Story Brand Spotlight on Eyes: Unveiling Their Significance

If you’ve ever received guidance to avoid using eye makeup due to issues such as dry eyes, blepharitis, or discomfort related to contact lenses, you can empathize with the frustration these recommendations bring. Makeup serves as a vital form of self-expression for countless individuals. Being advised to forgo it entirely can feel like losing a significant part of your identity.

This sentiment is the driving force behind the creation of Eyes Are the Story.

Unveil the Unique Vision Behind Eyes Are the Story

Eyes Are the Story stands out as the world’s first-ever optocosmetics brand, establishing a groundbreaking category in beauty. Founded by Amy Gallant Sullivan, who is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society (TFOS), and the daughter of Dr Donald R. Korb, a prominent researcher in the realm of dry eye, this brand is rooted in ocular surface science.

This is not merely another beauty label that has slapped “sensitive eyes” on its packaging as an afterthought. Each formula is meticulously crafted with eye health as the central priority, rather than a mere compliance checkbox in the development process.

Grasping the Critical Need for This Innovative Cosmetic Category

The scale of the challenges surrounding eye health and cosmetics is greater than most people understand. Over 90% of women below the age of 55 frequently utilize cosmetics, with more than half of girls as young as 12 reporting the use of mascara, a product known to negatively impact the ocular surface. Moreover, the male grooming market is witnessing rapid growth, indicating that these concerns are not confined to a specific demographic.

The TFOS Lifestyle Report on the effects of cosmetics on the ocular surface has validated what eye care professionals have long suspected: conventional cosmetic ingredients can be toxic to meibomian glands, corneal, and conjunctival cells. These substances disrupt the ocular microbiome, exacerbate dry eye symptoms, and increase the risk of infections.

For patients currently receiving treatment for dry eye or ocular surface diseases, the consequences can be profound. Traditional makeup can unintentionally compromise the effectiveness of leading therapies such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) and Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) between appointments. Many patients find themselves questioning why they continue to experience dry eyes despite receiving excellent clinical care, often discovering that the products they use daily contribute to their ongoing discomfort.

How Eyes Are the Story Addresses Cosmetic Safety Regulations

In the United States, only 11 cosmetic ingredients are banned, while the European Union has restricted over 1,300. Numerous mainstream beauty products take advantage of these regulatory loopholes, focusing on compliance rather than prioritizing safety.

Eyes Are the Story has successfully secured 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 terms the Top 10 Nasties: the ingredients most likely to harm the ocular surface. These substances include:

• Formaldehyde and its donors: preservatives that release formaldehyde gradually and irritate the eye surface with continuous exposure.
• Isopropyl cloprostenate: commonly present in lash growth mascaras, associated with alterations in iris color 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 permeate the tear film, causing irritation to the ocular surface.
• Parabens: linked to disruptions in the ocular microbiome with prolonged use.
• Phenoxyethanol: a preservative that can induce irritation and toxicity on the ocular surface.
• Salicylic acid: an exfoliant that should be avoided in proximity to the periocular skin and tear film.
• Tea tree oil: beneficial for treating demodex under clinical supervision, yet harmful when incorporated into cosmetics applied daily to the eyelids.
• Argireline: a peptide found in anti-aging products that can present risks for the delicate tissues surrounding the eyes.

Every formula crafted by Eyes Are the Story is entirely free from all ten of these detrimental ingredients.

Exploring the Real-World Benefits of Using Eyes Are the Story Products

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

“Patients expect optimal surgical results and minimal recovery time. With Eyes Are the Story, I can prepare patients for public appearances within days. I have also observed remarkable improvements in conditions such as rosacea and sensitive eye issues even prior to initiating additional treatments.”

For patients, this innovative approach transforms daily beauty routines into an integral part of ocular wellness. Just as regular tooth brushing promotes oral health, utilizing products designed to protect the periocular area reduces cumulative damage over time and enhances the effectiveness of any treatments already being undertaken.

Discover the Diverse Range of Products Offered by Eyes By Design

We are proud 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 won’t 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, preserving 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 color without relying on harmful ingredients found in traditional eyeshadows. Experience all the flair without compromising ocular surface health.
• Mascara Trio Set: a flake-free formula that strengthens and volumizes 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 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 intensified symptoms.
• Wear contact lenses: and are experiencing 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 receiving ongoing ocular surface treatment: anyone undergoing IPL, LLLT, or other dry eye therapies who wishes to maintain their treatment results between appointments.
• Experience reactive or sensitive eyes: that struggle with common allergens like fragrance, preservatives, or other typical cosmetic ingredients. Check out our article on makeup for sensitive eyes for more insights.

Fostering a Harmonious Relationship Between Beauty and Eye Health

One should never have to sacrifice their desired appearance for the sake of their eye health. Eyes Are the Story is founded on the principle that beauty and ocular wellness can seamlessly coexist, a belief supported 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 identify which products are most suitable for your eye health needs.