Healthy Make Up Habits for Bright Eyes

 

Have you ever considered how your makeup habits might impact the health of your eyes and lashes?

Makeup is more than a beauty ritual—it’s a way to express yourself and boost your confidence. But for those with dry eye disease (DED) or ocular surface disease (OSD), makeup can sometimes feel like a trade-off between looking good and feeling comfortable. At BRIGHT, we believe you shouldn’t have to choose. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you maintain healthy, comfortable eyes while enjoying your favourite beauty products.

1. Remove Your Makeup—Always

Never skip this step! Removing your makeup every night is crucial for keeping your eyes healthy and clear. Leaving makeup on overnight can block glands, cause infections, and even lead to lash thinning and brittleness. A good makeup remover and lid cleanser are your best friends, especially for oil-based cosmetics. Proper removal means less wiping and pulling on delicate lashes and eyelids—a win for your eyes and your beauty routine!

2. Apply Makeup with Care

Start with a clean slate. Ensure your skin, eyelids, and lashes are fresh and clean before applying makeup. Avoid tightlining or applying eyeliner to your waterline, as this clogs glands that keep your eyes hydrated and healthy. Plus, it reduces the risk of makeup particles entering your eyes.

3. Keep Makeup to Yourself

Sharing mascara or eyeliner might seem harmless, but it’s like sharing a toothbrush—bacteria love makeup, too! Using your own products helps keep infections at bay.

4. Replace Makeup Regularly

Even the best makeup has an expiry date. Replace products every 3–6 months to prevent bacteria and fungi from growing in them. Preservatives lose effectiveness over time, so older products can pose serious risks to eye health. Keep eye pencils sharp and clean your makeup brushes every 1–3 weeks to minimize contamination.

5. Time It Right

If you wear contact lenses, always insert them before applying makeup and remove them before cleaning off your makeup. Use eye drops at least 15–30 minutes before applying makeup to avoid smudging and irritation.

6. Choose the Right Formulas

Not all makeup is created equal for sensitive eyes. Here are a few tips:

• Opt for cream eyeshadows and water-based formulas instead of oil-based or glittery ones, which can irritate dry eyes.
• Use eye pencils instead of liquid or gel liners, as they tend to be gentler and can be sharpened for hygiene.
• Avoid fiber or lash-extending mascaras, as well as waterproof formulas, which can cause irritation. Look for hypoallergenic, oil-free, and fragrance-free options.

7. Check the Ingredient List

Many common makeup and remover ingredients can harm your eyes and tear-producing glands. Here’s what to avoid, based on research from the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society:

• Preservatives: Benzalkonium chloride (BAK), parabens, and phenoxyethanol.
• Surfactants & Alcohols: Sodium lauryl sulfate, isopropyl alcohol, and denatured alcohol.
• Irritants: Fragrances, butylene glycol, and carbon black.
• Metals: Lead, nickel, selenium, and thallium.
• Other Additives: Formaldehyde, isopropyl cloprostenate, and acetyl hexapeptides.

Healthy Eyes, Beautiful Results

Your eyes deserve the best care, and your makeup routine should enhance—not harm—them. By adopting these healthy habits and using safe, clean products, you can enjoy the confidence that comes with beautiful eyes and lashes while keeping them comfortable and healthy.

Ready to make the switch to eye-friendly beauty? Explore our range of lid and lash care products, designed with your eye health in mind.