How To Choose the Best Makeup Products & Routine for Your Eye Health

Wearing makeup can be a fun way to express yourself and for many, the application process is an everyday ritual. However, if not applied, worn, and cared for properly, makeup can also pose a big threat to your eye health. Follow these tips and tricks to keep looking and seeing your best.

1. Always Use Up-To-Date Products

Expired makeup can flake, clump, and harbor dangerous bacteria that can increase your risk of developing an eye injury or infection. Inspect your makeup products and look for a small image of an open jar containing a number followed by the letter “M.” This symbol is known as the Period After Opening (POA) date and indicates the number of months that product is safe to use after you have opened it. Once your makeup product has surpassed its POA date, you should stop using it immediately and replace it with a fresh product.

2. Look at the Ingredients

Choose products with a simple ingredient list that are free of dyes and glitter. Use caution when trying new products and remove the makeup immediately if you begin to feel any burning, itching, or irritation. You can use online ingredient databases such as SkinSAFE to research products before you purchase to determine if they contain any potential allergens or irritants.

3. Use Caution When Wearing Fake Eyelashes

Anytime there is an object near your eye, your risk of injury or infection increases. The best way to avoid complications is to not wear fake eyelashes. However, if you decide to wear them, clean them daily and follow a regular replacement schedule.

4. Never Share Your Makeup

Refrain from sharing your makeup products with your friends and family. Makeup products, brushes, and applicators can carry residual oils and bacteria. When shared from person to person, they can increase your risk of developing an eye infection or stye. When using makeup testers at the store, use a clean cotton swab or sponge to sample a product and apply it to the back of your hand rather than directly on your face. This limits the transfer of unwanted bacteria.

5. Routinely Clean Your Makeup Brushes and Applicators

Cleaning your brushes at least once a week can help reduce the accumulation of oils and build up, decrease the risk of developing infections, and improve the performance of your makeup tools.

6. Put In Your Contacts Before Applying Your Makeup

If you wear contacts, start your makeup routine by first putting in your lenses to avoid the transfer of products from your hands to your contacts. Plus, it will be easier to perfect your makeup look when you can see clearly. Reversely, you should always remove your contacts before taking off your makeup to prevent any products such as eyeliner and mascara from getting on your reusable lenses, making them more difficult to clean for your next use.

7. Thoroughly Remove Your Makeup Every Night

Not only are you removing your makeup during your nightly wash routine, but you are also washing off the oil, dirt, dead skin, and other allergens that can cling to your face throughout the day. Take your time and allow your cleanser to sit on your face for 10-15 seconds before gently scrubbing away your makeup. Pay special attention to waterproof products and mascara that can be stubborn to remove.

If you are experiencing any eye irritation, immediately remove your makeup products and refrain from using them until your symptoms subside. If the symptoms persist, visit your optometrist for diagnosis and treatment options.