The eyes are one of the most delicate and sensitive organs in our bodies, and once they’re damaged, it’s very difficult to repair them! That’s why it’s crucial to take good care of your eyes, especially when applying products that can be potentially harmful. Today, our Raleigh eye doctor shares some eye makeup safety tips that can keep your eyes looking—and seeing—their best.
 

PURCHASE QUALITY EYE MAKEUP

When you were a kid, you might have had fun using Kool-Aid and candy to color your lips, cheeks, and eyes. Now that you’re all grown up, though, it’s important to only use cosmetics designed for use around the eyes. Avoid products with ingredients listed in another language, or products that seem to have a harsh chemical smell. Remember, just because a product is FDA-approved doesn’t mean it’s 100% guaranteed safe—for example, it was recently discovered that Claire’s makeup contains asbestos. One rule of thumb is that if a product is cheap, it probably contains talc and other fillers that make it that way.
 

WATCH OUT FOR MAKEUP ALLERGIES

It’s important to only introduce one new eye makeup product at a time. That way, if you have an allergic reaction, you’ll know what’s causing it. If you put on eye makeup and it stings or itches, take it off quickly, and find out what the ingredients are so you can watch out for them in other products. Don’t try to “push through the pain” (or itch) in order to get your money’s worth. Makeup retailers like Ulta and Sephora will generally accept a return, especially if it causes an allergic reaction.
 

DON’T PUT EYELINER IN YOUR WATERLINE

Always apply makeup on the lash line, not the waterline, to avoid blocking the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid which protects the eye’s surface. Applying liner to the waterline is dangerous because it places makeup, which could be contaminated by bacteria, almost directly against your eye. Make sure that your makeup always lies on top of the skin surface.
 

TRY TO PREVENT “FALLOUT”

Shimmery, sparkly eyeshadows usually get their luster from mica and aluminum flakes. Non-glittery eyeshadows also commonly contain sericite, magnesium stearate, colorants, preservatives, and talc. None of these products should ideally touch the eye surface, but unfortunately, “fallout” is a common problem for makeup-wearers. To prevent eyeshadow fallout, use a strong eyeshadow primer; tap excess product off the brush before applying it; and, for good measure, dip a clean brush into a bottle of setting spray and apply it on top.
 

PRACTICE BASIC MAKEUP COMMON SENSE!

This should go without saying, but you should never apply eye makeup while in a moving vehicle. You should also never place anything sharp near your eyes—never separate your eyelashes with a safety pin! Finally, remember never to sleep in your makeup, even mascara. Vaseline and baby oil are both very inexpensive, optometrist-approved ways to remove makeup from the eyes and skin.
 

NEED AN OPTOMETRIST IN RALEIGH NC? VISIT RALEIGH EYE CENTER

 If you need an optometrist in Raleigh or its surrounding areas, call Raleigh Eye Center. Our experienced eye doctors can help keep your eyes healthy, safe, and beautiful as they can possibly be. To schedule an appointment, click here.