Wearing makeup can be a fun way to express your creativity and give you a confidence boost. However, did you know that wearing eye makeup can lead to eye problems such as eye infections?
Christina Flach, celebrity makeup artist shares tips for choosing, applying, and storing eye makeup products safely; you can make the most of your eyes and protect your eye health.
What Cosmetics to Choose for the Eyes?
When it comes to eye makeup, choosing the right products is crucial for both beauty and eye safety.
Here are some guidelines:
- Hypoallergenic Products: Look for makeup labeled as hypoallergenic, as these are less likely to cause allergic reactions.
- Fragrance-Free: Avoid products with fragrances, which can be irritating to the sensitive skin around the eyes.
- Non-Comedogenic: Ensure your makeup is non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts around your eyes.
- Dermatologist and Ophthalmologist Tested: Products tested by dermatologists and ophthalmologists are generally safer for use around the eyes.
- Expiration Dates: Always check expiration dates and avoid using old makeup, as bacteria can grow over time and lead to infections. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Natural Ingredients: Opt for makeup with natural ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate the eyes.
Recommended Products:
- Hypoallergenic mascaras and eyeliners (e.g., Almay, Clinique)
- Fragrance-free eyeshadows (e.g., Neutrogena, Tarte)
- Non-comedogenic eye creams and concealers (e.g., Cera Ve, Bare Minerals)
Tips to Protect Your Eyes & Look the Best
These may seem so obvious, but they are good reminders.
- Always wash your hands before applying makeup to prevent transferring bacteria to your eyes.
- Remove Makeup before Bed every night. Even if you are exhausted, slather your face with face oil, or moisturizer, wipe off with a gentle eye makeup remover to clean your eyes thoroughly every night, your skin and lashes need a rest from impurities and dirt, this can lead to your skin aging, blackheads, pimples, and redness.
- Avoid Sharing Makeup: Sharing makeup can spread bacteria and infections. Sty can easily spread.
- Use Clean Brushes: I can’t stress enough the importance of regularly (once a week) cleaning your makeup brushes to prevent bacterial buildup and keep your brushes lasting longer. Your shadows, concealer, and foundation will go on smoother and will show the true colors of the pigment. I like to designate a shadow brush that is only for the lightest color that you use under the brow and lid. You will never get a true color when you are mixing light and dark eye shadows.
- You won’t believe how many people do their makeup while they are commuting, and risk getting into an accident and eye injures due to quick stops.
- Avoid Waterline Application: Avoid applying eyeliner on the inner rims of your eyes, as this can block glands and lead to infections. I know it can be tempting, but consider if you use the same liner over and over, there is going to be a chance of infection.
- Check for Allergies: Test new products on a small patch of skin before applying them to your eyes to check for allergic reactions.
- Use Proper Lighting Apply makeup in a well-lit area to avoid mishaps and uneven application.
FAQs on Eye Makeup
Q1: Can I use expired eye makeup?
A1: No, using expired makeup can lead to bacterial infections and eye irritations.
Q2: How often should I replace my mascara?
A2: Mascara should be replaced every 3 months to avoid bacterial growth that can cause eye in fections.
Q3: What should I do if I get makeup in my eye?
A3: Rinse your eye with clean water immediately. If irritation persists, consult an eye care professional.
Q4: Can contact lens wearers use any type of eye makeup?
A4: Contact lens wearers should use oil-free and water-based makeup to prevent eye irritation and lens contamination.
Q5: How can I prevent my eye makeup from smudging?
A5: Use a primer before applying eye makeup and opt for waterproof formulas to minimizes mudging. Avoid using liner and mascara on lower lashes.
Eye makeup is safe to use if you follow simple eye care advice about storing, applying and removing it correctly. If you notice signs of allergy or sensitivity to beauty products, stop using them. If you get symptoms of an eye infection such as redness, irritation, soreness, or discharge, get medical advice and don’t wear makeup again until your eyes have healed.
Bio: Christina Flach is a celebrity hair and makeup artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area. After starting her career, she founded her own makeup line, Pretty Girl Makeup, and she has worked with every major television network, celebrities, designers, department stores, magazines, and big name brands.