Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty is back! From August 28 through September 17, 2026, beauty lovers can shop featured deals on some amazing skincare and cosmetics.
But as an optometrist, I’m looking at this event a little differently. 👁️
Throughout Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty, I’ll be sharing the products that have caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE—with a special focus on products used around the eyes, eyelids, lashes, and delicate skin surrounding them.
Some of these products are directly related to eye care, while others are skincare or makeup products that deserve a closer look because of how and where we use them.
Let’s take a look!
👁️ August 28: Patchology Eye Gels
Shop Patchology Eye Gels at Ulta
The skin underneath our eyes is delicate, and under-eye gels can be a fun addition to your skincare and self-care routine. Patchology Eye Gels come in a variety of options designed to target concerns like hydration, tired-looking eyes, and the appearance of fine lines and puffiness.
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
Products specifically designed for the under-eye area can be a great way to give this delicate skin a little extra attention.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
Keep eye gels and skincare products out of the eye itself and away from the eyelid margin. If a product causes burning, redness, irritation, or eye discomfort, remove it and discontinue use.
👁️ August 29: A Double Feature!
Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Firming Moisturizer
Moisturizing the skin around the eyes is important—but remember that your regular facial moisturizer should be applied carefully around this delicate area.
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
Healthy-looking skin around the eyes starts with a good skincare routine. A moisturizer can help support skin hydration and is an important part of caring for the delicate skin surrounding the eyes.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
When applying moisturizer near your eyes, less is often more. Apply a small amount and avoid getting product too close to your lash line, where it may migrate into the eye and cause irritation or blurry vision.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Gentle Cream-to-Foam Face Cleanser
This cleanser is designed to cleanse without leaving skin feeling stripped or tight and is fragrance-free.
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
Removing makeup, sunscreen, and the day’s buildup is important—but aggressive rubbing around the eyes is not.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
Be gentle when washing around your eyes. Avoid scrubbing your eyelids and lashes aggressively, and use lukewarm rather than very hot water.
👁️ August 31: Clinique All About Eyes Eye Cream
Shop Clinique All About Eyes at Ulta
An eye cream made specifically for the delicate skin around the eyes is definitely something that catches an optometrist’s attention!
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more delicate than many other areas of the face. Products formulated specifically for this area may be a great addition to a skincare routine.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
Apply eye cream gently using your ring finger and avoid tugging or pulling on the skin. Keep the product away from the lash line to reduce the chance of it getting into your eyes.
👁️ September 2: Jane Iredale ColorLuxe Eye Shadow Sticks
Shop Jane Iredale Eye Shadow Sticks at Ulta
Eye shadow sticks can be a quick and convenient way to add color to your eyelids.
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
Anything applied directly to the eyelids deserves a little extra consideration—especially for people with sensitive eyes.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
Avoid sharing eye makeup, and pay attention to expiration dates. If an eye makeup product develops a strange smell, changes texture, or has been used during an eye infection, it’s time to throw it away.
👁️ September 3: A Two-Product EYE Pick!
Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion
An eyeshadow primer helps create a smooth base for eye makeup and can help your look stay in place.
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
Products used directly on the eyelids should be applied thoughtfully—especially if you have sensitive eyes or frequently experience irritation from cosmetics.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
If your eyes begin to burn, itch, water excessively, or become red after using a new eye cosmetic, stop using it. Don’t keep applying a product that your eyes are telling you they don’t like!
Drunk Elephant Mello Marula Cream Cleanser
A good cleanser can help remove makeup and the buildup from the day without requiring excessive rubbing around the eyes.
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
Eye makeup removal should never require aggressive scrubbing.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
Be especially gentle when removing mascara and eye makeup. Rubbing and pulling repeatedly at the eyelids and lashes can irritate the delicate eye area.
👁️ September 5: Another EYE Double Feature!
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara
Mascara is one of the most popular—and most frequently replaced—eye cosmetics.
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
Mascara is used extremely close to the eye, which makes good makeup hygiene especially important.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
Don’t share mascara. Avoid adding water or other liquids to dried-out mascara, and replace it regularly. If you’ve recently had an eye infection, consider replacing any eye makeup that may have been contaminated.
Shiseido Benefiance Wrinkle Smoothing Cream Enriched
A rich moisturizer can be a wonderful addition to a nighttime skincare routine—but extra care should be taken when applying heavier creams around the eyes.
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
Products don’t always stay exactly where we put them! Moisturizers can migrate, particularly overnight.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
Avoid applying heavy creams directly along the lash line. If you wake up with blurry vision or irritated eyes, consider whether your nighttime skincare products may be migrating into your eyes.
👁️ September 10: Eye Makeup + Application Tools
Nudestix Eye Shadow Sticks
Eye shadow sticks are a convenient way to apply color directly to the eyelid.
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
Easy application is great—but eye makeup hygiene is still essential.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
Avoid applying eye makeup too close to the inner rim of your eyelids. Makeup can migrate into the tear film and may contribute to irritation for some people.
Sigma Makeup Brush Set
The brushes we use around our eyes deserve just as much attention as the makeup itself!
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
Makeup brushes can collect product, oil, and debris over time.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
Clean your eye makeup brushes regularly. Dirty brushes can transfer old makeup and debris back onto your eyelids. Allow brushes to dry completely before using them again. And just like eye makeup—don’t share brushes!
👁️ September 16: Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream
Shop Elemis Pro-Collagen Night Cream at Ulta
Night creams can be a luxurious addition to an evening skincare routine.
Why it caught Dr. Amanda’s EYE 👁️
We spend hours sleeping, and products applied before bed have plenty of time to move around—especially if you sleep on your side or stomach.
Dr. Amanda’s eye-care tip
When applying nighttime skincare, keep heavier products away from the immediate lash line. If you consistently wake with irritated, watery, or blurry eyes, take a look at the products you’re applying before bed.
👁️ Dr. Amanda’s Final EYE-Care Reminders
- Don’t share eye makeup.
- Replace old eye cosmetics regularly.
- Don’t use eye makeup if you currently have an eye infection.
- Consider replacing eye makeup after an eye infection.
- Keep creams, cleansers, and cosmetics away from the eye itself.
- Avoid applying products directly to the eyelid margin or inner rim unless they are specifically intended for ophthalmic use.
- Be gentle when washing and removing makeup around your eyes.
- Clean makeup brushes and applicators regularly.
- Stop using products that cause persistent burning, redness, itching, or irritation.
👁️ A Final Note from Dr. Amanda
As you’re shopping for new products, keep in mind that when it comes to products used on and around your face, moisturizing may sometimes be a better choice than focusing heavily on anti-aging ingredients—especially if you’re prone to eye irritation.
Pay attention to ingredient lists and watch for ingredients you already know you’re sensitive to. New products can be exciting, but your skin and eyes will let you know when something isn’t working for you!
When in doubt, go for moisture! 💧
And don’t forget to check the reviews! Hearing about other people’s experiences can be helpful when deciding whether a new product is worth trying.
One of the things I love about a sale like Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty is that it’s a fantastic opportunity to try something new—especially when you’re not sure whether it will work for you. Not every product is going to be a winner, and that’s okay!
But these sales have also given me the opportunity to discover products that have become absolute holy grail favorites in my own routine. 👁️✨
So have fun, try something new, and remember: when it comes to the delicate area around your eyes, listen to your skin and your eyes.
Follow Along With Dr. Amanda! 👁️✨
I’ll be keeping an eye on Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty 2026 and sharing the products that deserve a closer look!
Whether you’re shopping for skincare, eye cream, mascara, or a new eyeshadow favorite, remember:
Beauty is fun—but healthy eyes are always in style. 👁️💙
The products featured in this post are Dr. Amanda’s selections from Ulta’s 21 Days of Beauty event and are shared for informational purposes. Individual experiences with skincare and cosmetic products may vary.
