Top 10 Best Mascara After Cataract Surgery In 2023

Cataract surgery is becoming popular for being handy to replace your natural lenses with artificial ones. This operation requires a specific recovery time. Until all the incision sites have been recovered it is best to avoid using makeup around your eyes. Risk remains even after you have recovered since the eyes are so sensitive. That is why I have searched the market for the best mascaras out there! So, to make it easy for you here is a list of the 10 best mascara after cataract surgery.

Top 10 Best Mascara After Cataract Surgery in 2023

Image	Product Name	Price On Amazon
	Best Overall Essence Lash Princess	Check Price
	Best for Formulated to Resist Clumping L’Oréal Paris Voluminous	Check Price
	Best for Allergic Skin L’Oréal Paris Makeup Telescopic	Check Price
	Best for Award-winning Quality Product Honest Beauty	Check Price
	Best for Multi Look & Style Maybelline Express Falsies	Check Price
	Best for Sensitive Eyes & Natural Look COVERGIRL Professional	Check Price
	Best for All Proof with Sensitive Skin blinc Tubing Mascara	Check Price
	Best for Super Plush Vegan Brush Pacifica Beauty Stellar Gaze	Check Price
	Best for Clean Light +Nourishing Formula ILIA – Limitless Lash Mascara	Check Price
	Best for Lash-Lifting Polymers Physicians Formula Killer Curves	Check Price

1. Best Overall – essence | Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Specification

• Brand: Essence cosmetics.
• Color: False Lash Effect.
• Product Benefits: Volumizing mascara with a conically shaped fiber brush for a false lash effect.
• Material Type Free: Fragrance-Free, Oil Free, Animal By-Product Free, Alcohol-Free, Paraben Free.

Description

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara is a smudge-proof volumizing and lengthening mascara. This superb mascara will be best in every way, making your mascara dream come true. Its paraben-free, fragrance-free, and cruelty-free nature would not irritate or hamper your cataract surgery in any way.

Features

• Wearability: This Essence mascara makes the lashes long without having any kind of clumps, this long wearable mascara would sit on your lashes perfectly without making your eyes feel irritated or having to feel heavy.
• Need no falsies: With the defined volume of Essence lash princess, you would not need any false lashes. You can achieve a bold look just by applying a few coats of this mascara.
• Coating each lash: the mascara wand has been given an iconic shape to catch every lash without making your eyes irritated.  This wad would not leave any lashes behind and coat them all well with its straight conic fiber.
• Cruelty-Free: not tested on animals nor made with any harsh chemicals. This is certified by PETA as a cruelty-free band and has been tested to be paraben, oil, fragrance, alcohol, and microplastic particles free.

How to use

• Take the mascara and start applying it from the base of the lash line.
• For perfect volume wiggle your mascara wand as you go up your lashes.
• Apply 1 to 3 coats depending on the volume you like.
• This mascara alone can give you curled eyelashes but you can use a lash curler for a more emphasized look.

Expert Verdict

Opting for a product that would go so close to my eyes after having cataract surgery is too intimidating. But I cannot suggest another good mascara than Essence lash princess. This mascara sits on my lashes for all day and the most important part is it does not make my lash feel irritated or heavy. I am so glad I got this mascara, now I just have to apply a few coats and I am good to go for any occasion. Because of my surgery, I do not even use any lash curlers but this mascara gives a volumizing, curly, bold effect without trying much. I love the fact that this is cruelty-free and does not have any harsh chemicals. Getting a mascara that does not irritate my eyes even after surgery and gives a lash-lifting effect along with the non-clumpy formula at this cheap price was a total win-win. So this is the best among all of the other mascaras I have tried so far.

Pros and Cons

2. Best for Formulated to Resist Clumping – L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Blackest Black

Specification

• Brand: L’Oréal Paris
• Color: Washable Blackest Black
• Product Benefits: Volumizing
• Item Form: Stick
• Specialty: Natural

Description

L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Blackest Black is a mascara that gives you 5x voluminous lashes without clumping and irritating. That leaves you with soften, natural finish. This mascara would give you long, fuller-looking lashes with its specialized formula that would make you ready for every event without having to worry much about your cataract surgery.

Features

• Buildable formula: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Blackest Black has a buildable formula that you can build according to your preference and get ready for any type of occasion. After you get the volume there is no need for false lashes. You can get up to 5x fuller lashes.
• Clump-free formula: this mascara has a clump-free formula through which you can get long thick lashes without any clumps in it. So there is no possibility of flaking and going into the yes.
• Wearability: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Blackest Black mascara is a kind of mascara that you can wear all day long without any crumbles or smudges. This would sit on your lashes without causing any irritation to your eyes.

How to use

• Start with fresh dry lashes.
• Start applying from the roots of your lashes gently.
• Apply the number of coats needed to achieve your desired look.
• Let it dry for some time and you are good to go.
• When removing use gentle oil or cleansers.

Expert Verdict

The first time I used L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Volume Blackest Black mascara I fell in love with how much volume this mascara can give just in one coat. After that, I realized this mascara is not just any volume-giving mascara rather it was not clumpy at all no matter how much I build this up. After a few coats it looks like I am wearing falsies, definitely the good ones. This formula is just everything, as this mascara would not buzz even in the sunny, sweaty weather so I do not have to worry about mascara getting in my cataract surgery eyes. Also, this mascara can easily compete with any designer brand for how well they work for the lashes with all the softening and volumizing.

Pros and Cons

3. Best for Allergic Skin – L’Oréal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara, Blackest Black

Specification

• Brand: L’Oréal Paris
• Color: Washable Blackest Black
• Product Benefits: Long Lasting, Lengthening, Volumizing
• Special Feature: Smudge-Proof
• Material Type Free: Fragrance-Free

Description

L’Oréal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara is one of the very few ones that is Ophthalmologist tested and allergy tested. This mascara is suitable for people with sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.

Features

• Volume: can give you a volumizing sleek look with their unique wand shape. Their unique formula gives length and volume at the same time with a precise separation of wands.
• Allergy free: The catchiest thing about this mascara is that it is allergen free and suitable for sensitive skin types. Anyone with eye irritation can easily opt for this mascara for safe results.
• Wearability: very comfortable one that would last all day long, keeping your lashes looking sleek and tidy.

How to use

• Begin by combing your lashes with a spoolie.
•  Use a lash curler before applying mascara for better results.
• After you have curled your lashes for 5 to 6 minutes apply your mascara.
• Apply the mascara at the base of your lashes and sweep that down by wiggling it around.

Expert Verdict

The L’Oréal Paris Makeup Telescopic Original Lengthening Mascara has been an absolute favorite of mine for its allergy-free aspect. I do not have to worry about my cataract surgery anymore as this would not irritate my skin. When I need something that would lengthen my lashes without giving a chapped-up look I will go for this one any day. I love the fact that this mascara separates all my lashes and makes them individually long. It is so easy to apply since it has a thin mascara wand. It does not cost that much so I go back to purchasing this mascara over and over.

Pros and Cons

4. Best for Award-winning Quality Product – Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer

Specification

• Brand: Honest Beauty
• Color: Black
• Product Benefits: Defining, Volumizing, Lengthening
• Special Feature: Natural-Ingredients
• Material Type Free: Cruelty-Free, Paraben free

Description

Honest Beauty 2-in-1 Extreme Length Clean Mascara + Lash Primer has been made with natural ingredients like jojoba oil that make it safe from any kind of irritation and clashing with cataract surgery.

Features

• Ophthalmologist Tested: this has been gone through a series of tests to consider safe for your eyes. After all the tests it has been proven as safe for your eyes.
• Cruelty-free and paraben free: proven cruelty-free and paraben free. Making them even more suitable for irritated sensitive eyes.
• Made with all-natural ingredients: made with all-natural ingredients and the main ingredient is jojoba esters. Also, the packaging is made of 100% tree-free cartons making it safe and great for the lashes.
• Wearability:  being made with all-natural ingredients is not the only thing great about this mascara, also it gives definition and volume to the lashes, making them long and sleek.

How to use

• Prepare your lashes by combing with a spoolie brush.
• Prime the lashes to enhance the mascara’s performance. Applying one proper coat would be enough.
• Apply the mascara from your roots to the top in a wiggling motion for better results.

Expert Verdict

Having sensitive skin with cataract surgery I was desperately seeking an all-natural mascara. It is when I came to find this one. Honestly did not expect anything crazy at first then when I applied it on with the primer it was amazing and I have been using it since. Being made with all-natural ingredients is not the only great thing about this rather there are many. This mascara has been Ophthalmologist Tested and EWG Certified. This is cruelty-free and free from any kind of fragrance, paraben, and oil which is just amazing for my irritated eyes. I do not doubt they have been a best-selling and award-winning mascara. The amount of volume and lengthening I am getting by using this mascara along with the contribution to the earth makes me happy. Go for this one and you surely will not regret it.

Pros and Cons

5. Best for Multi Look & Style – Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Falsies Volumizing, Washable Mascara

Specification

• Brand: Maybelline.
• Color: Washable Blackest Black.
• Product Benefits: unique and flexible wand, build 8X more volume, Suitable for contact lens wearers.
• Item Form: Liquid.
• Special Feature: Washable.

Description

Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Falsies Volumizing, Washable Mascara made with Kera-Fiber formula builds 8X more volume, lifts, and separates for fuller-looking lashes. it is suitable for contact lenses making it safe after cataract surgery. Can be used for multiple looks and styles.

Features

• Flexible wand: this mascara features a flexible wand that helps to lift and separate lashes delivering an emphasized look.
• Wearability: this mascara can be used for any occasion for its buildability. You do not need to use any kind of false lashes after applying a proper coat of it. You can use this mascara for any of the occasions you have. This mascara does not feel clumpy or heavy on the eyes.
• Suitable for contact lenses: this mascara is suitable for contact lens wearers. They would not have any trouble using this mascara because of the Kera fiber formula. This is also the reason there is no possibility of being irritated in the cataract surgery eyes.

How to use

• Make sure you have your lashes dried before applying this mascara.
• Apply it with the wand from the bottom of your lashes upward.
• For better coating every lashes wiggle a little while applying. 
• Apply several coats for getting the false lash look.

Expert Verdict

I do not like wearing falsies at all and after finding Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Falsies Volumizing Washable Mascara I do not need to wear any of those irritating falsies. Also after my cataract surgery, I am always searching for a mascara that would give me a perfect false lash look and this one did without clumping. I am literally so in love that it does not clump but rather do separate my lashes. this mascara does not leave any of my small lashes uncoated so I tend to end up looking like having a lot of lashes even when I am not using several coats of this. I can wear it on any occasion because of how buildable the formula is. It would not flake if you build it slowly. I will definitely purchase this one again and would not even cost a fortune for all of this.

Pros and Cons

6. Best for Sensitive Eyes & Natural Look– COVERGIRL Professional 3-in-1 Waterproof Mascara

Specification

• Brand: COVERGIRL
• Color: Very Black-Waterproof
• Product Benefits: Hypoallergenic Magnified lashes that still look natural Perfect for sensitive eyes
• Special Feature: Waterproof
• Material Type Free:  Hypoallergenic, Parabens

Description

COVERGIRL Professional 3-in-1 Waterproof Mascara is best for sensitive eyes formulated without any kind of irritating ingredients that make it perfect for cataract surgery eyes. Gives voluminous perfect looking lashes with a natural look.

Features

• Hypoallergenic: Being made without any kind of irritating ingredients like paraben, fragrance, and preservatives this mascara gets very safe for irritated, sensitive, and cataract surgery eyes. So anyone with some eye sensitivity can use this mascara without a doubt.
• Natural finish: this mascara gives a voluminous look without making the eyes look too heavy. Even after applying a few coats, this looks natural with a lengthened lash.
• Wearability: this mascara is perfect in every way since it does not make the eyes feel heavy but makes the lashes long, ready for every occasion. It is possible to get a catchy result with just one coat of this mascara.

How to use

• Brush your eyelashes with a spoolie brush for having a perfect coat of mascara.
• Apply a lash primer for better results.
• Apply one coat of mascara from the roots of your lashes towards the end.

Expert Verdict

Brought this mascara in a rush and did not really think about it. But when I started using this one, I was so impressed by how much this mascara can coat my lashes in one go. I used it in one of the pool parties and it did not even move. I would say best allergens-free mascara at such a cheap price. It definitely did magnify my natural lashes by lengthening them. It’s nothing crazy like giving you a false lash look but superb for daily use. I use this mascara mostly in my office or if I have to go somewhere formal or for no-makeup makeup looks. Hands down to the fact that it did not irritate my eyes even after I had cataract surgery. I normally use two coats of this mascara and I really like the finish of this one.

Pros and Cons

7. Best for All Proof with Sensitive Skin – blinc blinc Original Tubing Mascara

Specification

• Brand: Blinc.
• Color: Black.
• Product Benefits: Smudge-proof, fade-proof, run-proof, and smear-proof.
• Special Feature: Great for sensitive eyes and sensitive skin.
• Item Form: Liquid.

Description

The non-irritating formula of the Blinc Blinc Original Tubing Mascara is great for sensitive and cataract surgery eyes. This mascara is formulated without any kind of irritant and has a special formula to form tiny water-resistant tubes making it waterproof in every way.

Features

• No irritant: this mascara does not have any kind of irritating ingredients or harsh chemicals in it which makes it suitable for sensitive skin types. This does not cause any kind of discomfort in the eyes.
• Water-resistant: unlike the traditional mascara blink blink has come up with a water-resistant formula that forms tiny tubes that are water resistant. These tubes bind to your lashes and do not let the mascara run.
• Smudge-proof: This mascara is smudge-proof, fade-proof and smear-proof. So there is no need to worry about mascara getting into sensitive eyes and irritating them.

How to use

• Make sure your lashes are clean and dry before applying this mascara.
• Start from the base of the lashes and go upward to the tips of the lashes.
• Wiggle the wand slightly from side to side as you go.
• Keep applying until you have achieved your desired volume.
• Clear the mascara residue after using the mascara.

Expert Verdict

I was on a hunt for mascara that would not give me black smudges around my eyes making me look like a panda and would give me any allergic reaction after I had done the cataract surgery. It is when I came across this one and loved their formula.  I wore this mascara on the beach, and it did not even budge but when tried to take it off with some warm water it came off quickly. I love that I do not have to rub my eyes with micellar water making my eyes red and irritated to take this off. This gives me the perfect length for every occasion and volume too. With the buildable formula, I can build the volume and length however I want to. I can go all natural and I go full bold with this one. I have worn this all summer and I swear like crazy and guess what this did not make me look like a panda. I find the liquid texture great for applying on my eyes, so this does not feel flaky or crusty. This is totally my style and definitely would be using this one for quite some time. 

Pros and Cons

8. Best for Super Plush Vegan Brush – Pacifica Beauty Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Black Mascara

Specification

• Brand: Pacifica
• Color: Black
• Product Benefits: Volumizing, Conditioning, Lengthening
• Special Features: Not Tested on Animals
• Material Type Free: Carmine Free, Silicone Free, Petrolatum Free, Phthalate Free

Description

Pacifica Beauty Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Black Mascara with its 100% vegan super plush brush and clean buildable formula gives you non-irritating, super voluminous, lengthening lashes.

Features

• Super good Formula: this mascara has a super good formula that is made with coconut oil, Vitamin B+, and Rice protein that keeps your lashes nourished and hydrated all day long.
• Harsh chemical free: This buildable vegan formula is free of any kind of harsh chemical that can disrupt your natural lashes. Rather it makes your lash feel rich in nutrients. This cruelty-free vegan formula can be your great option for mascara any day.
• Unique Bristle brush: This mascara has a unique bristle brush that is made with 100% vegan plush and has the capability to coat every lash of yours. This gives your lashes a voluminous, lengthened look with a natural finish.

How to use

• Make your lashes dry before applying the mascara.
• Apply one coat of mascara for a natural look.
• Apply in a wiggling motion and build the volume according to your choice.

Expert Verdict

I absolutely loved the Pacifica Beauty Stellar Gaze Length & Strength Black Mascara in every aspect. I tend to be very picky with my mascara choice as I have very fragile eyelashes along with my cataract surgery. But this mascara just checked all the boxes for me. I do not clump on eyes, nor does it create those spidery webs. It does not make my lashes caky. The best thing for me is it makes my lashes feel soft and nourished after I have removed the mascara. They are not joking when they say it has hydrating ingredients like coconut oil and vitamin B. I don’t like makeup products that cover all my natural features rather than enhancing them. This mascara enhances my lashes and gives the most natural look. I will definitely go back to buy this again just for this reason alone. But I am so happy to be able to contribute to the environment a little through this.

Pros and Cons

9. Best for Clean Light +Nourishing Formula – ILIA – Limitless Lash Mascara

Specification

• Brand: ILIA
• Color: Black
• Product Benefits: Nourishing
• Special Feature: Lightweight
• Material Type Free: Cruelty-free, Non-toxic

Description

ILIA – Limitless Lash Mascara is a 99% naturally derived clean mascara that would give you buildable flake-free, lifting, curly effects. That would make you achieve a clean and nourished look. This clean formula would be great to use after cataract surgery without making eyes irritating.

Features

• Natural: this mascara is made from 99% naturally derived and 25% organic. Due to the natural components, it is completely free of any allergens. That makes this mascara even safer for cataract surgery eyes.
• Formula: the formula of this mascara is derived from nature. It is lightweight and nourishing. This is why this mascara can give you a clean and nourishing look. The formula it is made of is carnauba waxes, organic bee waxes that highly nourish each lash of your eyes.
• Wearability: this mascara can give you the right amount of volume and length for the occasion. For fuller-looking healthy lashes, this would be a great option. It has a buildable flake-free formula that gives you limitless mascara lift.

How to use

• Start with curling your lashes for extra lifting effect for 2 to 3 minutes.
• Use the shorter bristles to add volume to your lashes by coating all the lashes of your eyes.
• Use the longer bristles to make sure your lashes are separated, well-defined, and have lift and length added to your eyes.
• For extra volume and length, you can add extra layers of mascara.
• When removing the mascara, you can do it with warm water and oil.

Expert Verdict

I love the ILIA – Limitless Lash Mascara in every way. I have the habit of searching for great mascaras since I love to define and express my eyes and there is no better option to do that than mascara. Since I have got my cataract surgery the hunt has turned into a safer mascara hunt that will define my lashes too. Oh my luck this gives me all of that. This mascara is the best clean and light-looking mascara for a reason. This does not make my eyes look messy even though I am quite messy with mascaras. I can just swipe my eyelashes with one fine coat of this mascara and boom, I have the most perfect voluminous, lengthened lashes and I can separate them with the other side of the brush too. Which gives me a definition. I usually do not wear eyeliner but only mascara and it has been a saver. The best part is that I don’t have to rub my eyes to remove it. This is a lifesaver for me. My sensitive eyes are happy that I can remove this mascara by just putting some water or a little oil on it without much rubbing. This can be a con for some but I like this part.

Pros and Cons

10. Best for Lash-Lifting Polymers and Volumizing Collagen Combination – Physicians Formula Killer Curves Curling Mascara

Specification

• Brand: Physicians Formula
• Color: Black
• Product Benefits: Curling
• Special Features: Dermatologist Approved, Hypoallergenic, Clinically Tested, Safe for Sensitive Eyes & Contact Wearers, Ophthalmologist Approved.
• Material Type Free: Cruelty-Free, Fragrance-Free, Paraben-Free.

Description

Physicians Formula Killer Curves Curling Mascara provides the perfect curls and volumes for your lashes with its polymers and volumizing collagen Combination. Its hourglass brush covers every tiny bit of your lashes and coats them to give you the perfect eye look.

Features

• Formula: this mascara has a formula that includes a perfect combination of provitamin B5, peptide, and amino acids that nourishes and strengthens your lashes along with all the bold looks. This collagen combination will make your lashes softer after you have applied the mascara.
• Wearability: this mascara will coat your lashes for the perfect volume and lengthened look. The lash-lifting polymer formula gives your lashes definition and adds drama to them.
• Non-irritant: this mascara has been made without any allergens that can make your eyes irritated. This paraben-free, cruelty-free, dermatologist-approved formula would be your best choice any day.

How to use

• Make sure to have dry clean lashes before applying the mascara.
• Sweep the mascara brush from the bottom of your lashes to the top of them for a curly look.
• For perfect volume wiggle the brush as you go.
• For a dramatic look apply several coats until you reach the desired look.

Expert Verdict

My sensitive, cataract surgery eyes cannot bear anything heavy on them. So having mascara that would not feel heavy but gives a voluminous lengthened look at the same time is my priority. This Physician’s Formula mascara has won my heart by its formula of not being heavy and making my lashes feel so soft even after I take them off. They are not kidding when say it is sensitive eye safe, it really is safe.  This formula is not too wet so being messy is not a problem anymore. Their brush is so unique that coats every lash of mine, and I don’t have to worry about having mascara on half my lashes anymore. I love how it does not dry out too quickly so I would not run out of it that fast. Their paraben-free, cruelty-free, collagen-combining formula really won me. That is worth spending some money on for me.

Pros and Cons

How Can I Select The Right Mascara For Post-Cataract Surgery?

The goal of cataract surgery is to remove the lens of your eyes with a more accurate lens. This process takes a little time to heal from and you being able to wear makeup. At least for 2 to 3 weeks avoid wearing any kind of makeup. After the recovery period when choosing something like mascara that would go so close to your eyes, you must be very cautious. For choosing the best mascara after cataract surgery you can choose something that does not have any allergens in it, something that is marked as suitable for sensitive eyes, best to go for all-natural products. Mascaras that are paraben-free and harsh chemical free would be the best since they do not collide with the lens of your cataract surgery. Some believe it is best to use waterproof mascara since it would not go into the eyes to make it irritated. Also, personal allergic reactions should be kept in mind before choosing mascara after cataract surgery.

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How Can I Be Assured That Using Mascara Is Harmless?

There is no way to be 100% assured that using mascara is harmless for cataract surgery. However, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk of infection:

• Throw away any old mascara and all the applicators. Using old mascara after cataract surgery can cause bacterial infection. It is best to purchase new ones after your surgery.
• Be very careful while applying the mascara and make sure to not get them on your eyelids or the inner parts.
• Do not use any kind of mascara that you would need to rub off while removing.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes by any means, this can lead to mascara getting inside your eyes causing problems. 
• Wash your hands before touching your eyes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There you have it, the best mascaras out there for the sensitive eyes that you get after having cataract surgery. Even after the initial recovery period, it was hard to not feel the aftereffects on the eyes with the slightest bit of makeup. That is why I have these, especially the Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. I hope that you recover well from your cataract surgery and look fabulous with these mascaras!

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