Eyes are the most sensitive part of our body. We often take them for granted, especially when it comes to applying makeup. Using eye makeup regularly can cause damage to your eyes over time if your habits are not suitable.

In this article, we will discuss 30 eye makeup habits that can harm your vision.

1. Applying makeup on unclean skin

It’s crucial to start with clean skin before applying any makeup to prevent bacterial and microbial infection. Makeup will stick better to a clean surface, and your skin will look fresh, avoiding oil buildup that can cause eye problems.

2. Sleeping with Makeup On

Sleeping with makeup on is the biggest mistake that you can make. It can clog your pores, lead to bacterial infection and cause irritation and redness to the eye area.

Cleanse your face thoroughly before you turn in for the night to avoid any such issues.

Sharing makeup is a bad idea, especially eye makeup. The eyes are sensitive to infections, and using a shared brush or eyeliner can cause bacterial, fungal, and viral infections like pink eye. By all means, avoid sharing your makeup with anyone else.

4. Using Expired Products

Using expired eye makeup can cause long-term eye damage. Over time, makeup products accumulate bacteria and viruses, leading to infections. Be sure to check the expiration date on the product, and if it’s expired, dispose of it.

5. Applying Eye Makeup Inside the Waterline

Applying makeup on the inside of the waterline (the rim of the eyelid) can cause irritation and redness, and it’s not healthy to do it often, especially with waterproof makeup.

The waterline has a lot of moisture and bacteria, which can cause inflammation and infection easily.

6. Overuse of Eye Cream

Using too much eye cream or applying it too close to the eyes can lead to blocked tear ducts and puffiness, causing vision issues. Use your eye cream sparingly and only on the under-eye area, keeping it away from the lashes and the eye itself.

7. Tugging Eye Area

Tugging your eyes to apply eye makeup is a common mistake that can cause damage to your eyes by pulling the delicate skin around the eyes, leading to wrinkles and sagging skin.

Hold your eye steady with one hand and apply your makeup with the other to avoid tugging.

8. Sudden Change of Makeup

Changing makeup brands continuously can cause eye irritation. Many brands may use ingredients that may not be suitable for you. If you decide to change brands, try not to change everything at once.

Test them slowly and see how your eyes react to the new makeup over some time.

9. Lack of Proper Cleaning

Clean your brushes and sponges regularly to avoid the accumulation of bacteria and other microorganisms.

Use a mild soap to clean them; if you don’t clean your surfaces, you risk spreading germs to the next time, which is not good for your eye health at all.

10. Rubbing Eyes

Rubbing your eyes often and hard can lead to irritation and infection. Eye rubbing can cause damage to the cornea by changing the shape of the eyeball, leading to vision loss.

Avoid rubbing your eyes or only do it with very clean hands and as little as possible.

11. Using too much Waterproof Makeup

Using waterproof makeup may help your eye makeup last longer, but it can block the pores around the eyes and lead to skin irritation. Waterproof makeup can also be challenging to remove, which can lead to tugging and pulling, causing eye damage.

12. Sleeping in Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses all day can make your eyes prone to infection. Sleeping with them is worse, causing tears to evaporate and reducing oxygen absorption, leading to redness and swelling of the eye. Remove your contacts before you sleep.

13. Not Removing Makeup Thoroughly

Cleanse your face thoroughly to avoid any leftover makeup on your eyes. Set aside enough time to properly remove your makeup after a long day of work.

Use an oil-based cleanser to remove waterproof mascara and eyeliners, taking care not to rub your eyes too hard.

14. Applying Makeup in Moving Vehicles

Applying eye makeup while in a moving vehicle can be dangerous, as sudden movements can result in droplets of makeup getting into your eye, causing inflammation. Apply your makeup when you are in a stable, clean, and well-lit environment.

15. Using Wrong Shades of Eye Makeup

Choosing the wrong shade of eye makeup can make your eyes look dull and lifeless. The wrong shade may also cause an allergy due to the use of chemicals and ingredients in the makeup products used.

Make sure to choose the right shade that compliments your skin and eyes.

16. Putting Makeup Before Your Contact Lenses

Putting makeup before you put on your contact lenses is a bad idea. Wearing contact lenses after putting on makeup can leave particles that stick to your lenses and irritate your eyes. Put on your contact lenses first, and then apply your eye makeup.

17. Not Wearing Sunglasses

Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can cause eye damage, including cataracts, macular degeneration, and corneal sunburn. Wearing sunglasses provides an effective barrier against harmful sunlight and protects your eyes from damage.

18. Using Dirty or Damaged Makeup Brushes

Dirty or damaged makeup brushes may carry bacteria and irritants that can cause eye infections or even worse long-term eye damage. Damaged brushes can also scratch or irritate the eye. Be sure to clean your brushes regularly and replace any damaged ones.

19. Applying Mascara on Bottom Lashes

Applying mascara on your bottom lashes is not always healthy, as it can cause it to enter your eyes, resulting in swelling, redness, and eye irritation. Try to avoid mascara on the bottom lashes, or use a milder mascara for that area of your eyelashes.

20. Using Glitter-Based Makeup

Glitter-based eye makeup can cause damage to the eyes, leading to irritation, redness, and even long-term eye damage. Glitter particles can irritate the cornea, leading to irritation and scratchy eyes. Be vigilant and avoid glitter-based eye makeup.

21. Using Old Eye Pencils

Old eye pencils can cause eye infections as they are the best breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Sharpen your pencil before using it, and throw it away when it becomes too short.

22. Applying False Eyelashes Incorrectly

Applying false eyelashes incorrectly can cause damage to your eyes and look unnatural. Make sure to apply them correctly and use glue specifically made for eyelash adhesion. Test a small area first before applying it on your lashes.

23. Using Eye Makeup Remover with Harsh Chemicals

Using eye makeup remover with harsh chemicals can cause irritation to your eyes. Use eye makeup removers that are gentle on the skin; be sure it does not contain harsh chemicals or fragrances that can irritate your eyes.

24. Applying Makeup When You Have an Eye Infection

By applying makeup when you have an eye infection, you risk spreading bacteria and causing more damage to your eyes. Leave off the makeup until the infection clears, and wash your hands often and thoroughly.

25. Not Washing Your Hands Before Applying Makeup

Not washing your hands before applying makeup can cause bacterial infections. Your hands naturally carry a lot of microorganisms, dirt, and bacteria, and touching your eyes with dirty hands can lead to eye infections.

Always wash your hands before applying any makeup.

26. Using Too Much Makeup

Applying too much eye makeup can cause clogged pores, irritation, and bacterial infections. Heavy eye makeup can also block your vision and cause dryness around the eyes.

Use eye makeup moderately and take it off at night to give your skin some time to breathe and avoid damage.

27. Neglecting Mascara Removal At Night

Neglecting to remove mascara before going to sleep can cause lash breakages over time. Always remove your mascara before going to bed by using a gentle cleanser that does not damage your lashes.

28. Too Much Use of Eye Drops

Using eye drops regularly stimulates tear production, but using them too much can have adverse side effects like eye drier, issues with the drainage system, and blurred vision.

Stop using eye drops after a week or two unless prescribed by an ophthalmologist.

29. Applying Makeup in Ill-Lit Rooms

Applying makeup dimly lit rooms can cause you to use excess makeup, since the lighting may not reveal details to help you achieve an accurate application.

Make sure your environment is well-lit so that you can accurately apply makeup to avoid any issues.

30. Applying Makeup Too Close to the Eye

Applying makeup too close to your eye can cause irritation and inflammation to your eyes. Ensure that you are using the correct technique and the right product while avoiding contact with your eyes.