Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our patients have been wearing more eye makeup
to draw attention to their eyes—especially with face masks covering the lower half of the face. While this is a great way to accentuate your eyes, it can also lead to uncomfortable symptoms of dry eye syndrome
, such as red, itchy, burning, or watery eyes.
If you have sensitive eyes or suffer from dry eyes, here are a few safe makeup tips
to help you look beautiful without irritating your eyes.
1. Use Only Eye-Safe Products
When it comes to eye makeup for dry eyes
, it’s essential to use products specifically designed for eye areas. Not all makeup is created equally. For example, makeup pencils, brow gels, and mascaras are made for different parts of your face, so don’t assume they’re all safe to use near your eyes.
Always read the labels carefully and ensure that the product has been approved by the FDA
or the manufacturer for eye use. To avoid contamination, keep a separate set of brushes and applicators exclusively for eye makeup.
2. Never Share Your Eye Makeup
While sharing makeup may be common in some circles, it’s a big no-no for eye makeup. Bacteria and fungi can thrive on makeup products, especially if they’re shared. This can introduce harmful microbes into your eyes, worsening eye irritation and potentially leading to infections.
Make sure your makeup, including applicators and eyelash curlers
, are never shared—even with close family members or friends.
3. Prioritize Hygiene
Keeping your eye makeup
and applicators clean is crucial. Many types of makeup can act as breeding grounds for bacteria, which can irritate your eyes. Sanitize your brushes after each use, and always sharpen your eyeliner pencil before applying it to your eyes.
Additionally, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before applying makeup. Proper hygiene helps reduce the risk of dry, irritated eyes
.
4. Apply Makeup Only on the Outer Part of Your Eyes
Even eye-safe makeup
can clog the tiny glands in your eyelids that produce oils to keep your eyes lubricated. These glands, called meibomian glands
, are vital for keeping your eyes comfortable. Applying makeup too close to the inner rims of your eyelids can block these glands, leading to dry irritated eyes
and discomfort.
For the best results, keep the makeup on the outer part of your eyelids, avoiding the sensitive inner rim of the eye.
5. Replace Your Makeup Regularly
Mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow should be replaced regularly—especially if they’ve been used for more than three months. Old makeup can harbor bacteria, leading to eye infections
and irritation. If your makeup starts changing color, texture, or odor, it’s definitely time to replace it.
Also, replace any makeup after an eye infection to prevent re-infection.
6. Remove Makeup Thoroughly at the End of the Day
Never skip the step of removing your eye makeup before bed. Leaving makeup on overnight increases the chances of developing blepharitis
, an inflammation of the eyelids. Use an oil-free makeup remover
or eyelid wipes
to thoroughly cleanse your eyes and remove all makeup residue.
Eyes Giving You Trouble? We Can Help
Whether you’re dealing with occasional eye irritation
or chronic dry eyes
, we are here to help. At Eyes on Lincoln
, we specialize in treating dry irritated eyes
and offering guidance on how to manage eye makeup for sensitive eyes
safely.
If your eyes have been feeling dry, uncomfortable, or irritated from makeup, contact Eyes on Lincoln
today to schedule a consultation and find the best eye treatment options for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is dry eye syndrome?
Dry eye syndrome (DES)
is a condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears or the right type of tears to keep them lubricated. Symptoms include redness, burning, stringy mucus, light sensitivity, and discomfort.
Can dry eye syndrome be cured?
While there is no permanent cure for dry eyes, there are many effective treatments to manage and alleviate symptoms. Your eye doctor will perform a thorough exam to understand the cause and recommend the right treatment plan for long-lasting relief.
Book Your Eye Exam Today!
Don’t let dry eye symptoms
or eye irritation
hold you back. Schedule an eye exam
with our experts at Eyes on Lincoln
to get personalized advice on managing dry irritated eyes
and protecting your vision.
