Eyes Spotlight: Their Importance in Storytelling Uncovered

If you have ever been advised to steer clear of eye makeup due to issues like dry eyes, blepharitis, or discomfort linked to contact lenses, you can undoubtedly appreciate the frustration that such guidance can instigate. Makeup is a vital avenue of self-expression for many, and being told to eliminate it can feel akin to losing a significant part of one’s identity.

This sentiment fuels the mission behind Eyes Are the Story.

Uncover the Innovative Philosophy of Eyes Are the Story

Eyes Are the Story is trailblazing as the world’s first-ever optocosmetics brand, establishing an unprecedented standard within the beauty sector. Founded by Amy Gallant Sullivan, the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), and the daughter of the esteemed researcher Dr Donald R. Korb, this brand is deeply entrenched in the principles of ocular surface science and dedicated to enhancing eye health.

This is far from a typical beauty brand that hastily claims its products are suitable for “sensitive eyes.” Each formula is meticulously designed with ocular wellness at the forefront, ensuring that eye health is the primary focus rather than merely a compliance checkbox during product development.

Recognising the Critical Need for a New Category of Cosmetics

The challenges surrounding eye health and cosmetics are far more substantial than many realise. Over 90% of women under 55 regularly utilise cosmetics, with over half of young girls as young as 12 reporting the use of mascara, a product known to adversely impact the ocular surface. Moreover, the burgeoning male grooming market indicates that these concerns are not confined to a single demographic.

The TFOS Lifestyle Report has confirmed what eye care professionals have long suspected: traditional cosmetic ingredients can harm meibomian glands, corneal, and conjunctival cells. These detrimental substances disrupt the ocular microbiome, exacerbate dry eye symptoms, and increase the likelihood of infections.

For patients currently undergoing treatment for dry eye or ocular surface diseases, these implications can be considerable. Conventional makeup may unknowingly undermine the efficacy of leading therapies such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) between appointments. Many patients find themselves perplexed as to why they continue to suffer from dry eyes despite receiving commendable clinical care, often discovering that the daily products they use contribute to their persistent discomfort.

How Does Eyes Are the Story Ensure Compliance with Cosmetic Safety Standards?

In the United States, merely 11 cosmetic ingredients are prohibited, while the European Union has banned over 1,300. Numerous mainstream beauty products exploit these regulatory loopholes, prioritising compliance over genuine safety.

Eyes Are the Story has successfully obtained approval in over 30 countries throughout Europe, the US, and beyond, by exceeding compliance standards rather than simply adhering to them.

What Distinguishes Eyes Are the Story from Other Cosmetic Brands?

The brand consciously avoids what it terms the Top 10 Nasties—ingredients that are most likely to harm the ocular surface. These harmful substances include:

• Formaldehyde and its donors: preservatives that gradually release formaldehyde, leading to irritation of the eye surface with prolonged exposure.
• Isopropyl cloprostenate: frequently found in lash growth mascaras, associated with alterations in iris colour and darkening of the eyelids.
• Fragrance: a primary trigger for allergic reactions to cosmetics, often poorly disclosed on product labels.
• Benzalkonium chloride: a preservative harmful to corneal and conjunctival cells, commonly found in eye drops and cosmetics.
• Retinols and Retin A: active components that can penetrate the tear film, causing irritation to the ocular surface.
• Parabens: associated with disruptions in the ocular microbiome when used over extended periods.
• Phenoxyethanol: a preservative that can result in irritation and toxicity on the ocular surface.
• Salicylic acid: an exfoliant that should be avoided near the periocular skin and tear film.
• Tea tree oil: beneficial for treating demodex under clinical supervision, yet harmful when incorporated into cosmetics applied daily to the eyelids.
• Argireline: a peptide found in anti-aging products that can pose risks for the sensitive tissues surrounding the eyes.

Every formula crafted by Eyes Are the Story is entirely devoid of all ten of these detrimental ingredients.

Discover the Concrete Advantages of Choosing Eyes Are the Story Products

For eye care professionals, this brand acts as an extension of their clinical care. As consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon Dr Rachna Murthy articulates:

“Patients expect optimal surgical outcomes and minimal recovery time. With Eyes Are the Story, I can prepare patients for public appearances within days. I have also observed significant improvements in conditions such as rosacea and sensitive eye issues even before commencing additional treatments.”

This innovative approach transforms everyday beauty routines into a vital element of ocular wellness for patients. Just as regular brushing promotes oral health, utilising products designed to protect the periocular area mitigates cumulative damage over time and enhances the efficacy of any ongoing treatments they are receiving.

Explore the Comprehensive Range of Products from Eyes By Design

We are excited to showcase a selection of three essential products from the Eyes Are the Story collection:

• Eye Proof Liquid Liner: a smooth, long-lasting liquid liner that will not flake into your eyes. Formulated without the Top 10 Nasties, it is safe for contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes.
• Eye Proof Facial Cleanser: a gentle gel cleanser that effectively removes eye makeup without stripping the delicate periocular skin. This cleanser serves dual purposes as both a daily wash and a makeup remover, maintaining the natural balance of the skin and surrounding tissues.
• Eye Proof Facial Serum: a lightweight serum specifically designed for the sensitive skin around the eye area. It offers hydration without introducing any ingredients that may migrate into the tear film or provoke irritation.
• Eye Proof Eyeshadow: showcasing six velvety, high-pigment shades that deliver vibrant, blendable colour without relying on harmful ingredients commonly found in traditional eyeshadows. Enjoy all the flair whilst safeguarding ocular surface health.
• Mascara Trio Set: a flake-free formula that strengthens and volumises lashes while actively preventing bacterial growth within the product. This mini set is ideal for trial or convenient on-the-go use.

Who Can Benefit from Using Eyes Are the Story Products?

Eyes Are the Story is especially advantageous for individuals who:

• Have been diagnosed with dry eye or blepharitis: particularly in instances where standard makeup has aggravated symptoms.
• Wear contact lenses: and are facing discomfort, irritation, or sensitivity related to makeup application.
• Are recovering from surgery: including procedures such as LASIK, cataract surgery, or oculoplastic surgeries where the ocular surface is particularly vulnerable.
• Are receiving ongoing ocular surface treatment: anyone undergoing IPL, LLLT, or other dry eye therapies who wishes to sustain their treatment results between appointments.
• Experience reactive or sensitive eyes: that struggle with common allergens like fragrance, preservatives, or other typical cosmetic ingredients. Explore our article on makeup for sensitive eyes for further insights.

Fostering a Symbiotic Relationship Between Beauty and Eye Health

No one should have to compromise their desired appearance to safeguard their eye health. Eyes Are the Story is founded on the belief that beauty and ocular wellness can harmoniously coexist, a conviction supported by extensive research in ocular surface science.

Explore the complete range of Eyes Are the Story products available at Eyes By Design, or consult with our optometrists to discover which products are best suited for your eye health requirements.