If you enjoy eye makeup, you must take certain precautions to ensure the health of your eyes. In fact, if you are not careful, you are at risk for several problems. Risks of using eye makeup include eye allergies, infections and also skin problems like contact dermatitis.
Clean your hands
If you remember only one thing from this article, remember to wash your hands before using eye makeup. Hand hygiene is essential to prevent infections. If your hands are not clean, you can transfer germs and dirt which can cause infections. In fact, poor hand hygiene can cause conjunctivitis, blepharitis and even corneal ulcers.
Wash you brushes
In addition, you must clean your makeup brushes and applicators regularly. This is essential to avoid cross contamination. When trying on makeup at beauty stores, use new disposable applicators or cotton buds.
As a corollary, do not share your eye makeup, or make up brushes with anyone. If you use a sponge to apply concealer or compressed powder to the under eye area, make sure you don’t use the one that you use for the rest of your face.
Do not share your makeup or brushes.
Stand or sit still when applying eye makeup
Do not apply your eye makeup when walking around, or when in a moving car. Lots of us have been using our eye liner for so long that we take pride in being able to do up our eyes on the go. This predisposes us to all kinds of eye injuries. Even the slightest jolt can mean a significant injury. Mascara wands and eyeliners can cause lasting damage to the eye. In addition, if you get the eye shadow pigment inside your eye, it can also cause irritation.
Choose eye makeup that is specific to your skin type
Make sure you choose a brand you can trust. You eye makeup should be hypo-allergenic, and fragrance free. In fact, look for the “for sensitive skin” label when choosing products. These products are usually gentler. Therefore, the chances of eye allergies and contact dermatitis are less.
Use appropriate tools
Avoid using a multi-purpose brush for your eyes to avoid infections. Make sure your eye pencils are not blunt, because they can cause abrasions. Make sure mascara wands are not clogged. In fact, do not “pump” your mascara wand, as that will introduce air into the bottle.
Do not use your lip liner to line your eyes, even if the color is right. It’s a sure fire way of spreading germs and infections.
Similarly, avoid avoid using Q-tips or cotton buds instead of proper brushes. If using your fingers to apply eye makeup, make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
Avoid glitter
We all know that glitter is disastrous for the environment. What we forget is that the shimmer can also damage your eyes. If you use iridescent eye shadows or eye liners, you will notice particles of shimmer in your eyes. This can cause irritation as well as eye allergies.
Replace makeup often
Do not use outdated cosmetics. Pay attention to the expiry date on all your makeup items. In fact, experts recommend that you should change your mascara every three months, and your eye shadow every six months. Needless to say, you must discard any eye makeup that looks discolored or “off”.
Don’t apply makeup when your eyes are sore
Avoid using your eye makeup when you are unwell. This is especially true if your eyes are red or sore. In case of any swelling or discharge from eyes, please abstain from using eye makeup.
In case you do use your makeup, make sure you discard it to avoid a repeat infection.
Remove your eye makeup
Make sure you remove all your eye makeup meticulously. Invest in a good eye makeup remover. Especially if you use waterproof makeup, it is essential. Choose an oil-free makeup remover solution. After removing the eye makeup, remember to wash your face with soap and water before you go to bed.
If you use contact lenses
Always wear your contact lenses before you apply your make up. On the other hand, remove your contact lenses before removing your eye makeup.
Instead of powder eye shadow, use a cream eye shadow. Choose water-based rather than oil-based creams.
You may want to switch to daily disposable contact lenses so that they are makeup- and residue-free.
Contact your doctor
In case of the following, reach out to your doctor.
Any eye injury
Any discoloration of the conjunctiva
Persistent irritation, redness or watering
Eye swelling
Eye lid swelling or abrasion
Bleed in the eye
Your doctor’s visit and eye makeup
If you are going for a routine eye check, you may wear your eye makeup. In case you need a dilation (for evaluating your retina), Schirmer’s test (for dry eye). or gonioscopy (to evaluate eyes for glaucoma), it’s best to avoid eye make up. The drops used will mean that your eye makeup will invariably get smudged.
In addition, it’s best to carry your eye makeup along, in case you need to touch-up your eyes after the eye examination.
Key points to remember
1. Clean your hands and make up brushes
2. Use proper brushes, and avoid using a multipurpose brush.
3. Use make up that is appropriate for your skin type.
4. Use a trusted brand
5. Be extra careful if you are a contact lens user
6. Avoid iridescent and glittery products
7. Do not apply eye liner or kohl inside the waterline, stay well outside the lashline.
8. Never apply make up in a hurry, or when moving.
9. Contact your doctor in case of any problems.
