When you’re planning your next bold and beautiful makeup look with glitter eyeshadows and full lashes galore, the last thing you’re probably thinking about is whether your makeup could be putting your eye health at risk. Nothing is less glamorous than puffy and irritated eyes or even dreaded eye ulcers. But these are issues you might not realize you’re risking when you splurge on a new makeup haul.
To help you avoid an eye makeup-related disaster, Sujata Paul, Optician FBDO/CL and Professional Services Clinical Lead at contact lens retailer, Lenstore, has offered her advice on what to check for before buying new eye makeup.
Be choosy with your makeup purchases
When picking out cosmetics, while quality, color, and product type are all important, it’s critical to choose eye makeup that is made specifically for this extra sensitive area of your face.
While eyeshadow palettes may all look similar, they’re not made equal. If you can see the work “eye” specifically on the label, this is a good indicator of a product’s safety around eyes. “makeup palette” alone won’t cut it.
Apply glitter with care
Even if you’re in a rush to get out and party, it’s important to apply your makeup with caution. If it gets into your eyes by mistake or is applied incorrectly, it can cause irritation or even scratch your corneas.
Sparkly or metallic eye makeup products are particularly risky as they contain tiny specks of glitter that can irritate your eyes if they fall into them. If you’re a contact lens wearer, the risk of irritation is even greater. Glitter or makeup in your eye can even lead to:
- Blurred vision
- Eye infections
- Corneal abrasions
- Corneal ulcers
So, while cosmetic glitter is technically safe to use around your eyes, it’s only safe if you use it with care. Generic or craft glitter is a complete no-go, as it is not designed for use around your eyes, so it can cause even more serious issues.
You need to take extra care when wearing makeup with contact lenses. While usually when your eye is irritated, irritants like makeup can be flushed out naturally by tears, debris can stick to your lenses instead.
False lashes
The same rules apply to false eyelashes. In fact, any foreign object near your eye creates a risk. Suppose bacteria collects under the eyelash glue, for example. In that case, if you reuse your lashes or drop them before applying them, you’re at risk of eye infections as harmful bacteria may enter your eye.
Some people are allergic to false eyelash glue, but an even smaller number of people are allergic to the fibers that the lashes themselves are made of. This allergy can be hard to pick up on until the eyelashes are already applied. If you have a severe allergic reaction, you should seek medical treatment to avoid sight loss or any further complications.
If eyelash glue thickens and falls into the eye, it could scratch your cornea. So, it’s super important that you apply your eyelashes with care and with clean hands, avoid reusing them and discontinue use if you have an allergic reaction.
It’s best to avoid false eyelashes altogether when wearing contact lenses. If you absolutely must wear them, ensure the glue is completely dry before you apply them.
Remove your makeup before bed
This is a golden rule for makeup use – if you keep it on when you go to sleep, you’re inviting bacteria into your eyes. This is always bad news as it can cause vision and eye complications. Not only this, but sleeping in makeup can also cause acne, skin infections, rashes, and even premature aging.
If you experience any of the following issues after wearing false eyelashes, glittery or metallic makeup, you should seek medical treatment right away:
- Pain
- Redness
- Soreness
- Sensitivity to light
- Discharge
- Fever
- Blurred vision
- Swelling
