Tuesday 7 February 2012

Purple Liner Disaster

Hey Guys,

As you may or may not recall, I mentioned my suffering from a horrid allergic reaction some weeks ago in a previous post. I recently purchased Rimmel London’s Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner, and through the completion of thorough research and added trials, I’ve concluded that my reaction was related to my use of this specific product. For those of you unfamiliar with the product, Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner is a waterproof, as the name suggests, self-sharpening eyeliner that comes in about six different shades. The shade I had picked up was Purple Shock – a darkened red-based purple. It came with a smudging tip on the opposite end (this I thought was awesome!). Having used the product, I must say I consider the formula to be fairly good. Despite taking a little longer than what I consider to be the norm to dry, the liner itself is creamy, smooth, pigmented, feels extremely soft along the lash line and does not tug at my skin during application. Oh, and for a product promising to be both smudge proof and waterproof, it’s cost effective and gets the job done.

The opportunity had presented itself for me to go out one evening. After getting dressed, I felt real sassy and cute and proceeded to add the final touches to my overall look – my makeup of course! *twirls*

I decided to test the Purple Shocker as I figured it would complement my outfit very well, by helping to make it pop. I must say this led to a shocker indeed! In all my years of attempting makeup artistry, I have never encountered any problem with a product I’ve used per se. So how could I have possibly known that one was brewing right around the corner? Within two (2) hours of applying the purple liner, I found that my vision became blurred, and my eyes felt sore. They appeared bloodshot red, became extremely swollen, and gave off symptoms of an allergic conjunctivitis. Can you imagine my reactions of dismay and fury at that point in time? I was not only confused, but upset because I was unable to determine what it is that could have possibly contributed to such a horrible reaction. I mean I’ve had my fair share of allergic reactions throughout my lifetime, but none quite like this.

After the incident, I laid off the whole makeup bit for some time. When I thought that my eyes were better, having tried several home remedies, I tried the Purple Shocker once more for yet another occasion. Of course, it was just my luck to have history repeat itself. I experienced the same symptoms all over again that lasted for days. At this point it became very evident that it had to have been the purple eyeliner. I just couldn’t understand why it all came on through the application of the purple liner. So what could possibly be contributing to all these symptoms? By conducting research, I not only found that I wasn’t the only person to ever experience such symptoms, but realised that my allergic reaction may have been triggered by one of the dyes used in the production of the purple eyeliner. As for which one, I’m unable to say. It goes without saying, that ingredients vary in different coloured makeups, and regardless of them being fairly similar, one may be allergic to a specific mineral or metal used by the manufacturers of the purple eyeliner. My research also led to me finding out that the reaction did not come about through use of the brand, Rimmel London, but the purple coloured pencil instead. Many persons have made mention of having the same encounter with the use of the same colour, in multiple brands.

I must say I tried several tactics in an attempt to correct the problem I was having with my eyes. Home remedies employed include: flushing my eyes with water, and then with warm water and salt. I also tried using some “get the red out” eye drops. This combination seemingly worked, and in an effort to ensure that same does not recur, I have done a comparison, and have written down those ingredients found in the purple eyeliner not matching those in the other liners I own. This list I shall keep in my purse, so that I may have access to same once the decision has been made to purchase new liners for my makeup collection. In closing, this was a horrifying and painful experience that I wish on no one. My advice is that you become familiar with the products that you are using and try your utmost best to avoid the ones that may lead to potential harm. I know for me, purple eyeliners regardless of the brand, are a definite no no!





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45 comments

  1. I just had this experience with a purple eyeliner myself. I'm sure the ingredient is Carmine -- which I just confirmed was in the Chanel purple eyeliner I purchased. I had used it only 2 times a month apart - and had a severe reaction both times. the first time I was convinced it was mascara - so, I threw that away -- but, for the second time I used the same purple eyeliner and my eyelids are swollen, my eyes are red and itchy and awful. I went to a minute clinic today and they are treating it like pink eye -- but, I think it was a reaction to the red dye used in purple liners. Ouch!!

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    1. Thanks so much for sharing! I never had an allergic reaction like this one! I used the RIMMEL EXXAGERATE Waterproof Deep Ocean color #230. I love the color but my eyes look miserably read and swollen. I used it twice but both times my eyes had the same reaction! Great color but painful results!!

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  2. I had this reaction from the black waterproof!!!

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  3. I have a reaction every time I use a purple eyeliner. It had been months since I tried it and yesterday I tried again with a brand new one. Today I am off work with conjuctivitis in both eyes so it must be the purple eyeliner. Bummer, as it looks great but not worth this hassle.

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    1. Purple eyeliner is the culprit for sure every brand including Spice girl forget her name expensive eyeliner made me have allergic reaction does resemble pink eye I thought it was an old purple eyeliner I used three tht one way but hers was brand new did same thing it’s something in the purple shades for sure! Eyes watery sticky swollen soar red are reactions I had it sucked!

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  4. I have had an allergic reaction to just the plain black liquid eyeliner it was horrible me eyes swell up, but have used the brand for two years and never had a problem and out of no where just started happening looks like I need to get the ingredients list and stay away from those eyeliners that have the same elements

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  5. I had months of conjunctivitis symptoms not nothing what on earth was happening to me or why. I threw all my makeup away and started again thinking it was contaminated. I had some relief for 2 weeks and then it was back. I finally realised it was everytime I used my Rimmel purple eyeliner. I have stopped using there purple eyeliner and suffered no more. I have since tried Bonjour brand purple eyeliner thinking it was just Rimmel and have sadly had the same reaction. So lesson learnt for me, I cant wear purple eyeliner as my eyes are super allergic to something in the ingredient for that colour.

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  6. Omg moment finding this blog! The same thing has happened to me repeatedly with Physicians formula and as well as another brand's purple eyeliner and i wondered if i was the only person with such a weird issue. Pity..since purple is my fav colour

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  7. Same thing happened to me with several different purple eyeliners. Love the color - not the allergic reaction!

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  8. I have had intermittent conjunctivitis and I could not figure out the culprit. It happened again yesterday after using an Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner in a purple color. This makes perfect sense. Is carmine only in purple colors? I definitely want to avoid those ones. My eyes do not approve :-))

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    1. So glad I found this post. Horrible pinkeye today after wearing Urban Decay Vice eyeliner (a dark purple) for just a few hours when I went out for the evening. Took the makeup off and did my regular evening routine, but woke up with matted eyelashes, oozing eyes and conjunctivitis. Looked up ingredients, and this indeed has carmines in it. I used this pencil one other time, several weeks ago, and developed conjunctivitis. Threw away the main eyeliner and mascara I had been using, but instead of tossing this, I cleaned with Lysol. It’s now in the garbage. I have to think it was the ingredients/red dye. Terrible, and bummed to have dropped $$$ on this eyeliner and now I can’t use it.

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  9. A good friend of mine is a chemist for one of the big-brand name department store make up counter chains; and I told him that any time I wear brown or purple eyeliner or mascara; I get the equivalent of conjunctivitis. He said that there is a red-based compound that goes into these colors that people are particularly sensitive to, and it is very common that people have these reactions. I am sticking to basic black and olive for my eyeliners these days.

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  10. Same. It's the CARMINE, which can even be in some BLACK eyeliner (why?!?!). I get the swollen, sore, red-purple, drippy eyes with all purples I've tried from Colourpop, Urban Decay, Physician's Formula. I'm on the hunt for carmine-free purple shades.

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  11. Thank you for sharing! I thought it was just me!

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  12. Reading this post and the comments have confirmed for me. I have worn purple eyeliner, along with blue and black, for several years. I mostly wear purple. Then all of a sudden a couple months back, I got symptoms like pink eye. I let them heal and replaced my eye makeup (all I ever use is lower liner and mascara), and it happened again. Thought maybe it was the new brand of purple eyeliner I tried. Nope. Have now tried three different ones. This makes me so sad as the purple makes my green eyes POP! 😔

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  13. I also tried purple eyeliner, i tried smashbox, lancome, clarines, and benefit and only the purple liner gives me this kind of eye irritation. My eyes get dry, swollen, and blood shot red.
    Wow! I can't believe this many people have this type of reaction.

    Thanks so much for sharing. This put me at ease

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  14. I have experienced the same issue!! Purple is my favorite and I’ve always used it. Suddenly, one day my eyes started to hurt and looked like pink eye. I have never had any sensitivity or allergy to any makeup products before! After this reoccurred for months, I finally realized it only happened after using a few new purple products. A couple eyeshadow and liners. I compared the ingredients to old shadows I had no issues with. The common ingredient was MANGANESE VIOLET (CI 77742). It is a purple dye! I also thought it might be Carmine at first, however, I was able to quickly eliminate that option because it’s in plenty of other products I used with no issues. I also found it odd that it’s totally fine on my skin; the reaction only occurs if it gets close to my lash line or in my eye. One brand I had in multiple colors and it was only the purple that caused a reaction. Another common issue is finding full/specific ingredient lists. A lot of them say “May Contain...” then list all of the dyes. So frustrating! I sadly have about 7 eyeshadow pallets from my IPSY subscription that do or may contain that ingredient! =(

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    1. This is exactly the same as I have found pertaining to the Carmine. I thought that was the ingredient causing my allergic reaction to purple and some brown eyeliners but it was also in the black and charcoal eyeliners I use and do not have an allergic reaction to. I compared my bare minerals black and brown eyeliners and the ingredients were the exact same. I was wondering where to find the actual ingredient that causes the pigment and couldn’t find it. Thank you for your research in actually finding the pigment ingredient because that is most likely the culprit for me to. I will try to find purple without the violet magnese.

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  15. I do not suffer from allergies to anything. However, I developed a reaction to every purple eyeliner I tried. I tried three of different brands. Must be the dye ingredient used for purple family of shades. So unfortunate for it looks very good with blue-colored eyes

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  16. Yes, I get that same conjunctivitis like reaction from CARMINE in some reddish tone eyeliners and MANGANESE VIOLET in purple eyeliners without carmine. So, I believe the culprit is both carmine and manganese violet. Ultramarine can cause it in some folks too, found in blue, black and purple eyeliners.

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  17. It's happened a few times now,after buying a new purple eyeliner, one that goes under or over the eyelash line. The main culprit is AVON and I believe that it could be made either in China or Poland. This includes Avons Glitterstix. I also believe that maybe Poland imports the ingredients from China ... who knows! Personally reading about Chinese methods and ingredients I don't trust them. I had hope over the last couple of years that any of Avons makeup produced in China Had improved, not so with the eyeliner so its going back to my agent and any old eyeliners are getting chucked out. It doesn't happen with brown or black eyeliner that's all I wear.

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  18. Yesss it's so annoying! I just tried my last attempt today with Palladio's "Eggplant" eyeliner. I managed to get through the day with only minor itchy eyes but it got worse when I removed my makeup for the day. Blurry vision, itchy eyes, and floaty jelly things (it reminds me of the things cats get on top of their eyes sometimes). My only hope at a fake purple eyeliner is to use brown that might be a little too "smudgy" and I set it with a matt plum eyeshadow. Better than nothing I guess, and no reaction.

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  19. I've had a reaction not to eyeliner, but to purple mascara. I had watery sticky eyes, bloodshot, itchy and blurry. I used Maybelline and it happened, so I decided to try a different brand, but the same thing happened with Loreal.

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  20. I have this reaction, sadly, because I really love the burgundy colors. I have tried multiple brands (Urban Decay, L'Oreal, Maybelline) I get the conjunctivitis with all of them. I can use other colors in all of these brands. :-(

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  21. Sadly I too have recently developed all the symptoms above - extreme red bloodshot eyes, pouring gooey yuk from both eyes, blurry vision, swollen eyes lasting days..I’ve narrowed it down to Chanel purple eyeliner- I won’t be wearing any purple eyeliner again as my reactions have been so bad. I thought it was just me .. now I know the cause I know to avoid.

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  22. I've had the same problem for years. It didn't start until I was about 25. I thought maybe I acquired it during pregnancy as I acquired an allergy to sunblock & rayon.. But the purple eyeliner didn't start until about 7 or 8 years after pregnancy. It's not every purple, but about 95% of them. Purple is still my favorite so I'm always on the lookout for new ones to try. You can tell in the first 20 mins or so if it's going to cause the allergy.. It makes my eyes feel "warm" for lack of a better word. So when that happens I just wash it off asap & usually get away with very few symptoms.

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  23. I wore purple eyeliner yesterday and attributed the irritation to me getting upset and crying. I took off my makeup amd put eye drops in. This morning much better. I put it on again today and I'm having the same issues. Almost like pink eye. Eyes are sticking together and a yellow discharge. Now that I have found the culprit I had the same issue with a teal eyeliner that I will never use again. Navy eyeliner does not bother me.

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  24. I have had the ex’s t same reaction ONLY TO PURPLE LIQUED OR PENCIL. I have tried purple on and off for years and the same thing happens every time. My eyes begin to weep and get really red and as others have said it’s similar to conjunctivitis. It’s awful. Thank you so much to the person who originally wrote this as nothing comes up in the Google search when I type in purple liner and eye issues.

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  25. I am so glad that I have found this article. I purchased Chanel Cassis eyeliner and I wore it for a number of months with no reaction. Then I started to have symptoms of conjuntivitis. I could not figure out what was happening to me. I actually thought it was something in my environment. I even purchased an air purifier for my office. I really liked the look of the Cassis liner. I wore nothing on my eyes and let them heal. Then I tried the liner again and had the same reaction. So I thought, let me change my shadows and liner to "clean beauty options". I changed my shadows to ilia. Great. No challenges. I purchased Jillian Dempsey Deep Burgundy eyeliner as the closest dupe I could get to Chanel Cassis in a "clean beauty option". I tried it for the first time yesterday morning and by 3:00 p.m. my eyes were a mess. I too have been comparing ingredients and I cannot determine exactly what it is yet. But no more purple for me. Back to MAC Teddy.

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  26. I'm going through this right now it's happened before with a different brand so no more purple eyeliner for me

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  27. THIS IS THE 2nd time happening to me. I thought it was the brand. I thought the eyeliner was old. I thought I may have used it on my lip and perhaps the lipstick comingled with the liner. Truth is - IT IS THE PURPLE eyeline. I went this morning to get antibiotic drops from doctor. I am glad to see your post to know THIS IS NOT JUST ME!

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    1. It’s not just you. This happened to me twice in the past two months from Urban Decay Vice eyeliner. I have used this eyeliner shade in the past and it was fine… but I understand that allergies can change. Such a painful way to learn that I need to stay away from eye makeup with carmines

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  28. so glad i found this article, i thought it was just me that suffered with the colour purple. my allergy developed overnight after using purple pencils for a long long time so have always wondered if there was an ingredient change a few years back.

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  29. It’s the CARMINE used in purple eyeliner. It’s actually ground up beetles.

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  30. Yep I have the same issue. I can't use any purple, burgundy or fig colored liner or shadow. What a disaster with the bright red, irritated, blurry eyes with goo floating in them. And it is not an infection...it's a horrid allergic reaction. Takes several days to go away unless you get steroid eyedrops. It took me a LONG time and a lot of suffering to figure this out. My last disaster was with Victoria Beckham Kajal in FIG. So glad I found this post. At least I know what the culprits are and what to avoid now!! NO CARMINE or MAGANESE VIOLET!

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  31. Carmine comes from dead beetles. https://kinderbeauty.com/blogs/kinder-articles/carmine-in-beauty-products

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  32. Wow, I am so glad I Googled this. I also bought Avon purple eyeliner and had the horrendous red eyes in conjunctivitis. Coincidentally I had an appointment for a annual eye exam but the eye doctor said she did not think it was from the eyeliner. She confirmed there was nothing wrong with my eyes, thought maybe I didn't clean my eyes enough when I wash them at night and suggested a makeup remover. So I decided to use the purple again and boom same thing happened, will never use it again.

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  33. Wow! Thanks so much everyone for these reports. Mine is Dior Show on Stage Crayon Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner Pencil in a beautiful Plum shade. Terrible conjunctivitis within hours, twice. Lasted for days even after removing quickly. I thought it was due to waterproof so I’m glad to know it’s the purple. It’s definitely a reaction I don’t want to have again. I can live without purple. Thank you!

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  34. Just had same experience ( conjunctivitis symtoms ) with Chanel stylo yeux waterproof in Brun Agape. And it says may contain carmine and maganese violet. So dissapointing.

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  35. So glad I have found this page. I ended up at the doctors with eye infection in both eyes. After a process of elimination I have sussed out I have a really bad reaction to purple eyeliner. The culprit has been Clarins waterproof in fig. I finally sussed it out by using basic eyeliner pencil in green on one eye and the Clarins in Fig on the other eye. The green eye was normal but after a couple of hours the Clarins eye was bloodshot and uncomfortable with a gloopy discharge. I had previously had a reaction to Trinny London crème eyeshadow in purple but no reaction in grey. So there’s definitely something nasty in the purple to cause such a reaction.

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  36. I have a similar reaction when using purple and blue eyeliner and have even tried different brands. I assumed it was the dye but wasn’t sure so thank you so much for sharing this!! Mystery solved!

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  37. Same girl! Every stinking time I have tried a purple color and it’s doesn’t matter what brand $6 or $24, same conjunctivitis within hours! Thank you for your article, I thought I was insane!

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  38. Unfortunately I also had a severe eye allergic reaction to the purple eyeliner from Givenchy (and also the brown eyeliner from them) and Maybelline purple tattoo eyeliner.

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    1. Not Givenchy, it was the Guerlain!!

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