It has come to my attention recently that more than just a few cosmetic lovers out there have trouble finding makeup, particularly eyeshadows, that won’t cause them to swell up or break out. Never having experienced the problem myself, I was surprised how common having a reaction to makeup actually is. After some training and research I found that many makeup lines contain bismuth oxychloride, which can cause allergic reactions in more than 75% of makeup users. It is most commonly found in eyeshadows, it’s what gives the makeup a shimmery or pearlescent effect. Some women tough through it for a few hours or just as long as needed, and then wash it off as soon as they can. Others try product after product, hoping to find the one that doesn’t burn their sensitive skin. And there are women who have simply given up, abandoning the idea of eye makeup completely. My best advice is to check the ingredients if you’ve had any past reactions to your makeup, and be weary of products that contain bismuth oxychloride. If you can’t find the ingredients listed, stick to matte shadows. Creme Shadows and Loose Mineral Shadows are usually safe bets as well and can even contain nourishing ingredients for that delicate skin. Here are a few of my faves: Motives Pressed Eye Shadows in Vino, Foxy Brown, and Twilight, Motives Luxe Creme Eye Shadow in Gold Dust, and Motives Paint Pot Mineral Eye Shadow in Cosmopolitan.

Are you one of the many out there that react to certain makeup?