How to Stop Eyelids from Getting Oily

Co-authored by Mark Cannon, OD and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References

Oily eyelids can be a big pain, especially if they’re getting in the way of your usual beauty routine. While there’s no magic pill or serum that can instantly fix the problem, there are several quick and easy steps you can take to minimize oiliness. Whether you just want a matte look or are struggling to keep your eye makeup in place, try out a few techniques to see what works best for you.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Adjusting Your Daily Routine

1
Wash your skin with a mild cleanser to remove oil.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Mark Cannon, OD
Board Certified Optometrist
Expert Interview. 24 August 2020.} Pour a pea-sized amount of gentle cleanser on your fingertips, then lightly rub your eyelids, forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Dip your hands in slightly warm water to wash off any leftover soap, then tap your face dry with a fresh towel.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source} If your eyelids are greasy pretty often, consider washing your face in the morning and right before bed.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Don’t scratch or scrub your skin or eyes while washing, or you could do some serious damage.
- It can also help to wash your skin after a tough workout.
2
Massage eye cream beneath your eyes instead of on the lids. Dab a pea-sized amount of product beneath your lower lid. Use your finger to rub the cream into your skin. As you go, try not to rub it directly onto your lids.^{[4]
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Research source}
- Eye cream on your lower lids may help balance out any oiliness on your upper lids.
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3
Use blotting paper as needed to absorb oil. Check online or in your local beauty supply shop for blotting paper. Place a single sheet of this super-thin paper on your eyelids to soak up any extra oil, then go about the rest of your day!^{[5]
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- If your eyelids get oily a lot, you may want to carry blotting paper on your person.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Choosing the Best Cosmetics

1
Use oil-free makeup. Keep in mind that some liquid cosmetics, like foundation and concealer, may have a lot of oil. As you apply your makeup, avoid using these products around your eyelids. If you want to be extra cautious, switch entirely to oil-free makeup products.^{[6]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to use water-based makeup.
- Some cosmetics will have “oil-free” on the label.
2
Swipe on a thin coat of eyelid primer before using eyeshadow. Visit your local beauty supply shop or drugstore and look for a small tube of eyelid primer.^{[7]
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Research source} Squeeze a tiny dot of product onto your finger or 1 of your smallest eyeshadow brushes, then tap the primer over the base of your eyelid. Give the product about 60 seconds to dry before you apply the rest of your eye makeup.^{[8]
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- Unlike regular primers, which cover your entire face, eyelid primers help cover any obvious oiliness and provide a smoother, sleeker “canvas” for your eye makeup.
- Most eyelid primers are similar in color to a foundation or concealer.
3
Dab some translucent powder over your eye makeup to set it. Check your eyeshadow to see if your eyelids look greasy or creasing.^{[9]
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Research source} Lightly dip a small eyeshadow brush or clean makeup pad into some loose, translucent setting powder and tap it over your eyeshadow. Don’t apply a thick layer—just add enough to set your eyeshadow.^{[10]
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- Use a regular, non-colored setting powder if your eyeshadow is neutral. If you’re going for a bolder look, use a setting powder that matches the color of your shadow.^{[11]
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  Research source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Lifestyle Changes

1
Don’t touch your eyelids throughout the day.^{[12]
X
Expert Source

Mark Cannon, OD
Board Certified Optometrist
Expert Interview. 24 August 2020.} Try to keep track of how often you rub your eyes. If you feel tempted to touch your lids, use a section of blotting paper to wipe up any oil. Your skin will thank you in the long run!^{[13]
X
Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
2
Try reducing your stress levels on a daily basis. Add a relaxing routine into your daily schedule, like meditation or yoga. If you’re feeling especially stressed out, you might be making your oiliness worse without even realizing it!^{[14]
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Trustworthy Source
American Academy of Dermatology
Professional organization made of over 20,000 certified dermatologists
Go to source}
- Think about your weekly schedule and try to identify the most stressful parts of it. See if you can cut back on anything that’s stressing you out a lot!
3
Visit a doctor and see if a certain condition is causing your oily lids. Schedule an appointment with a medical professional and see if any hormonal changes are causing your eyelids to be extra oily. Mention any medications you’re taking, and list any skincare products you use on a daily basis. Your doctor may be able to help you find a healthy, safe way to get rid of the oiliness.^{[15]
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Research source}
- For instance, blepharitis, or clogged oil glands on your eyelids, could be a cause of your oiliness.^{[16]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}

Expert Q&A

Question

How can I prevent my eyes from getting oily?

Mark Cannon, OD
Board Certified Optometrist
Dr. Mark Cannon is an Optometrist and Chief of Optometry at Cannon Eyecare, a family-owned optometry practice in Seattle, Washington. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Cannon specializes in ocular disease, dry eye, glaucoma, eye infection, contact lens fitting, and pediatrics. Dr. Cannon holds a BS in Biology and Psychology from Indiana University. He received his Doctorate in Optometry from Indiana University School of Optometry, where he earned the Dean's Scholar award and participated in years of ophthalmic research. Dr. Cannon worked as an optometrist for four years before founding Cannon Eyecare, which offers full-scope medical optometry services. Dr. Cannon is a member of the American Optometric Association, King County Optometric Society, and the Optometric Physicians of Washington.

Mark Cannon, OD

Board Certified Optometrist

Expert Answer

Make sure you wash around your eyes every day with a gentle cleanser to keep them clean.
Question

Is it good to rub your eyes?

Mark Cannon, OD
Board Certified Optometrist
Dr. Mark Cannon is an Optometrist and Chief of Optometry at Cannon Eyecare, a family-owned optometry practice in Seattle, Washington. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Cannon specializes in ocular disease, dry eye, glaucoma, eye infection, contact lens fitting, and pediatrics. Dr. Cannon holds a BS in Biology and Psychology from Indiana University. He received his Doctorate in Optometry from Indiana University School of Optometry, where he earned the Dean's Scholar award and participated in years of ophthalmic research. Dr. Cannon worked as an optometrist for four years before founding Cannon Eyecare, which offers full-scope medical optometry services. Dr. Cannon is a member of the American Optometric Association, King County Optometric Society, and the Optometric Physicians of Washington.

Mark Cannon, OD

Board Certified Optometrist

Expert Answer

No, it's not a good idea to rub and touch your eyes. Try to keep your hands away from your eyes.