As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked.

As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked.

      Ash K Holm serves as an editor in residence for Who What Wear, works as a celebrity makeup artist and educator, and is a co-founder of the luxury medspa Dripology. If you're acquainted with my work, you know it revolves around eye makeup. I adore winged eyeliner, thrive on a smoky eye, and can never resist dramatic lashes. Therefore, it was particularly tough to hear my ophthalmologist recommend that I stop using eye makeup altogether. I was facing chronic dry eye, along with a diagnosis of ocular rosacea and blepharitis. This revelation compelled me to completely revamp my eye-care routine and how I prepare my clients such as Khloé Kardashian, Alix Earle, and Kris Jenner. (And even if you don't believe you have eye problems, we all experience eye fatigue from prolonged screen usage. Take this as a nudge to set your phone aside after finishing this!) The good news is that you can still achieve a glamorous eye look with just a few easy additions to your everyday routine. Because, in case you haven’t heard, eye care is now the new skincare. Here’s how I prepare my eyes (and those of my clients) for makeup, along with some premium makeup removal suggestions.

      **Pre-Makeup Eye Prep**

      **Step 1: Use a Specialized Eye Cleanser**

      This advice from my doctor transformed my routine: avoid using your facial cleanser on your eyes. The eye area is extremely delicate, and facial cleansers can often be too intense for this area. Instead, opt for a specialized eye cleanser or soothing cleansing wipes containing ingredients like green tea, tea tree, coconut, or oat extract. (Consult an ophthalmologist for a product suitable for your eyes.) A cleanser will eliminate impurities and prime the skin for makeup application. I start and finish each day with an eye cleanser.

      **Peep Club Soothing Coconut Balm Wipes (30 Pack)**

      These wipes nourish and calm the eye area while also strengthening lashes.

      **Step 2: Prepare the Sensitive Skin Around the Eyes**

      Keeping the delicate skin around the eyes hydrated is essential for a seamless makeup application. I prefer a lightweight gel cream for daytime wear and often utilize a richer product at night for extra hydration. Hyaluronic acid enhances moisture levels, while green tea and caffeine can help in reducing puffiness.

      **My Pick: Sephora Extreme Cream Eye Firming & Contouring Refillable Eye Cream**

      This is my favorite eye cream. It feels luxurious and addresses everything from firmness to puffiness.

      **Step 3: Choose Eye-Safe Makeup Ingredients**

      Be vigilant with ingredient lists, particularly for your mascara, eyeshadows, and liners. I aim for products that are free from carbon black and talc, and I also seek those that have been tested by ophthalmologists for sensitive eyes.

      **Haus Labs B Structural Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara**

      This is one of my top choices. The formula is ophthalmologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and safe for sensitive eyes, plus it adds significant volume to lashes.

      **Step 4: Clean Your Brushes!**

      You've likely heard this countless times, but it’s truly crucial, especially for those with sensitive eyes. As a makeup artist, I am meticulous about cleaning my brushes. I also maintain dedicated liners and mascara for each client.

      **My Pick: Cinema Secrets Original Makeup Brush Cleaner**

      This is an essential in both my kit and at home.

      **Eye-Safe Makeup Removal**

      **Step 1: Use a Specialized Eye Cleanser (Again)**

      After removing my eye makeup, I wash my face and then follow up with my specialized eye cleanser. This ensures that I’ve thoroughly removed all makeup and any remaining residue from my facial cleanser around the eye area.

      **My Pick: OPTASE Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover**

      This is gentle and effectively removes long-wear makeup products with ease.

      **Step 2: Use a Hypochlorous Acid Spray**

      I always carry my hypochlorous acid spray. This product helps eliminate bacteria from your lashes and eyelids without irritation.

      **My Pick: Avenova Lid & Lash Spray Hypochlorous Acid Eye Cleanser**

      This hypochlorous acid spray is formulated specifically for the eyes.

      **Step 3: Use Eye Drops**

      I'm the person who has eye drops in every bag. I apply drops every night and keep them accessible for anytime my eyes feel dry throughout the day.

      **My Pick: OPTASE Dry Eye Intense Drops**

      These are my preferred eye drops. If you have particularly dry eyes or need to use drops over an extended period, seek out preservative-free options.

      **Step 4: Apply Heat**

      Don't underestimate the benefits of a warm compress after a day of screen time. I love spending a few minutes with a heated eye mask (this is my favorite; it uses flaxseeds for moist heat

As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked. As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked.

Other articles

5 Color Trends for 2026 I'm Already Borrowing from Louise Trotter's Debut at Bottega Veneta 5 Color Trends for 2026 I'm Already Borrowing from Louise Trotter's Debut at Bottega Veneta Butter yellow! Navy blue! Accents of green! The Fashion Techniques Characterizing Fall 2025 (and How to Implement Them in Real Life) The Fashion Techniques Characterizing Fall 2025 (and How to Implement Them in Real Life) The greatest advantage? You probably already possess nearly all the essentials. If you're in search of a stylish winter coat that avoids a frumpy appearance, I've discovered 31 fashionable choices for you. If you're in search of a stylish winter coat that avoids a frumpy appearance, I've discovered 31 fashionable choices for you. Cozy and stylish. Put aside your basic white tee for a moment—jeans, skirts, and trousers appear much more stylish with this trendy top. Put aside your basic white tee for a moment—jeans, skirts, and trousers appear much more stylish with this trendy top. Regardless of whether you refer to it as plaid, checked, lumberjack, or flannel, this shirt style is currently in vogue. If you're aiming to appear wealthy, luxurious, and endlessly stylish this winter, here are the 7 color trends to embrace right now. If you're aiming to appear wealthy, luxurious, and endlessly stylish this winter, here are the 7 color trends to embrace right now. Continue reading for the 7 color vibes that can brighten any gloomy day and provide you with that prosperous appearance. As a Shopping Editor, I've discovered that Zara Cashmere is my top secret—here are 11 pieces I'll cherish for a lifetime. As a Shopping Editor, I've discovered that Zara Cashmere is my top secret—here are 11 pieces I'll cherish for a lifetime. Zara's cashmere line is a well-kept secret among fashion editors who value high-street style; envision classic sweaters, cozy cardigans, and jumpers that you'll keep for years. Find out more here.

As a Celebrity Makeup Artist, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often overlooked.

Celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm offers her professional advice on makeup preparation and eye care. Click here for complete information.