If you’re allergic to gluten, make sure you aren’t buying makeup that contains wheat which is a surprisingly common ingredient. There are no FDA or government standards for what constitutes “hypoallergenic. ” Companies can use the label whenever they’d like, so always read the ingredients before you assume a product is okay for you.
Stay away from fragrances in any products that go on your face near your eyes including moisturizers and eye creams.
Thickening mascara contains hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) which is used to make bubbles in soap. Waterproof mascara is tougher to remove so you’ll be rubbing - and irritating - your eyes more.
Don’t reach for the redness relief drops as they can be addictive. These work by constricting the red enlarged blood vessels in your eyes. But when they wear off, the vessels often end up bigger than before so you reach for another drop. [10] X Research source
This is especially important if you use your fingers to apply shadow or cream.
Using a cream eye shadow in place of powder is also an option to avoid getting irritants in your eyes.
Sharpening your eyeliner a bit before each use can also help remove a top layer of potential germs. [13] X Research source
Your lower waterline is home to the Meibomian glands which produce oil to keep your eyes moist. If you put eyeliner on your waterline, you can clog the glands and dry out your eyes as a result. [15] X Research source Skipping your lower lashes can be a good idea, too, for preventative measures. If you tend to have watery eyes, mascara on your lower lashes will run or smear easily.
If you absolutely have to rub your eyes, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly first. Rubbing your eyes frequently can even damage your cornea and cause more serious health issues. [16] X Research source
You can use shampoo or dishwashing soap instead of hand soap, as well. If you use a brush cleanser, you don’t need to add water. Just put a dollop of cleanser in the palm of your hand and use it to massage the brush bristles. Then rinse the brush and let it dry. Always put covers on your brushes after cleaning them to protect them from airborne germs.
Every time you pump your mascara wand, it brings air into the tube… along with any bacteria lurking in the air. The FDA has even reported cases of women becoming permanently blind due to using old makeup. [19] X Trustworthy Source University of Rochester Medical Center Leading academic medical center in the U. S. focused on clinical care and research Go to source
Symptoms of pink eye include sticky discharge in the corner of your eye, crusted eyelids, and itching. If you experience any of these, go see your doctor. They can prescribe antibiotic drops to get rid of the infection.
Eye-specific makeup remover is gentler than normal facial cleansers or makeup removers. [21] X Research source Look for eye makeup remover that has hydrating additives like panthenol or aloe vera. Micellar water is a great option for sensitive eyes. It doesn’t include any alcohol and the micelle molecules latch onto dirt and makeup easily, so you don’t have to use a lot of pressure or scrubbing. Talk about easy on the eyes![22] X Research source Don’t rub vigorously when taking off your eye makeup. Harsh scrubbing irritates and dries out your eyes. [23] X Research source
