Contacts and Makeup: Do's and Don'ts from your San Jose, CA Optometrist

If you use contact lenses a few guidelines should be followed when using makeup. Below are a few tips on how to ensure your eyes stay lovely and healthy.

Which Makeup Are the Safest for your Eyes?

To start, we advise you use only cosmetics that are fragrance and oil free. Additionally, to avoid flaking or smudging, which could end up bothering your lenses, purchase water-resistant mascara and eye liner pencils. Finally you should switch makeup at regular intervals - it is preferable to replace mascara every month, eyeliner after 3 months and shadows after half a year.

Tips on Applying Makeup

Be careful to wash your hands before putting in your lenses. Apply eye shadow, liner and mascara gently to avoid damaging your contact lenses. Try not to apply mascara or eye liner to the lid inside the lashes and start mascara at the center of the eyelashes rather than the bottom near the lid. Don't let another use your makeup or put makeup on when the eyes are red or infected.

It's also very important to clean off eye makeup daily with a hypoallergenic, oil-free cleanser. It's advised to remove contacts before removing cosmetics.

Being careful when applying makeup when wearing contacts can prevent red, itchy or inflamed eyes as well as scratches, breaks or breakdown of the contacts.

When your eyes are swollen or infected avoid wearing makeup. Feel free to contact your optometrist if you experience any redness, pain, or itchiness. Our San Jose, CA optometrist can help you with any contact issues that are troubling you.