Department stores and drugstore aisles are filled with a tempting selection of makeup colors and products intended for the eyes. While eye makeup and cosmetics can enhance your appearance, knowing how to apply and remove makeup properly will not only make your eyes look more beautiful but will protect your vision as well. If applied and stored carelessly, makeup can cause minor infections, allergic reactions, and more serious injuries. Although rare, the most serious eye issues caused by makeup application can involve injuries to the cornea.
Eye cosmetics are generally safe to use, as long as you use them properly. Over time, bacteria and fungi can grow in cosmetic packaging and cases. If you continue to use these products, you could transfer these germs directly into your eyes. If you’re curious about your eye makeup routine and whether or not it’s safe for your eyes, here are some expert tips and recommendations.
Avoid Dried-Out Mascara
When it comes to mascara, it’s best to replace it every two to four months, or sooner if it’s dried out. If your mascara tube is dried out, toss it in the trash immediately—never attempt to moisten it with saliva or water. In order to keep track of how long you’ve had your mascara, keep a permanent marker in your make-up kit and mark the date you open a new tube. This way, you won’t use it past its shelf-life and can effectively reduce your chances of contracting a nasty eye infection from your mascara wand. This method of tracking time can be used for other makeup products as well.
Check the Label
As with any cosmetic product sold to the public, eye cosmetics are required to have an ingredient declaration on the label. Any cosmetic products without an ingredient declaration on the label are illegal to purchase in the United States. If you wish to avoid certain ingredients due to allergies or general health concerns, check the ingredients declaration on the label of your cosmetics. If you’re curious about what ingredients are in your makeup, visit EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetics Database. You can search the database for over 68,000 products and find out which of your favorite cosmetics could be harmful to your health.
Avoid Kohl Eyeliners
Although kohl eyeliners are incredibly popular, they may contain dangerous levels of lead and are unapproved for cosmetic use in the United States. The FDA cites three main reasons for detaining the imports of kohl: 1) for containing an unsafe color additive, 2) for labeling that describes the product falsely as “FDA-Approved”, and 3) for lack of an ingredient declaration. Kohl consists of the salts of heavy metals and has been linked to lead poisoning in children. While some eye makeup products may be labeled with the word “kohl”, this label is only indicating the shade and not the ingredients.
Go Non-Toxic For Your Makeup Routine
Non-toxic make-up is defined as any makeup product that doesn’t include ingredients deemed toxic, including, but not limited to, lead, mercury, phthalates, triclosan, and dioxin. Toxins can create or exacerbate skin conditions and are potential carcinogens and hormone disrupters. But they may also pose a risk to your eye health. Make-up that contains nickel, chrome, talc, and aluminum powder may lead to eyelid blisters, rashes, and other health risks as a result of increased toxicity in your body. The best approach is to carefully evaluate ingredients in make-up products and avoid products that contain potentially toxic ingredients.
Hold Still, Don’t Share, & Other Tips
It may seem like an efficient use of your time to apply your makeup in the car or while on the bus but resist that temptation. With each bump in the road, you risk scratching your cornea or otherwise damaging your eye. Even a slight scratch on the cornea can result in a serious infection. Don’t share or swap cosmetics, even with your best friends or family. Another person’s germs may be hazardous to you, which is why you should also avoid sampling cosmetics at a store. If you must try on makeup at a store, ensure that it’s applied with single-use applicators, such as clean cotton swabs or one-time use mascara wands.
Clean Your Brushes
The buildup of makeup products and oils on your sponges, brushes, and other makeup tools create a breeding ground for bacteria and other microorganisms. This could lead to undesirable breakouts, staph, or even herpes outbreaks on your skin. You can avoid the risk of infections or breakouts by keeping your brushes clean. Some dermatologists recommend brushes to be cleaned once a week- especially for tools that are used for liquid or cream products around the delicate eye area. You can opt to do a quick cleanse each week using an alcohol-based brush cleaning spray or liquid and a regularly scheduled deep cleanse with soap and water.
Consider Dailies Contacts
Daily disposable contacts are a safer option for many lens wearers, depending on their lifestyle. With dailies there is less of a risk of contamination as you can simply throw a single or pair of lenses away in the event of dirt buildup or other issue arising. With monthly lenses, you’ll have to contend with handling and cleaning which can introduce other contaminants, if not careful. So if you’re concerned with cross-contamination between your makeup routine and your contact lens routine, consider a daily disposable option like 1-Day Acuvue Moist 90 w/Lacreon, which is also a very affordable daily contact lens.
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