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5 ophthalmologist-approved mascaras for stunning (& healthy) eyes

If you’re like us, you love a big lash that makes a big statement. But we know that not all mascaras are created equal, especially for those of us who use contact lenses.

It’s important to be aware of what’s in the products you use, but it’s especially important for consumers with eye concerns & for those who wear contact lenses. Toxic ingredients can worsen common eye conditions like dry eyes, & they can also become trapped beneath contact lenses to cause cloudy vision, eye infections or irritation.

For these reasons, we always tell our tartelettes to seek out an ophthalmologist-approved mascara. These highly-trained medical professionals specialize in vision care & have the expertise necessary to identify unsafe toxins & contaminants. Knowing your mascara is ophthalmologist-approved is the best way to put your mind at ease & confidently rock the luscious lashes you’ve been dreaming of. And we’re here to meet all your ophthalmologist-approved eye makeup needs!

All tarte™ products are formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate & other common ingredients added to makeup products.

We are committed to providing our customers with high-performance naturals™ they feel good about. Ahead, we’re sharing our top picks for ophthalmologist-approved mascaras so you can protect those peepers for years to come.

What should you avoid when buying mascara?

Many beauty brands claim their products are safe, but the truth is always in the fine print! When searching for contact-safe mascaras, whether your concern is specific to wearing contact lenses or just general eye health, we always encourage consumers to keep these two major red flags in mind:

  1. parabens

    Parabens are one of the most dangerous ingredients when it comes to eye health. They make their way into the Meibomian glands & prevent tears from adequately moisturizing the eye, contributing to dry eyes, irritation & even more serious eye conditions.

    If you see ingredients that end in “paraben” on the label of a makeup product, such as benzylparaben, propylparaben or methylparaben, it’s best to put that product back on the shelf & find an alternative. More specifically, any mascara that contains parabens isn’t a mascara safe for contact lenses.

  2. butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

    BHA is known to trigger allergic skin reactions & is also carcinogenic, putting consumers at risk for cancer. It has been shown to cause skin & eye irritation, meaning contact lens wearers should definitely avoid BHA!

    Be sure to read the entire ingredient list on the mascara package before making a purchase. Keep an eye out for ingredients like salicylic acid, tropic acid trethocanic acid, as these are all forms of BHA.

Should contact lens-wearers use waterproof mascara?

Yes, it’s totally okay to wear waterproof mascara if you wear contact lenses! Look for formulas that do not contain lash extension fibers (most common in “lengthening” products) as they can flake & fall into the eye. Also look for ophthalmologically-tested mascara formulas that are fragrance-free, as they are the least likely to cause irritation, dryness & other common eye conditions.

Additionally, to determine the best mascara for contact lenses, always monitor how your new mascara feels. If you notice any discomfort or residue making its way into the eye, that’s your sign to switch to a different product!

Our 5 best ophthalmologist-approved mascaras

If you’re looking for safe, high-performance mascaras that won’t put your eye health at risk, tarte™ has the right fit for you. Here are some of our most eye-friendly & safe formulas for a stunning look & maximum comfort all day long.

  1. lights, camera, lashes™ platinum mascara

    Packed with a nourishing Platinum Lash Serum Cocktail of biotin, peptides, green tea, avocado, jojoba, and olive oils, it promotes healthier-looking, fuller lashes with every swipe.

    what makes it great:

    This innovative formula combines extreme volume, length, and curl, delivering 16-hour longwear that's sweatproof, smudge-proof, and flake-free for all-day perfection. Clinically proven to volumize, lift, and curl lashes, it's dermatologist and ophthalmologist-tested, making it safe for contact lens wearers.

    what customers are saying:

    “Holds the curl and I don’t need multiple layers! Best part is easy to remove!”

    “I’m extremely sensitive to mascara and very picky. I’m LOVING this one! Doesn’t make my eyes tear or burn and it doesn’t flake or clump. Aside from that, it’s so beautiful! My new favorite!!”

    how to get the best result:

    Place the brush at the base of your lashes, wiggle it, and pull upward through the tip, layering for dramatic results.

  2. tartelette™ tubing mascara

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    Experience lash extensions in a tube with our first-ever tubing mascara, featuring innovative micro-tubing technology that wraps each lash in lengthening "tubes" for weightless, cashmere-like comfort. Clinically proven to deliver 24-hour flake-free, smudge-proof, and sweatproof results, this mascara is your go-to for life-proof lashes that last all day.

    what makes it great:

    The 360° lash extension comb, designed with 296 bristles, separates and lifts for fanned-out, voluminous definition, while conditioning ingredients like shea butter, castor oil, and lifting plant waxes help your lashes reach their full growth potential. Easy to remove without rubbing or residue, this vegan and cruelty-free formula offers two-coat perfection for lash extensions without the hassle. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, it’s safe for contact lens wearers and promises effortlessly dramatic results.

    what customers are saying:

    “Started wearing contacts and needed a different solution. This is A-mazing! I don't have to curl my lashes to get amazing length. I am obsessed”

    “have sensitive eyes wear contacts and have MGD and this is the best formula for me..will buy again doesn't dry out and does not clump been experimenting with many different brands and used there other Tarte but love love love this formula easy to remove.”

    how to get the best result:

    Generously coat the custom-molded brush and, starting at the base of your lashes, apply two consecutive coats in an upward curling motion along the natural curve of your lashes, pulling through to the tip; quickly follow with a second coat before the first dries for a lash extension effect. #TarteTubesOnTubes Easy removal is a breeze—just apply micellar water or makeup remover to a cotton pad and gently massage your lashes to dissolve the formula, with no flakes or smudging!

  3. tartelette™ XL tubing mascara

    Designed with innovative tubing technology, it wraps each lash in lengthening “tubes” for unparalleled XL length, lift, and pigment. Infused with a TLC complex featuring niacinamide, biotin, and panthenol, this mascara conditions your lashes for a thicker, longer, and healthier appearance.

    what makes it great:

    The 360° lash extension comb ensures full-on flutter with creamy, buildable coverage for a lash extension effect. Easy to remove with just warm water, it dissolves in seconds without harsh tugging or leaving smudges on your undereyes. Vegan, cruelty-free, and clinically tested for 24-hour longwear, this ophthalmologist and dermatologist-approved mascara delivers results you’ll love!

    what customers are saying:

    “This is my go-to mascara! The formula is gentle on my eyes (sensitive contact wearer), plus in just one coat, it gives me amazing coverage & lift!”

    “I love this mascara! I have super sensitive eyes so this is perfect for me. And it doesn't smudge!”

    how to get the best result:

    Start at the base of your lashes and apply two coats in an upward motion, following the natural curve of your lashes. >Pro Tip: For extra volume, wiggle the wand at the base of your lashes before pulling it through to the tips. Removal is effortless—simply use warm water to dissolve the formula into tubes, leaving your lashes clean and healthy!

  4. maneater™ mascara

    Achieve eye-opening results with this mascara that finds and flutters every lash for a stunning, lifted look! Offering massive volume, infinite length, and extreme curl, this ultra-creamy formula makes your eyes appear bigger and more lifted with just one coat.

    what makes it great:

    The custom 500+ bristle brush ensures every lash is coated and separated for a flawless, clump-free finish. Dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested, it’s safe for contact lens wearers and provides 16-hour longwear without flaking, smudging, or clumping. Clinically proven to deliver immediate improvements in length, volume, and curl, 100% of users reported longer, fuller lashes after application. Cruelty-free and designed for all-day wear, it’s your ultimate lash must-have!

    what customers are saying:

    “I have really sensitive eyes and wear contacts. This mascara doesn’t cause any eye irritation at all. The brush design makes it easy to create big natural lashes.”

    “I love the control I have with this mascara. It’s a deep black that I can use to lift, extend and separate my lashes. And I love that I can use the end of the spoolie to apply too! It’s one of the only mascaras that doesn’t stick to and ruin my contacts!!”

    how to get the best result:

    Place the mascara brush at the root of your lashes, wiggle it in a zig-zag motion to the tip, and layer on for maximum drama.

  5. big ego™ vegan mascara

    Clinically proven to lengthen, volumize, and curl, this mascara is ophthalmologist and dermatologist-tested, making it safe for contact lens wearers. In a consumer panel study, 100% said it didn’t smudge, and 97% noticed their lashes looked bigger and more dramatic. Long-lasting, flake-free, and vegan, this mascara is your ultimate go-to for fuller, more confident lashes!

    what makes it great:

    Let your lashes be full of themselves with this ultra-black, flake-free vegan mascara that delivers instant lift, length, and volume for a bold, 16-hour flutter. Its lash-loving formula nourishes and conditions lash hair, while the unique confiDENSE booster brush™ mimics the lashline for precise application and clump-free, buildable coverage.

    WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING

    “Love this mascara- I wear contacts and it doesn't irritate my eyes all day. It stays put and didn't cause any fallout. Easier to remove than most waterproof mascaras with just as much staying power”

    “Tarte mascara some of the best I have ever used definitely would recommend it for anyone who is sensitive or contacts eyes they always have great deals and rewards thanks tarte.”

    how to get the best result:

    Apply in a zigzag motion, starting at the base of your lashes and pulling through to the tip, then add two coats for enhanced volume and drama.

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Are you ready to find mascara (contact lens-friendly) you can count on? Whether you’re looking for the best mascara for contacts or you’re committed to natural & sustainable products, we’ve got everything you need. Start by taking our mascara quiz or browse our collection of high-performance mascaras to find your best fit.