Vision Source Mandan Blog

Safety Tips for Your Eye Makeup

The saying “beauty is pain” shouldn’t be true when it comes to eye makeup.

Makeup might not be made of lead, arsenic, and mercury like it was in centuries past, but we should still be careful with it around our eyes. Even modern makeup made of the safest ingredients can increase our risk of eye injuries and infections.

Keep Some Distance Between Your Eye and the Makeup

We would never tell makeup-loving patients to give up their eye makeup, but we have serious concerns about certain types that get far too close to the eyeball for comfort. These include eyelash extensions, false eyelashes, colored or costume contact lenses, and eyeliner for the waterline. These products can cause eye irritation and help bacteria build up and possibly get into the eyes.

Another type of makeup that can be a vehicle for germs is mascara. It only takes a single use for the mascara wand to be contaminated with the user’s germs, and one slip of the hand can result in a poke in the eye that could scratch the cornea.

Look Great, the Safe Way

What can we do to protect our eyes while we use makeup to create the looks we desire? Here are a few basic safety tips to follow:

  • Makeup expires. Check yours for expiration dates and replace it if it’s past its use-by date. Old makeup is more likely to cause an infection or irritation than fresh makeup, and this could be the culprit if you’re already experiencing irritation, especially if you’ve been sick. Our eyes can become reinfected from makeup germs after we recover!
  • Use clean brushes. Not only will they be better for the final result, but they’re also more sanitary!
  • Avoid the waterline. Even if it looks amazing and you’ve mastered the art of not poking your eye, putting makeup right on the waterline means leaving a lot of foreign material next to the tear film.
  • DO NOT SHARE your eye makeup. Whether it’s a family member or a friend, do not share makeup because you’ll be sharing your germs too.
  • Be careful who you buy costume lenses from. If the vendor doesn’t ask for a prescription, they aren’t trustworthy. Even if you don’t need a prescription to see clearly, you do need one for contacts that fit properly!

Bring Us Your Eye Makeup Questions

If you still have questions or concerns about your eye makeup or would like our recommendations for eye-safe brands, please get in touch with us. We’re eager to give our patients all the information they need so that they can keep looking their best while making eye health and safety a priority.

We love seeing our patients’ beautiful eyes!

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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My annual eye exam is always an excellent experience with Dr. Danielle Dyke. The exam is always thorough, and Dr. Dyke takes the time to explain my eye health in a way I can understand. The Vision Source eye clinic is modern, clean, and the staff is very welcoming. I always feel comfortable and well-cared for at my appointment. I highly recommend Dr. Dyke and Vision Source!

Patricia G.

Dr. Schauer did an amazing job getting my eye infection cleared up. As I sat in my room waiting my turn, because I had a last minute appointment, I could hear her working with a family next door that had young kids.

Fred S.

Whenever I have had eye issues, they have made efforts to get me in asap. Which I really appreciate. I have had Dr. Aberle and Dr. Dyke and they are both excellent. Recently, I saw Dr. Aberle for a chronic eye problem in one eye & he fixed the problem. Honestly, it felt like a miracle. The office staff is also very pleasant to deal with.

Sheila S.

I've literally been a lifelong customer since 5th grade when it was Dr. Little! Dr. Schauer has taken over since Dr. Little retired. It's always a good, friendly experience with all of the staff there. I've never had a bad experience.

Bill S.

The front desk people are very nice and friendly got called in to see Wayne before my appointment time Vision Source has very friendly staff and the clinic is very clean will always be a patient to Vision Source.

Deborah C.

I was greeted by the front desk very efficiently. The person who did the first part of my history and did the testing like the little spritz in my eyes, etc, was very good. I really like my eye doctor, I feel that I get all my questions answered as well as she explains what she is seeing when she is examining my eyes.

Dolly A.

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