Harmful bacteria and fungi can lurk in eyeliner pencils and makeup brushes, entering your eyes during your daily makeup routine. To keep your eyes both beautiful and healthy, here are some mistakes to avoid when applying makeup.

Not removing makeup before bed

Leaving mascara on or going to bed without washing your face can cause irritation. Bacteria, dirt, allergens, and leftover makeup can lead to infections, styes, redness, dryness, and eye fatigue.

If you wear eye makeup, always remove it before going to sleep. If washing your face isn't convenient, applying a damp washcloth to your eyes can also help quickly remove makeup. Even if you don't wear makeup, you should still wash your eyelids, eyelashes, and the skin around your eyes every day.

Sharing makeup

Sharing eye makeup like mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow with others can be harmful to your eyes. Bacteria and other harmful substances can directly enter your eyes. This can lead to infections, conjunctivitis (pink eye), keratitis, and other eye diseases caused by bacteria or viruses spread through makeup.

Using old makeup

Opened eye makeup should not be used for more than 6 months. If you experience an eye infection, discard any eye makeup you've used to avoid reinfection.

Not reading ingredient labels

Carefully reading the ingredient labels on cosmetics is also crucial. Some ingredients, such as talc, BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole), and phthalates, act as preservatives, stabilizers, or anti-caking agents. They can also irritate the skin if used in large quantities.

Frequently using false eyelashes

False eyelashes and glue can also cause reactions on the eyelids, such as rashes and other uncomfortable side effects. Eyelash extensions can make it difficult to clean your eyelashes and the area around your eyelids, leading to infection.

Not washing your hands before applying makeup

Before handling eyeliner or eyeshadow, wash your hands thoroughly. Bacteria on your hands can spread to your eyes, especially if you apply makeup with your fingertips.

Not washing your eyes properly

Pigment particles from eye care products can enter your eyes, causing discomfort. If makeup gets into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water or eye wash solution until all mascara, eyeliner, or makeup fragments are removed. Afterward, apply moisturizing eye drops to the affected eye after rinsing out the makeup. If you wear contact lenses, remove them before rinsing your eyes. Do not put your contact lenses back in while your eyes are still irritated.

Bao Bao (According to Livestrong, Cleveland Clinic)