As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked.

As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked.

      Ash K Holm serves as an editor in residence at Who What Wear, is a celebrity makeup artist and educator, and the co-founder of the upscale medspa Dripology. If you're acquainted with my work, you know that my focus is primarily on the eyes. I’m a fan of winged eyeliner, adore a smoky eye, and I can never say no to voluminous lashes. Therefore, it was quite difficult to hear my ophthalmologist advise me to stop wearing eye makeup. I was not only grappling with chronic dry eye but also had a diagnosis of ocular rosacea and blepharitis. This revelation prompted me to overhaul my eye-care routine, as well as how I prepare clients such as Khloé Kardashian, Alix Earle, and Kris Jenner. (And even if you believe you don’t have eye concerns, we all experience eye fatigue from prolonged screen time. So consider this a nudge to put down your phone after you finish reading!) The good news is: you can still achieve a glamorous eye look with just a few simple adjustments to your daily regimen. Because, in case you missed it, eye care is now the new skincare. Here’s my complete approach to prepping my eyes (and my clients') for makeup, plus some top-notch makeup removal techniques.

      **Pre-Makeup Eye Preparation**

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

      This tip from my doctor was transformative for me: Don’t use your facial cleanser on your eyes. The area around the eyes is extremely sensitive, and facial cleansers can often be too harsh. Instead, opt for an eye-specific cleanser or cleansing wipe that includes calming ingredients like green tea, tea tree, coconut, or oat extract. (Consult an ophthalmologist for a product recommendation that suits your needs.) An eye cleanser will efficiently remove any impurities and prepare the skin for makeup application. I start and end my day with an eye cleanser.

      **Peep Club**

      Soothing Coconut Balm Wipes (30 Pack)

      These wipes not only cleanse but also nourish and soothe the eye area while strengthening the lashes.

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

      Keeping the delicate skin around the eyes well-hydrated is essential for smooth makeup application. I prefer using a lightweight gel cream under makeup and often apply a richer cream at night for additional hydration. Hyaluronic acid boosts moisture levels, while ingredients like green tea and caffeine can help reduce puffiness.

      **My Choice**

      Sephora

      Extreme Cream Eye Firming & Contouring Refillable Eye Cream

      This is my preferred eye cream. It feels luxurious and addresses firmness and puffiness effectively.

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

      Be mindful of the ingredients in your mascara, eyeshadows, and eyeliners. Whenever possible, I choose products that are free from carbon black and talc, and I also look for items that have been ophthalmologist-tested for sensitive eyes.

      **Haus Labs**

      B Structural Volumizing and Lengthening Mascara

      This is among my favorites. Its formula is ophthalmologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and suitable for sensitive eyes, plus it offers significant volume to lashes.

      **Step 4: Clean Your Brushes!**

      You’ve probably heard this countless times, but it’s crucial, especially for those with sensitive eyes. As a makeup artist, I’m diligent about cleaning my brushes, and I have dedicated liners and mascaras for each client.

      **My Choice**

      Cinema Secrets

      Original Makeup Brush Cleaner

      This is a must-have in my kit and at home.

      **Eye-Safe Makeup Removal**

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

      After taking off my eye makeup, I wash my face and then follow up with an eye-specific cleanser. This ensures that I've thoroughly removed all makeup and any residue left from my facial cleanser around the eye area.

      **My Choice**

      OPTASE

      Sensitive Eye Makeup Remover

      This product is soothing and effortlessly removes long-wear makeup.

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

      I never leave home without my hypochlorous acid spray. It helps eliminate bacteria from your lashes and eyelids without causing irritation.

      **My Choice**

      Avenova

      Lid & Lash Spray Hypochlorous Acid Eye Cleanser

      This spray is specially formulated for use around the eyes.

      **Step 3: Use Eye Drops**

      I’m the person who carries eye drops in every bag. I always apply them at night and keep them handy for when my eyes feel dry during the day.

      **My Choice**

      OPTASE

      Dry Eye Intense Drops

      These are my preferred eye drops. If you have severe dry eyes or plan to use drops for an extended period, look for preservative-free options.

      **Step 4: Apply Heat**

      The efficacy of a hot compress after a long day of

As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked. As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked.

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As a makeup artist for celebrities, I find that this essential step in skin preparation is often the most overlooked.

Celebrity makeup artist Ash K Holm provides her professional advice on preparing for makeup and taking care of your eyes. Click here for full details.