Tips for Eye Cosmetic Safety

Mascara and eye shadow may enhance your appearance, but eye cosmetics can easily harm your vision. Adopting these eye makeup safety tips will help keep your eyes pretty and healthy.

Mascara, eye shadow, and eyeliner can certainly do the trick. But if putting on eye cosmetics is part of your daily ritual, you should know about some potential dangers to your eyes. In fact, being just as diligent about removing eye makeup at night is more important than applying them each morning.
Eye cosmetics are generally safe materials — as long as you use them properly. Over time, all kinds of gunk can grow in those pretty little cosmetic packages. Bacteria and fungi can multiply, and if you continue to decorate your eyes with this makeup, you're transferring those germs directly to your eyes.

Dos and Don’ts of Using Eye Cosmetics

Here’s how you can make sure your eyes are pretty and healthy — these cosmetic safety tips will minimize your eyes' exposure to bacteria:

• Don't hold onto old makeup — throw it away after a few months.
• Don't use mascara that's dried out — and never attempt to moisten it with your saliva or water. It’s best to replace mascara every two to four months, or sooner if it’s dried.
• Keep eye cosmetics cool — always at 85° F or below (that means don't keep them in your car or in a steamy bathroom).
• Don't mix and match cosmetics. Use what's intended for your eyes on your eyes only — don't use the same pencil for both lips and eyes, as that can introduce bacteria.
• Avoid kohl eyeliners — they may contain dangerous levels of lead. And avoid permanent coloring and dyes for eyelashes, as they can cause irreversible eye damage if not used correctly.
• Never share your cosmetics with a friend.

Tips for Applying Eye Cosmetics Safely
It's also important to apply your eye makeup safely to help prevent injury. Getting anything that close to your eye can potentially cause damage — so when you're painstakingly drawing that perfect line, take care not to get the cosmetics in your eye.

• Never put your eye cosmetics on while you're driving or riding in a car. Y
• Skip eye cosmetics when you've got an irritated or infected ey
• Keep eye cosmetics outside of your eye
• Always wash your hands before you dig into your makeup bag and start applying eye cosmetics.
• Avoid eye cosmetics that are iridescent, glittery, or shiny
• Make sure that all eye cosmetic applicators are clean before you use them

reaf the original article on Everydayhealth.com

If you’re experiencing changes in your vision or visible changes to your eyes, these can be early warning signs of serious eye conditions.  No matter how busy you are, you must put aside some time for yourself to get your eyes looked at by a certified optometrist.
Click here to schedule an eye exam