Use Eye Cosmetics Safely
Women know that dazzling eyes are one of the most essential parts of personal grooming and makeup.
Mascara, eye liner and shadow can make a dramatic difference in your appearance!
But just as with any other personal hygiene issue, there are some safety factors to keep in mind:
- Keep everything clean. Dangerous bacteria or fungi can grow in some cosmetic products, as well as their containers. Cleanliness can help prevent eye infections.
- Always wash your hands before applying eye cosmetics, and be sure that any instrument you place near your eyes is clean. Keep containers clean, since these may also be a source of contamination.
- Don't share or swap. People can be harmed by others' germs when they share eye makeup. Keep this in mind when you come across "testers" at retail stores. If you do sample cosmetics at a store, be sure to use single-use applicators, such as clean cotton swabs.
- Don't apply or remove eye makeup in a moving vehicle. Any bump or sudden stop can cause injury to your eye with a mascara wand or other applicator.
- Use only cosmetics intended for the eyes on the eyes. Don't use a lip liner as an eye liner, for example. You may expose eyes either to contamination from your mouth or to color additives that are not approved for use near the eyes.
- Don't use eye cosmetics that cause irritation. Stop using a product immediately if irritation occurs. See a doctor if irritation persists.
- Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection. Discard any eye cosmetics you were using when you got the infection. Also, don't use eye cosmetics if the skin around the eye is inflamed.
Published 09/12/08
