Forty years is a long time—for anything. But for Clinique, which recently returned to the annual meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) for the first time in nearly four decades, it signals just how seriously it’s taking its comprehensive “Eye Safety Promise.” A pledge guaranteeing that all Clinique eye makeup products are ophthalmologist tested and safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers, it’s a nod to the growing importance of problem-free eye beautifiers. Armed with its own internal survey data indicating that 85% of participants are on the hunt for makeup safe for sensitive eyes, Clinique is serving up exactly that. Via buzzy launches in its High Impact franchise, including the waterline-safe Gel Tech Eyeliner and High-Fi Full Volume Mascara, it’s delivering the pop without any potential eye-health blowback. Of course, the Eye Safety Promise applies to all Clinique eye makeup products, not just the new kids on the block. And it’s on top of Clinique’s existing safety measures, which ensure its entire product portfolio is allergy tested and devoid of fragrance. But back to those problems with our peepers …According to Christie Sclater, Clinique Senior Vice President of Global Marketing, eye issues are on the uptick—a key reason why the brand signed Dr. Ashley Brissette as its Guiding Ophthalmologist in August 2023. “Two out of five people are saying their eyes have become sensitive over the last three years, and two out of five people also say they avoid eye makeup because it makes their eyes feel sensitive,” says Sclater. “So, there’s something there. We hear it from Dr.