Tips to keep germs out of your cosmetics
If a dramatic eye is your thing, go ahead and get your wink ready. Just be sure to follow these safety tips:
Your hands carry bacteria. Wash your hands before applying eye makeup.
Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an eye infection or the skin around your eye is inflamed. Wait until the area heals. Discard any eye cosmetics you were using when you got the infection. If your makeup causes irritation, stop using it immediately. If irritation persists, see a doctor.
Be careful not to scratch your cornea when applying or removing eye makeup.
Don’t use any cosmetics near your eyes unless they are made for that use. For instance, don’t use a lip liner as an eyeliner. You may be exposing your eyes to contamination from your mouth, or to color additives that are not approved for use in the area of the eye.
Avoid color additives not approved for use in the eye area, such as kohl or “permanent” eyelash tints. Keep kohl away from children; it has been linked to lead poisoning.
Throw away dried-up mascara. Don’t try to moisten it by adding saliva or water. The bacteria from your mouth could grow in the makeup and cause infection. Toss mascara after two to four months.
Keep makeup containers clean.
Don’t share your cosmetics. Your sister’s bacteria may be hazardous to you.
Store makeup at temperatures below 85 degrees. Too much time in a hot environment (your car, the bathroom) can deteriorate the preservative in makeup.
