We love hearing from our panel of beauty pros about the latest and greatest beauty tricks. Today, we're lucky enough to hear from makeup pro Rachel Halsey, who gives us some great eye makeup tips for all you ladies with sensitive peepers!

Your eyes are precious. And, like so many crucial things in life, we tend to take our eyes for granted, especially with makeup. We pile on the shadows, eyeliner and mascara without even giving it a second thought. Many of us have even experienced the burning, itchy, red and or watery eyes at one time or another. And some experience these not-so-cute sensations on a regular basis. Unfortunately, makeup can often be the culprit of these flare-ups. But, don't worry there are ways to avoid them. Check out my tips for those of you with sensitive eyes!

Give Old Products the Old Heave-Ho

One of the easiest makeup fixes for sensitive peepers is to periodically sort your makeup and toss our any old products. It's especially important to replace mascaras frequently. The three-month rule needs to be abided by!

Opt for Doctor-Approved Formulas

When in doubt, listen to the Doc and go for eye makeup that's ophthalmologist-approved. Again, this can be especially helpful when picking out mascara. And lucky for you, there are so many varieties out there with a medical stamp of approval. Take, for example, the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara. This classic formula is a favorite for a reason. Not only does it deliver sexy volume, but also it is ophthalmologist-tested and hypoallergenic, so it's suitable for sensitive eyes and contact-lens wearers. With a price point less than $10, you'll have enough dough left over to splurge on a luxury formula, too, like Lancôme Definicils. This mascara is also ophthalmologist-approved, so your eyes are in the clear.

Clean Your Brushes Regularly

Another culprit for eye flare-ups could be those dirty makeup brushes. As a makeup artist, I keep my brushes organized and sanitary, cleaning them after each client. As a consumer, it isn't necessary to wash brushes every day, but you should take good care of them, store them properly and clean them every week or so. I can't tell you how many times I've seen clients dig deep into their handbags and pull out grimy brushes. Think about it: That brush is just rolling around with whatever you have tossed in your bag. Yikes! And you want to use that on your face? Gross. Get yourself a makeup bag, and keep your brushes and makeup neat and clean. Take good care of them, and they will take good care of you. As for washing, use a gentle shampoo, like a baby shampoo.

Watch for Reactions to Specific Eye Makeup

Now this might come as a surprise, but specific eye shadow colors could be the cause of your leaky, red eyes. Many people are sensitive to dyes and perfumes, particularly red. Red shadows might not be a staple in every girl's daily palette, but purples and warm browns are. And some of these do contain red dye in the formula. Pay attention, and if you seem to react when wearing certain products, eliminate them immediately from your collection. You can find many hypoallergenic brands out there in the drug store and at the cosmetic counter. These are a better choice for you girls with sensitive eyes and skin.

NO Sharing

A big makeup no-no involves makeup products, particularly mascara and eye shadows. It's a risky move and not worth it. Tell your BFF to get her own! This rule applies to makeup counters as well. Don't use tester products haphazardly as you don't know who might have tried the product before you. Otherwise you're just playing a game of Russian roulette with bacteria. Ask the artist at the counter to clean the palettes and tools for you first before trying on the product.

Wash It Off at Night

Last but not least, wash your face before you go to bed. Sleeping in makeup is bad for your skin. But, you know this by now. Sleeping in eye makeup is particularly bad, because you can get particles in the eyes, especially if you have left your contact lenses in. So, be sure to thoroughly remove your makeup before bed (try a makeup remover like Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water). No exceptions.

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