The Right & Wrong Ways To Apply Eye Makeup & Remove It
We’re an eye doctor’s office, but that doesn’t mean we can’t weigh in on patients’ habits with eye makeup. After all, we see enough damage done - on both the application and removal fronts - that we have experience in this area. One of the best eye care tips we can give you is to use caution when working with any products or tools near the eye area. Here’s some more guidance for maintaining eye health, as well as how to apply eye makeup and how to safely remove eye makeup.
Washing Your Hands
Unfortunately, this is one of the most commonly ignored eye care practices. Before you apply or remove makeup - or touch your face whatsoever - spend at least 20 full seconds properly washing your hands. This can prevent irritation and even infection.
Using The Right Products
The beauty industry is booming, and there’s an array of products being marketed to you at any given point. But, it’s in your best interest to go slowly when it comes to purchasing new products. Whether mascara, eye makeup remover or something else, look up the ingredient list and do some research.
If a product includes 20 ingredients you’ve never heard of, odds are good that at least a portion of them are chemicals (e.g. parabens or alcohol). In general, the fewer ingredients, the better - and the more pure the ingredients, the better. When in doubt, you can check a product’s toxicity levels by searching the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database. If the product in question is in the database, you’ll be able to view which ingredients might be cause for concern and why.
The takeaway? When it comes to your eyes, you want all products to be as gentle as possible.
Applying The Right Amount of Pressure
Sometimes, putting makeup on or taking it off seems to require a more forceful touch. But it never should. So, whether you’re putting on eyeshadow or wiping it away, check how much pressure you’re applying to your eyelid and eye area. Your eyelid skin is the thinnest skin on your body, not to mention the fact that your eyes should be treated with great care as well.
Avoid pressing down hard on your eyeliner pencil or rubbing vigorously with a makeup remover pad. Instead, use small, gentle strokes to apply product and small, circular motions to remove it. If you’re too aggressive, your eyes and eye area will pay the price in dryness, flaking, irritation and even the creation of new fine lines.
The Best Eye Care Tips
Additionally, there are a few more pieces of advice to keep in mind. First, plan to wash any of your brushes or tools that you use regularly about once per week. Second, never share eye makeup, as this can fast track your way to an infection.
Third, always avoid putting any products in or around the direct eye area. For instance, keep eyelash curlers away from the lash line so they don’t pinch your eyelid. Also avoid “tightlining” (which is applying liner to the eye’s waterline). This can create various eye problems, or even damage your vision.
Another example is the use of a lash serum, which is often meant to be brushed on at the base of the lash line. Again, this can leave your eye vulnerable to problems or infection. Trust us; none of these trends are worth it.
With the right knowledge, you can enjoy experimenting with makeup safely and maintaining eye health at the same time. Any questions, or ready to schedule your next eye exam? Give us a call!