Makeup has been around for thousands of years and is used in almost every culture in the world. From tribal to the Hollywood style known today. Ancient Romans and Greeks to ancient Egyptians used kohl to line their eyes and made their own natural creams.

Eye makeup is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, it can become contaminated with common germs, normally found on eyelashes and eyelids, so eye makeup brushes or eyeliner will pick up bacteria during use. Then it is returned to the moist dark environment of its container. The container before opening is free of contamination, frequent use can transfer bacteria that is on your skin and eyes to the makeup. Over time, the contaminated brushes lead to a buildup of bacteria in the cosmetic container. This increases the chance of infection with each use of the product.

Another source of infection is when you share cosmetics. Even if you are sharing brand new cosmetics, the person you are sharing with may have an eye infection and share the infection with you also.

Other issues that come from makeup besides infection:

• scratched cornea
• Lash loss
• Conjunctivitis
• Blepharitis
• Allergic reactions
• Toxic heavy metals
• Blurry vision
• Block glands
Contact lens wearers are susceptible to even more eye problems. Some eye makeup products may contaminate your contact lenses.

Top tips for using eye makeup safely:
• remove makeup before bed
• Throw away old makeup more than three months old
• Don’t share makeup or brushes
• Be village in with contact lenses
• Track the date you open your makeup
• Pick oil-free products to reduce block glands
• Clean or replace your brushes regularly

Sources:

www.clevelandclinic.org
www.visionsource.com
www.URMC.Rochester.edu
www.allaboutvision.com

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