.

Next is using a good lid primer or concealer lightly all over your lid. Pat it dry with your fingertips evenly where you will be applying eye makeup.

Lastly, with a wet sponge, use a tiny bit of loose setting powder to set the concealer in place. I suggest using a talc-free powder if you are experiencing skin irritation to your makeup. Talc is an ingredient that prevents caking and absorbs moister on your skin. However, it is a naturally occurring mineral, so if you are sensitive to jewelry, talc could be causing your skin irritation.

Extra Important Tips!

Lastly of my tips (but definitely important) avoid putting product in your waterlines and tear duct. This is especially important while you’re troubleshooting products. Getting a product you’re allergic to in your eye can be damaging to your vision and the general health of your eye.

FAQs

Holographic Eyeliner for Sensitive Eyes: In Conclusion

No matter what your skin irritation or allergy is, there are many alternatives for you to look as natural or bold as you want without fearing eye rashes and leaky eyes.

If you’re lost in the millions of products and have tried all on this list, feel free to ask the beauty advisors at your local makeup store! Sephora/Ulta employees have turned me on to some of my favorite makeup routines by sharing my concern. They are often experts on the products’ ingredients and how they react to allergies!