Though extreme, the most serious eye issues caused by make-up application could involve injury to the cornea, which is the front part of the eye's surface. Corneal injuries usually cause pain and always necessitate quick medical attention. Other eye make-up application issues can be caused by bacteria growing inside the cosmetic containers or on the surface of make-up applicators. If precautions are not taken when applying make-up, bacteria can be transferred directly to your eyes.
Make-Up and Contact Lenses
Wearing contacts does not exclude you from being able to wear eye make-up. Contact lenses are designed with the understanding that users may wear make-up. If you do wear contact lenses, following the make-up safety tips below can help you look -- and see -- better!
- Insert contact lenses prior to applying make-up to help avoid residue transfer
- If your eyes feel dry, use re-wetting drops prior to make-up application
- Never sleep in your make-up, especially if you wear contacts
- Always remove contacts prior to removing make-up
- Replace eye make-up every three to four months
General Dos and Don'ts of Eye Make-Up Application
Following these tips will help keep your eyes healthy:- Buy new make-up every six months, at minimum -- more often if you wear contact lenses
- Make sure make-up containers are closed tightly when not in use
- Never use saliva or water to thin out old or clumpy make-up
- Never use a safety pin or other sharp object to separate eyelashes
- Never share make-up with friends
- Do not apply make-up on the inside of your lash line
- Never use an old applicator in a new make-up container
- Don't use cosmetics if you have an eye infection. If you develop have an eye infection, replace your eye make-up immediately after you heal.
- Always wash hands before applying make-up
- Keep eye pencils sharpened to prevent scratches to the eyelid
- Store make-up properly and keep it away from extreme heat
- Only use make-up on the eyes that is intended for the eyes
In addition to these make-up safety tips, always use common sense. If your make-up turns a different color, begins to clump or starts to smell, throw it out. Check with your eye care professional if you feel you have a make-up-related eye issue.
