Eyes in Storytelling: Unveiling Their Significance

If you have ever been advised to steer clear of eye makeup due to issues like dry eyes, blepharitis, or discomfort from contact lenses, you can certainly relate to the frustration that such recommendations can cause. Makeup is a vital means of self-expression for many people, and being told to give it up entirely can feel like losing an important part of one’s identity.

This feeling is what inspired the creation of Eyes Are the Story.

Uncover the Innovative Vision Behind Eyes Are the Story

Eyes Are the Story is trailblazing as the world's first-ever optocosmetics brand, setting a transformative benchmark in the beauty industry. Established by Amy Gallant Sullivan, who serves as the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), and is the daughter of Dr Donald R. Korb, a highly regarded researcher in dry eye studies, this groundbreaking brand is deeply founded on the principles of ocular surface science.

This is not merely another beauty brand that hastily claims its products are suitable for “sensitive eyes.” Each formulation is meticulously crafted with eye health as the utmost priority, ensuring that it is not merely a compliance checkbox during product development.

Recognising the Compelling Need for This Revolutionary Cosmetic Category

The magnitude of the challenges related to eye health and cosmetics is far greater than most people realise. Over 90% of women under the age of 55 regularly apply cosmetics, with more than half of girls as young as 12 reporting the use of mascara, a product known to adversely affect the ocular surface. Furthermore, the male grooming market is swiftly growing, indicating that these issues are not confined to a specific demographic.

The TFOS Lifestyle Report on the effects of cosmetics on the ocular surface has confirmed what eye care professionals have long suspected: conventional cosmetic ingredients can negatively impact meibomian glands, corneal, and conjunctival cells. These harmful components disrupt the ocular microbiome, exacerbate dry eye symptoms, and increase the likelihood of infections.

For patients currently undergoing treatment for dry eye or ocular surface disorders, the ramifications can be considerable. Traditional makeup can unintentionally undermine the efficacy of leading therapies such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) between appointments. Many patients find themselves puzzled as to why they continue to suffer from dry eyes despite receiving exceptional clinical care, often discovering that the products they use every day contribute to their persistent discomfort.

How Does Eyes Are the Story Comply with Cosmetic Safety Regulations?

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

Eyes Are the Story has successfully obtained approval in over 30 countries across Europe, the US, and beyond, by exceeding compliance standards rather than simply meeting them.

What Distinguishes Eyes Are the Story from Other Cosmetic Brands?

The brand consciously avoids what it designates 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, associated with alterations in iris colour and darkening of the eyelids.
• Fragrance: a leading cause of allergic reactions to cosmetics, often inadequately disclosed on product labels.
• Benzalkonium chloride: a preservative harmful to corneal and conjunctival cells, frequently found in eye drops and cosmetics.
• Retinols and Retin A: active components that can penetrate the tear film, leading to irritation of the ocular surface.
• Parabens: linked to disruptions in the ocular microbiome with prolonged use.
• Phenoxyethanol: a preservative that can cause 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 potentially harmful when included in cosmetics applied daily to the eyelids.
• Argireline: a peptide found in anti-aging products that could pose risks for the delicate tissues surrounding the eyes.

Every formulation created by Eyes Are the Story is entirely free from all ten of these harmful ingredients.

Examining the Tangible Advantages of Choosing Eyes Are the Story Products

For eye care professionals, this brand represents an extension of their clinical care. As consultant ophthalmic and oculoplastic surgeon Dr Rachna Murthy emphasises:

“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. Just as regular tooth brushing promotes oral health, using products specifically designed to protect the periocular area mitigates cumulative damage over time and enhances the effectiveness of any existing treatments they are undergoing.

Discover the Comprehensive Range of Products Available from 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, maintaining the natural balance of the skin and surrounding tissues.
• Eye Proof Facial Serum: a lightweight serum specifically designed 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 perfect 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 standard makeup has aggravated symptoms.
• Wear contact lenses: and experience 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: anyone receiving IPL, LLLT, or other dry eye therapies who wishes to sustain 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.

Fostering a Harmonious Balance Between Beauty and Eye Health

No one should ever have to compromise their desired appearance for the sake of their eye health. Eyes Are the Story is built on the belief that beauty and ocular wellness can coexist perfectly, a conviction reinforced 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 best suited to your eye health needs.