There are numerous cosmetics out there that can make your eye color pop and transform your overall appearance. But if you have sensitive eyes, putting on makeup can cause irritation, infections, dry eye, and other pesky problems. Fortunately, you don’t have to forego cosmetics altogether if you want to protect your vision. Here are a few practices you should and shouldn’t adopt to keep sensitive eyes safe from makeup.  

Do:

Practice good hygiene.

Cosmetic brushes can transfer bacteria to the eye, which may trigger irritation or even infections. Keep germs at bay by washing your face before makeup application and cleaning your brushes after each use.

You should also keep your products to yourself, as sharing can pick up bacteria from someone else.

Throw away expired cosmetics.

Most cosmetics have expiration dates. If you use them past this point, they could irritate your skin and increase the risk of bacterial infections. In general, you should follow all expiration guidelines and replace cosmetics as necessary. Mascara, for instance, is generally only good for 90 days.

Stay outside the lash line.

When using eyeliner, take care to apply it only below the lash line. Applying it to the inside of the eye may expose you to irritation. This technique might also block the protective oils that come from the tear duct, which can trigger dry eye.

Don’t:

Rush into new products.

If you have any type of eye or skin allergy, don’t apply new cosmetic products without testing them out first. Apply small amounts of new substances to your arm to determine if they trigger redness, bumps, or other signs of allergic reactions.  

Use powder or glitter shadow.

Powder and glitter can flake off the skin, fall into the eye, and cause irritation. Cream-based products, on the other hand, will stay bonded to the skin for greater security.

It’s also a good idea to put on primer or foundation before applying shadow, as this will help the makeup stay in place.

Sleep with makeup on.

No matter how tired you are after a night out, don’t go to sleep with cosmetics on your face. When worn for too long, these products may irritate your skin or cause dryness. You might also rub them into your eyes while you sleep. For easy cleanup, invest in makeup wipes.

If you’re having trouble with sensitivity, turn to Tri-State Eye for comprehensive care. Serving the Tri-State Area, including Middletown, NY, and Milford, PA, this eye doctor diagnoses and treats dry eye, allergies, and infections. They also deliver top-notch treatment for vision loss, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma. For more details on these services, visit this vision clinic online. To schedule an appointment, call (845) 703-2020 to reach the Middletown office or (570) 296-9696 for the Milford location.