... And skip waterproof formulations as well. Why? Mascara that has lash-lengthening properties often contains microfibers that can get into your eyes and turn them into an angry, irritated mess. Meanwhile, waterproof mascara is tough to remove, says Dr. Wolf. Instead, choose a hypoallergenic formula.

Always screw the cap on tightly to prevent contamination (you should feel a bit of resistance when you try to unscrew the cap again).

And never (ever) pump your mascara to try and get the last bit out. Dr. Wolf says that this can introduce air and bacteria into the container (a major no-no for all eyes, but especially ones prone to sensitivity). She also recommends tossing your mascara tube every two months to be on the safe side.

Try: Almay One Coat Thickening Mascara or Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara

We hate to say this, but if you've got itchy, irritable eyes, then powder eye shadow is not your friend. Dr. Wolf recommends a cream or gel-based eye shadow over powder, because the pigments in powder eye shadows are more likely to cause pain, irritation and (yuck) infection. Plus, no matter how carefully you apply a powder shadow, some is bound to get into your eye. If you absolutely, 100 percent can not live without your pretty powdered shadow (we get it, it works way better than cream shadow on oily lids), make sure to apply an eye primer beforehand to help it stay put.

Dr. Wolf also says to beware of anything that's shimmery, glittery or metallic, as these can be super irritating. So what's a girl who just wants to rock a fab smoky eye to do? Your best bet is to stick to cream and gel-based shadows. If you're a contact lens wearer, make sure your contacts are in before you start applying your eye makeup. Not only will this help with sensitivity, it'll also help your makeup application go smoother because you'll be able to, you know, see what you're doing.

Try: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow, Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow or Clinique All About Shadow Primer for Eyes

"The proper removal of eye makeup is just as important as choosing the right products," says Dr. Wolf. She says to take your makeup off every night before you go to bed with a gentle cleanser or an oil-free makeup remover to help minimize the effects of inflammation.

To minimize inflammation, take your makeup off every night before you go to bed with a gentle cleanser or an oil-free makeup remover, she says. Why oil-free? Oily products can clog the glands that line your upper and lower eyelids. "If those oil glands are clogged the oils don't get secreted onto the tear film," says Dr. Wolf. "The first layer of the tear film should be a good oil layer. So if you don't have a good oil layer, because the oil glands are clogged, the watery part of the tears won't stick and the eyes become dry and red and they begin to burn and tear." Also, it can make your eyelids swollen, itchy and flaky (not to mention, you could develop styes) -- probably not the look you're going for.

If you wear contacts, be sure to take those out before taking off your eye makeup. She also recommends using a mild cleanser, like Cetaphil or Johnson's Baby Shampoo, in the A.M. and P.M to ensure that your lids and lashes are clean.

Try: Klorane Floral Gel Eye Makeup Remover or Neutrogena Oil Free Eye Makeup Remover