That mascara may still have plenty left in the tube. The eye shadow you save for special occasions may look almost new. But how much remains tells you very little about how long a product has been in use. A quick look through your makeup bag can help you spot a few habits worth changing.
My advice is to include a quick makeup-bag check in your eye-care routine. Knowing when to replace a product and when to give irritated eyes a break matters more than getting the last few uses out of a tube.
Start with the age of the product
Most eye cosmetics are safe when used properly. Over time, though, preservatives can break down, and repeated use of an applicator can introduce bacteria or fungi. The FDA notes that manufacturers usually recommend discarding mascara two to four months after purchase. Follow the product’s directions and note when you bought and opened it.
An absent expiration date is not a promise that a product will last indefinitely. U.S. cosmetics generally are not required to carry one.
Source: FDA: Shelf Life and Expiration Dating of Cosmetics
Know when to stop using it sooner
Dried-out mascara belongs in the trash. Adding water or saliva can introduce germs and interfere with the product’s protection against contamination.
If a product irritates your eyes, stop using it. If you develop an eye infection, avoid eye cosmetics until the area has healed and discard the products you were using when the infection occurred. Persistent irritation deserves an examination.
Source: FDA: Eye Cosmetic Safety
Make the everyday routine a little safer
Wash your hands before applying eye makeup. Keep containers and applicators clean, and follow cleaning instructions for reusable brushes. Keep products out of a hot car, and do not share them with anyone else.
Use cosmetics intended for the eye area. A lip liner is not a substitute for eyeliner. Apply makeup while sitting or standing still, rather than in a moving car or bus, where a sudden bump can turn an applicator into an eye injury.
Source: FDA: Eye Cosmetic Safety
Take it off before bed
Remove eye makeup before going to sleep. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before taking off your makeup. Be gentle during removal and avoid scratching the eye. If your usual removal routine leaves your eyelids sore, bring the product names and your symptoms to an eye-care visit.
Source: American Optometric Association: Healthy Makeup Habits
Know when your eyes need care
After an eye injury, severe pain, a change in vision, or sensitivity to light needs immediate medical assessment. Seek urgent eye care or an emergency department rather than waiting for a routine appointment. Do not rub an injured eye or keep applying makeup while it heals.
If makeup regularly leaves your eyes irritated, call Dr. Schwartz Optometrist & Associates in Clinton Township at 586-939-1122 to arrange an evaluation. Bring a short list of the products you use and when symptoms occur. Those details can help guide the conversation.
Learn more: Comprehensive Eye Exams at Dr. Schwartz Optometrist & Associates