Eyes Spotlight: Discovering Their Role in Storytelling

If you have ever been advised to steer clear of eye makeup due to concerns like dry eyes, blepharitis, or discomfort linked to contact lenses, you can undoubtedly relate to the frustration such guidance may evoke. For many, makeup is a vital form of self-expression, and being told to abandon it entirely can feel akin to losing a crucial part of one's identity.

This heartfelt sentiment is the inspiration behind the creation of Eyes Are the Story.

Explore the Innovative Philosophy of Eyes Are the Story

Eyes Are the Story is leading the charge as the world's pioneering optocosmetics brand, establishing a transformative benchmark within the beauty sector. Established by Amy Gallant Sullivan, who is not only the Executive Director but also the Co-Founder of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), she is the daughter of Dr Donald R. Korb, a highly regarded researcher in the realm of dry eye. This trailblazing brand is deeply anchored in the foundational principles of ocular surface science.

This is far from being just another beauty brand that hastily labels its products as appropriate for “sensitive eyes.” Each formula is thoughtfully developed with eye health as the core focus, rather than serving merely as a compliance checkbox in the product development cycle.

Recognising the Pressing Demand for This Revolutionary Cosmetic Category

The magnitude of the challenges associated with eye health and cosmetics is much greater than most people may realise. Over 90% of women under the age of 55 frequently use cosmetics, with more than half of girls as young as 12 reporting the use of mascara, a product that is known to adversely affect the ocular surface. Furthermore, the male grooming market is expanding at a remarkable rate, highlighting that these issues are not confined to a specific demographic.

The TFOS Lifestyle Report concerning the influence of cosmetics on the ocular surface has validated what eye care professionals have long suspected: traditional cosmetic ingredients can indeed pose risks to meibomian glands, corneal, and conjunctival cells. These harmful substances disrupt the delicate ocular microbiome, exacerbate dry eye symptoms, and increase the likelihood of infections.

For patients currently receiving treatment for dry eye or ocular surface diseases, the repercussions can be profound. Conventional makeup can unintentionally undermine the efficacy of leading therapies such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) between treatment sessions. Many patients find themselves baffled as to why they continue to experience dry eyes despite receiving exemplary clinical care, often uncovering that the products they use daily contribute to their persistent discomfort.

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

In the United States, only 11 cosmetic ingredients are prohibited, whereas the European Union has banned over 1,300. Numerous mainstream beauty products take advantage of these regulatory discrepancies, prioritising compliance over safety.

Eyes Are the Story has successfully achieved approval in over 30 countries across Europe, the United States, and beyond, by exceeding compliance standards instead of merely adhering to them.

What Distinguishes Eyes Are the Story in the Cosmetic Industry?

The brand consciously avoids what it defines as the Top 10 Nasties—ingredients most likely to harm the ocular surface. These substances include:

• Formaldehyde and its donors: preservatives that gradually release formaldehyde and can irritate the eye surface with prolonged exposure.
• Isopropyl cloprostenate: commonly found in lash growth mascaras, linked to changes in iris colour and darkening of the eyelids.
• Fragrance: a significant cause of allergic reactions to cosmetics, often inadequately disclosed on product labels.
• Benzalkonium chloride: a preservative harmful to corneal and conjunctival cells, often present 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 with prolonged use.
• Phenoxyethanol: a preservative that can lead to 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 delicate tissues surrounding the eyes.

Every formula created by Eyes Are the Story is entirely free from 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 notes:

“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 daily beauty routines into a vital aspect of ocular wellness for patients. Much like regular tooth brushing promotes oral health, using products designed to safeguard the periocular area reduces cumulative damage over time and enhances the effectiveness of any ongoing treatments they are undergoing.

Delve into the Comprehensive Range of Products Offered by Eyes By Design

We are excited to present 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 individuals with sensitive eyes.
• Eye Proof Facial Cleanser: a gentle gel cleanser that effectively removes eye makeup without stripping the delicate periocular skin. This cleanser can serve both as a daily wash and a makeup remover, preserving the natural balance of the skin and surrounding tissues.
• Eye Proof Facial Serum: a lightweight serum specifically formulated for the sensitive skin around the eye area. It provides hydration without introducing any ingredients that may migrate into the tear film or cause irritation.
• Eye Proof Eyeshadow: featuring six velvety, high-pigment shades that deliver vibrant, blendable colour without relying on harmful ingredients commonly found in traditional eyeshadows. Experience all the flair without compromising 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 conventional makeup has intensified symptoms.
• Wear contact lenses: and are experiencing 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 undergoing ongoing ocular surface treatment: individuals receiving IPL, LLLT, or other dry eye therapies who wish to preserve 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.

Encouraging a Synergistic Relationship Between Beauty and Eye Health

One should never have to compromise their desired appearance for the sake of their eye health. Eyes Are the Story is founded on the principle that beauty and ocular wellness can coexist harmoniously, a belief 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 determine which products are most suitable for your eye health needs.