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How to Put in Eye Drops Without Messing Up Your Makeup

Because eyeliner is hard, y'all

Eye drops are a lifesaver on those tired mornings (and during allergy season) when your peepers are completely bloodshot. They’re also a bit of a nuisance to actually put in—often leading to smudged shadow and mascara streaking down your face.

Thankfully, celebrity makeup artist Jenny Patinkin showed us a genius trick for getting the drops in without ever touching the rest of your makeup. 

What you need: Your trusty bottle of eye drops and a Q-tip.

What you do: Squeeze the drops onto one end of the Q-tip until it’s completely saturated. Then place the wet tip in the inner corner of your eye and blink a few times to distribute the moisture. Repeat on the other side.

Why it works: While squeezing drops directly into your eyes can be messy (and make some people flinch), a concentrated dose right in the corners is cleaner and easier to control. Now go seize the day, bright eyes.

Help! My Eye Makeup Is All Over My Face



Jenny Jin Headshot Vertical 2023

Beauty Director

  • Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
  • Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
  • Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond