Handy Tips for Applying Eye Make-Up Safely

A handy SEVEN tips for applying eye make-up follows. Carolyn Clifford's tips are right on the money along with others for preserving the safety of your make-up for health reasons. Make-up may seem costly and it isn't comfortable to discard something that isn't all used up. You only have to have ONE eye infection to change your thinking for that idea. 

A good place to start is to keep yourself a supply of fresh eye shadow applicators.  Get them by the bag at your cosmetic counter, then you don't feel so badly about tossing the old ones.  Plus, they are kind of cheezy and don't last very long.

7 ways to use eye makeup safely -- Carolyn Clifford / WXYZ Channel 7 Action News

The application of eye makeup is part of the morning routine for many women and teens. Most use mascara, eyeliner and shadow without any health issues at all.

But some people can have allergic reactions, develop infection or injure their eyes with makeup. Women who wear contacts have to be especially careful with makeup.

Here are seven ways to use eye makeup safely:

Apply mascara only to the tips of your lashes. According to Consumer Reports on Health, getting mascara too close to the root could block glands on the eyelids that help form tears. This could lead to a condition called dry eye which can cause pain or diminish vision.

Don't share makeup. Sharing makeup means sharing bacteria. That could lead to serious eye infections.

Never apply eye makeup in a moving vehicle. This is downright dangerous if you're driving. But even as a passenger, you could accidentally poke your eye.

Replace cosmetics every six months . Consider new mascara every three months. Throw away anything that begins to smell or look funny. Replace more often if you wear contacts.

And dump everything if you have recently had an eye infection.

Don't add water to makeup. Tap water isn't sterile and using it to thin out mascara can lead to bacterial infection. And never use an old applicator in a fresh cosmetic product.

Keep eyeliner pencils sharpened. This will prevent the wooden part from scratching the eye or eyelid.

Don't use lash-extending mascaras or metallic-sheen shadows if you wear contacts. Particles can flake off and get between your contact lens and your eye and scratch your cornea.

You can watch Action News anchor Carolyn Clifford's Health Edge reports at 5 p.m. weekdays on WXYZ Channel 7 Action News.