If you’ve been trying to learn how to safely use eye makeup, you’ve likely run into countless articles telling you that the best way to keep your eyes healthy is to avoid eye makeup entirely. While it’s true that you won’t run into the problems associated with eye makeup if you simply don’t use it, such “advice” can be very frustrating and irritating, especially if you enjoy makeup and it is important to you. You’re not just going to stop wearing eye makeup because it can cause issues – you’re trying to learn how to safely use eye makeup to avoid said issues while still being able to enjoy your creativity. 

Here at Wolcott Optical, we understand that. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of tips that you can follow in order to safely use eye makeup. You don’t have to sacrifice health for beauty, nor vice versa. Here’s what you need to know about how to safely use eye makeup.

Be Mindful Of Infection

Eye makeup can cause infection in multiple different ways. Those tester counters at the makeup stores may be fun, but they’re also full of bacteria that can infect your eyes. We know that selfishness is usually seen as a bad trait, but when it comes to your eye makeup, you want to be selfish with it. Sharing makeup, even with friends and family, can lead to infection. One of the best ways to safely use eye makeup is to only use your own and not to share it with anyone. 

Store samples are there so you can test out eyeshadows and other eye makeup, but you want to avoid putting these on your eyes. Many people have gotten pink eye, styes, and other eye infections and problems from sharing their eye makeup and using store samples. It’s fine to want to test out that pretty new shade of eyeshadow, but test it against the back of your hand rather than putting it on your eye. That way, you can see the pigmentation and texture without putting your eyes at risk. 

Keep It Clean!

One of the best ways to safely use eye makeup is to ensure that the process is as clean as can be. We know that makeup tends to explode everywhere when you’re applying it. By this, we mean, ensure that your brushes are clean and that your face and eyelids are clean prior to makeup application. Even if your makeup brushes look clean, they can still have bacteria on them. In order to safely use eye makeup, you’ll want to ensure that you clean your makeup brushes at least once a week with water and baby soap. 

Don’t Use Expired Makeup

Did you know that makeup can expire? Many people don’t! However, it does, and if you want to safely use eye makeup, you’ll need to ensure that the products you use are still good. Otherwise, you guessed it, you run the risk of infection, as well as allergic reactions, scratches to your eyes, and other eye problems, such as conjunctivitis. 

To safely use eye makeup, you’ll want to be mindful of expiration dates. In general, you can expect makeup to last a certain amount of time before it expires. We understand wanting to get the most out of your investment, but using expired makeup can seriously hurt your eyes. It’s not worth it! You never want to use expired makeup. To safely use eye makeup, ensure that it’s still good.

Here’s what you need to know about how long eye makeup lasts.

• Mascara: This generally lasts around 3-6 months. 
• Eyeliner: Liquid eyeliner should be replaced every 3-6 months. Eyeliner pencils can last up to 2 years.
• Eyeshadow: Cream and liquid eyeshadows generally last 6-12 months. Powder eyeshadow can last 2-3 years.
• Eyeshadow primer: This can last 6-12 months.

Apply It Safely

In order to avoid injury and infection and other eye issues from eye makeup, you need to ensure that you’re applying it safely. 

This means not applying eye makeup in moving vehicles or if you have shaky hands, are overly tired, or are under the influence. You want to avoid applying eyeshadow or eyeliner to your inner eyelid, as this can clog them and irritate your eyes. You also want to avoid using anything sharp to separate your lashes, as you can easily stab or poke yourself this way. You also want to exercise care when using sparkly, glittery, or metallic eyeshadows, so that the particles don’t get into your eyes, especially if you wear contact lenses.

Additionally, if you’ve recently had eye surgery, you should avoid eye makeup until your eye doctor tells you it is safe to wear it again. 

As you see, there are many different things you can do to safely use eye makeup. These are but a few of the steps you can take to protect your eyes. 

Wolcott Optical is passionate about protecting eye health. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an eye exam today.