Makeup Trends & Eye Health (Risks & Tips)

Eye makeup has been around for at least 7,000 years. Trends, ingredients, and who culturally wears makeup have changed many times in the last seven millennia.

So what about the current trends? Are eyelash extensions safe? What about permanent eye makeup? How can you avoid infection?

This article dives into it all. Read on to learn how to maintain eye health without sacrificing your personal makeup style.

Makeup Safety Tips

Keep Things Clean (Minimize Bacteria)

Wash your hands and face before applying makeup. A clean, dry face will help your makeup stay on and minimize the amount of bacteria in the area. It will also reduce the amount of bacteria that is moved from your face to your makeup containers every time you re-dip a brush or wand to get more product.

Your makeup tools also need to be clean. Wash your makeup brushes frequently. Most makeup professionals agree that your brushes should be washed at least weekly. You can buy a solution or use warm water with mild soap. Make sure to thoroughly rinse the brushes before laying them out to dry.

Throw out Expired Products

People don’t often realize that cosmetics expire. Throw away expired products. It is tempting to keep using something if you have it, but it isn’t worth the risk. The shelf life of makeup varies by product and brand. Check the packaging or the brand’s website for guidance.

The last way to prevent bacteria from infecting your eyes is to wash your face every night. Never go to bed with makeup still on. It isn’t good for your skin, eyes, or pillowcases!

Find What Makeup Works For Your Skin Type

Makeup allergies are fairly common. If something bothers your skin or eyes, stop using it. Itchy eyes or skin, redness, or burning are all signs that a product isn’t right for you.

If multiple products bother your skin or eyes, see if you can find a common ingredient. Most likely you are allergic or sensitive to an ingredient or two. Once you pinpoint what is hurting you you can find a brand that doesn’t use those ingredients.

Even makeup marketed as hypoallergenic can still bother you. Don’t be fooled into believing something will get better because it is presented as natural or allergy-friendly. Everyone’s skin and eyes are different. Your skin can be sensitive to anything.

Keep trying different things and you’ll eventually land on a safe and comfortable product.

Eyelash Extensions

Eyelash extensions have boomed in popularity in recent years. Like with eye makeup, risks are involved, but if you follow cleaning protocol they are typically safe.

How to Avoid Infection

Cleanliness is your best friend when it comes to eyelash extension application. Wash your eyelashes well before and after you get extensions. Use a mild cleanser and a clean makeup brush to gently cleanse your lash line daily.

If you go to a salon, use a reputable technician with a clean salon space. Ask about their cleaning practices between clients. If something seems unsanitary or the client before you seems to have an eye infection, find a different salon. Lastly, ask your technician to wash their hands if they don’t already do this.

If you are applying a set of lashes on your own, take time to clean your tools and any counter space the lashes will come into contact with first.

Allergic Reactions

Eyelash extensions can cause allergic reactions. More times than not the reaction is from the lash glue. Unlike makeup, fake eyelashes and glue aren’t held to any FDA standards. Research glues and use one with a high rating.

Have a professional remove your eyelash extensions if you are allergic to them or they are causing repeated infections. If you have tried multiple salons, glues, or lash types and still have recurrent infections or irritation stop wearing eyelash extensions for good.

Impaired Vision

Allergic reactions and infections aren’t the only safety risks of artificial eyelashes. Long eyelashes can impair your vision, especially if you wear glasses. If you need corrective lenses consider wearing contacts or get short enough lashes that they don’t interfere with your glasses.

Eyelash Serums

Fake eyelashes aren’t the only way to get longer, fuller lashes. Many people use eyelash serums to encourage eyelash growth.

Eyelash serums are usually safe as long as they are used as directed. You should only use a prescription strength serum with the approval of a doctor.

Multiple over-the-counter options don’t require a prescription. These are safe to use as long as you stop use if your eyes are irritated. If one irritates your eyes another might not. Don’t be afraid to shop around for a product that works for you.

Permanent Eye Makeup

Permanent makeup is appealing to people who want to spend less time applying and reapplying makeup throughout the day. While permanent makeup is generally low risk, there are potential problems and safety recommendations to adhere to.

Risks of Permanent Eye Makeup (Infection)

It should not be a surprise that bacterial infections are one of the highest risks of permanent makeup. Like eyelash extensions, most permanent eye makeup salons use tools that can become contaminated. Good cleaning practices will prevent the transmission of bacteria.

You can also contract more serious infections if the tattooing needles are not cleaned or disposed of properly. It is rare, but you can contract a staph infection, Hepatitis, or HIV from an unclean salon.

If you don’t follow appropriate aftercare instructions you can also get an infection. Keep the area clean and dry to avoid complications.

Permanent Eye Makeup Recommendations

Whenever your eyes are involved you want to make sure things are clean. The workstation, tools, technician’s hands, and your eyes must all be clean before applying permanent eye makeup.

Research permanent eye makeup locations and pick one with good reviews and a history of cleanliness.

Is Makeup Bad For Your Eyes?

Makeup is safe as long as you follow general safe makeup practices. Throw out expired products, wash makeup off every day, clean your brushes regularly, and use clean facilities for any professional makeup services.

When to See an Optometrist

If you’re experiencing pain, discoloration, or discomfort, it is important to see an optometrist. They can help you figure out if your makeup is causing you problems or if something else is at play.

An eye doctor will prescribe an oral or topical antibiotic or cream if you have an infection or injury. They will refer you to an ophthalmologist if the injury is serious enough for surgery.

Routine Eye Care

Annual eye exams are important to ensure overall eye health. Your exam is a good time to ask your eye doctor about any eye health concerns or questions you have. Including ones about makeup.