You donโt pay attention when applying mascara
If you donโt give your mascara application your undivided attention, you could wind up with something a lot worse than excess black around your eyelids. โSome of my patients get scratches on their cornea from mishandling the mascara wand. Itโs something that gets so close to the actual eye that you can scratch yourself if you donโt have a good technique,โ says Michelle Rhee, MD, an ophthalmologist with the Mount Sinai Health System.
ย Youโre a fan of shimmery eyeshadow
If you like to make your eyes pop with flashy eyeshadow, itโs a good idea to spend a little more to ensure your eye safety. โSome of the cheaper brands may have a ton of shimmer or glitter that can separate from the shadow; then it can get in the eye and irritate it if youโre not careful,โ says Dr. Rhee. If that happens, flush out the eye immediately and consider switching brands. (These makeup tips will really make your eyes pop.)
Your makeup is made overseas
Beware of makeup products manufactured abroad and imported to the America. These products can become contaminated with harmful bacteria known to cause infections in various parts of the body, such as the digestive and urinary tracts; poor packaging and shipping or storage conditions may be to blame, according to the FDA. U.S.-made makeup can become contaminated too, due to factors like the materials or ingredients used and poor manufacturing conditions. Itโs a good idea to pay attention to recalls and safety alerts specific to makeup, just like you would with food.
All your products are discount brands
Thereโs a time and place for cheaper makeup brands, and any product that you apply directly to your skin (like foundation and concealer) isnโt one of them. โCheaper products can inflame the skin because theyโre often not as cosmetically elegant,โ says Mona Gohara, MD, of Advanced Dermcare in Danbury, Conneticut. Look for products that say โnon-comedogenic,โ which means theyโre specially formulated not to clog pores. These are sneaky reasons you’re having an acne breakout.
You donโt cater to your skin
If you have sensitive skin, there are certain products you should avoid. โAny cream-based products like BB and CC creams tend to be heavy and more likely to irritate or clog pores than powder-based ones, which arenโt good if you have sensitive skin,โ says Dr. Gohara. If youโre acne-prone, some products even contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, two acne-fighting ingredients.
You share makeup
If you and your friends are getting ready for a night out as a group, everyone should bring their own makeup bags. โSharing makeup can be dangerous, especially eye makeup. You can get eye infections by passing germs back and forth, like conjunctivitis (inflammation of the mucus membranes of the eye), inflammation of the eyelid, and possibly even of the cornea,โ says Dr. Rhee. And never use the testers at makeup counters if someone else has touched it before you; if you must sample before you buy, be sure to use a single-use applicator. Pay attention to these pink eye symptoms.
You love eyelash curlers
If your mascara wand just doesnโt give you the eyelash curl that you want, be extra careful when wielding an eyelash curler. If not used properly, you could scratch your eyeball, says Dr. Rhee.
You donโt read the ingredients
Read the makeup label just as you would a food nutrition label at the grocery store. Color additives are strictly regulated and several that are approved for cosmetic use in general arenโt approved or safe for use around the eye area. Check out the FDAโs color additives page for more information.
You donโt clean your brushes
โTheoretically, you should clean your makeup brushes as often as you clean your face, but obviously that canโt always happen,โ says Dr. Gohara. Clean your brushes once a week with a mild non-soap cleanser and let them dry overnight. Dead skin cells and other germs can get caught in the bristles and get into your skin as you swirl makeup on your face. Here’s what can happen if you don’t clean your brushes regularly.
You scrub off your makeup
The skin around your eyes is especially delicate, and scrubbing too hard can lead to popped blood vessels and dark circles. Use a mild cleanser to remove makeup and avoid rubbing too roughly.
You live in eyelash extensions
If you canโt live without eyelash extensions, do your research before heading out to get them applied. โGo to a reputable place where the aestheticians are experienced. Theyโre working with sharp instruments around the globe of your eye and you can get an injury as benign as a corneal abrasion and as severe as a puncture,โ says Dr. Rhee. If youโre applying yourself, be extra careful with the eyelash glue. โItโs unusual but Iโve had patients who accidentally got glue in their eye and Iโm not sure itโs worth the risk for fun and beauty,โ she says. Not only will it hurt (a lot!), it can also affect your vision.
You sleep with your makeup on
Just how bad is it to sleep in your makeup? โSkin naturally regenerates itself at night, thatโs why itโs called beauty sleep. If you leave your makeup on itโs less likely to regenerate in a healthy capacity, can clog pores, and builds up more residue as it gets caked in there,โ says Dr. Gohara. Gently wash your face every night before bed, no matter how tired you are.
You keep products forever
Makeup has an expiration date, too, and using products past their prime could lead to irritation or even infection. Up to six months is a good shelf life for all products; when mascara or liquid eyeliner starts to clump, thatโs a good sign itโs time to replace. And always throw out lipstick or gloss if youโve had a cold sore.
You donโt wash your hands
If youโre using your fingers to smudge eye makeup or blend creams into your facial skin, always wash your hands first. If you donโt, any dirt, germs, and bacteria that may be on your fingers or under your nails can be transferred right to your face. Here are ways you didn’t know you’re washing your hands wrong.
You never clean your makeup bag
Your makeup bag needs a bath every once in awhile to remove dust, particles, dirt, and even bacteria. Depending on the material, wipe down the inside with hot soapy water and let dry, throw them in the dishwasher or washing machine.
Youโre considering makeup โtattoosโ
Getting your eyeliner or eyebrows tattooed on seems like the perfect way to cut down on your makeup routine each morning, but you could be putting yourself at risk if itโs not properly done. โTattooing eyeliner on is not trivial. Theyโre working so close to your eyeball that thereโs a risk they could penetrate the globe itself,โ says Dr. Rhee. There are currently no color additives approved by the FDA for permanent dying or tinting of eyebrows and lashes. Here’s more on how safe permanent makeup is for you.
You have colored contacts
If you want to switch up your eye color with colored contact lenses, go to an optometrist and never, ever buy them on your own. โSupervised use of cosmetic lenses are the only safe way to use these,โ says Dr. Rhee. โIf you buy them from some company online, you donโt know what theyโre made of. They can look like a reputable brand but just like handbags they can be counterfeited; materials can rub off and if youโre not taught how to use them by a doctor, it can be dangerous.โ Here’s how to wear makeup with glasses.