Eye makeup has become an integral part of many people’s daily beauty routine. From mascara to eyeshadow, we use a variety of products to enhance our eyes and make them pop.

However, it’s important to note that certain eye makeup habits can pose potential dangers to our eye health. In this article, we will discuss some of these habits and the risks associated with them.

1. Sleeping with eye makeup on

One of the most common mistakes people make is going to bed without removing their eye makeup. The delicate skin around our eyes is highly sensitive and leaving mascara or eyeshadow on overnight can clog the pores and lead to irritation or infection.

It can also cause the eyelashes to become brittle and prone to breakage.

Sharing eye makeup products like mascara or eyeliner is a big no-no. Bacteria can easily transfer from one person to another through these products, increasing the risk of eye infections such as conjunctivitis or styes.

It’s best to use your own eye makeup products and refrain from borrowing or lending them.

3. Using expired products

Using expired eye makeup products can have detrimental effects on our eyes. Over time, these products can accumulate bacteria, which can lead to eye infections or allergic reactions.

It’s crucial to regularly check the expiration dates of your eye makeup items and replace them accordingly.

4. Applying eyeliner on the inner rim

Many people apply eyeliner directly on the inner rim of their eyes, known as the waterline. However, this practice can introduce bacteria or harmful chemicals into the eyes, causing irritation and potential damage to the delicate tissues.

Instead, it’s advisable to apply eyeliner along the base of the lashes or on the outer rims.

5. Using glitter or shiny eyeshadows

Glitter or shimmer eyeshadows may give an attractive sparkle to your eyes, but they can also pose risks. Tiny shimmer particles can easily get into the eyes, causing irritation and in some cases, scratching the cornea.

If you choose to use glittery eyeshadows, make sure they are made from safe and non-irritating ingredients.

6. Pulling or tugging at the eyelids

Many individuals tend to pull or tug at their eyelids while applying eye makeup, often unintentionally. This can put strain on the delicate skin around the eyes, leading to wrinkles and sagging over time.

It’s essential to be gentle when applying makeup and avoid any unnecessary pulling or rubbing.

7. Not properly cleaning makeup brushes

Makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, dirt, and oils if not cleaned regularly. Using dirty brushes introduces these impurities to the eyes, potentially causing infections or allergic reactions.

Cleaning your brushes at least once a week with gentle soap and warm water can help maintain good eye hygiene.

8. Using counterfeit or low-quality products

Counterfeit or low-quality eye makeup products often contain harmful ingredients that can cause eye irritation or even serious eye damage.

It’s essential to purchase makeup from reputable brands and retailers to ensure the safety and quality of the products you are using on your eyes.

9. Overusing waterproof makeup

Waterproof eye makeup products are often used for their long-lasting qualities. However, these products are more difficult to remove and often require more rubbing or tugging, which can irritate the sensitive skin around the eyes.

Using waterproof makeup sparingly and ensuring proper removal is crucial to protect your eye health.

10. Ignoring signs of irritation or infection

Lastly, ignoring signs of eye irritation or infection caused by eye makeup can lead to more significant problems.

If you experience redness, itching, swelling, discharge, or any other unusual symptoms, it’s vital to discontinue using the products immediately and seek medical attention if needed.