Eyeliner is the most accessible and widely used makeup product in the market. Most of us use eyeliners every day and find nothing wrong with it. What if we told you that there are some side effects of eyeliner?
Even popular brands like the Huda Beauty eyeliner can have side effects. Your eyeliner wand can be home to harmful bacteria. Studies reveal that eyeliner particles may enter the eye which can irritate the eyes. This happens more frequently when you apply the loner to close to the waterline.
Additionally, the practice of applying liner too close to the water line endangers contact lenses. When eyeliner comes in contact with lenses it disrupts your vision and turns the lenses cloudier. At times the eyeliner when applied harshly is capable of damaging the surface of the eye. This can lead to infection, swelling, or irritation in your eyes.
Despite this revelation, we cannot stop using a beauty product that we use every day. Therefore, we should learn some tips and tricks that allow us to use this product safely.
Tips to avoid side effects of eyeliner
1. Say no to expired products
Sometimes it can be tempting to use a product after its shelf life. However, this is not a healthy habit. Using products after shelf life can be tempting when you have not run out of the product.
Dermatologists advise that using eye products after three months is not a good practice. Old eyeliners might be infected with fungus or bacteria. When you apply this to your eyes you increase the chances of an eye infection.
2. Be mindful of the ingredients
All products have their ingredient list on them. Avoid purchasing eyeliners that have toxic ingredients listed on them. Some of the ingredients that you should be avoiding in your eyeliners are sulfates, urea, talc, phthalates, and butylated hydroxyanisole. These ingredients are added to your eyeliners because they perform the job of preserving, stabilising, or act as anti-caking agents. However, all of these ingredients irritate the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
3. Avoid the lash line
Do not apply your kohl or eyeliner on your lash line. We are aware that this might add that dash of darling you are looking for but there are other ways to do that. Consider applying the kohl or liner outside of your lash line.
Water lining blocks the meibomian glands or oil glands from secreting. The oil secretion protects your cornea and lubricates your eye. Additionally, water lining introduces bacteria to your eyes.
People with dry eye syndrome and sensitive eyes should steer clear of applying eyeliner on their lash line. Foreign particles in the eye get cleared in some time. However, a lot of these particles infect the eye before they leave. Therefore, try to apply eyeliner close to your lashes.
4. Bye-bye glitter!
A little bit of sparkle on your eyes might add to the elevation you are looking for. However, the likelihood of the glitter sparkles of your sparkly eyeliner entering your eyes and irritating it is high. This leads to corneal infection and irritation. Additionally, it causes redness and swelling.
5. Say yes to hypoallergenic cosmetics
If you are someone who has a history of eye allergies or has sensitive eyes then it is a good idea to go for a hypoallergenic eyeliner. This will help you avoid the side effects of eyeliner to a certain extent. When purchasing a Huda Beauty eyeliner take a closer look at it to check if it is for sensitive eyes. Hypoallergenic products are meant for all eye types. People other than sensitive eye types can use it as well and it works just as well for them. Opt for all-natural, paraben-free, and vegan makeup so that it is kind to you and the environment around you.
6. Take off your makeup before bed
The only rule to applying makeup is to take it off as soon as its purpose is served. Do not make a habit of sleeping with your makeup on under any circumstances. If you are someone who wears lenses, then make sure you take off your lenses before taking off your makeup. Make sure you use a makeup remover that does not sting your eyes.
7. Don’t be generous with your makeup
It is never a good idea to share makeup as you do not know if the other person is a carrier of any infection. Sharing makeup allows the spreading of bacteria and skin infections. Owing to the same reason you may want to consider avoiding samples at makeup stores.
How to resolve side effects of eyeliner
Despite being aware of all the warnings we have all been in a position where a certain eye product has irritated our eyes. Down below are a few pointers to help you get rid of your eye irritation as soon as possible.
- Rinse your eyes well once you realise there may be any irritation from the makeup you are wearing. In case you wear lenses make sure you take off your lenses before you flush your eyes.
- Wear eye drops that moisturise your eyes and soothe them. Make sure you do this only after removing your eye makeup completely.
- Do not forget to rinse your lenses thoroughly. Use your solution generously to clean it.
- Do not wear your lenses till the time the irritation in your eye has died down.
If it is serious you may experience eye pain, swelling, discharge, sensitivity to light, and consistent blurred vision. In such cases, you should immediately book an appointment with your nearest ophthalmologist. In cases of delay, you may face repercussions such as infections or corneal abrasions. This is not something that home remedies can resolve. You will need professional medical attention.
Final thoughts
When shopping for makeup make sure you do not compromise on the quality of products by going for cheaper products. Good brands are oftentimes expensive because you are also paying for the rice for its good quality. Therefore, make sure you invest in a good quality eyeliner to avoid any potential side effects of eyeliner.
