Makeup Advice for Lens Wearers from your Northridge, CA Eye Care Practitioner

For those who wear contact lenses a few guidelines should be followed when applying makeup. Below are some basic tips for how to be sure your eyes stay beautiful and healthy.

Purchasing Cosmetics

First and foremost, eye care professionals advise you purchase only products that are oil and fragrance free. Additionally, to prevent peeling and smudging, which could end up irritating your lenses, use water-resistant mascara and eye liner pencils. Finally you should replace cosmetics used around your eyes at regular intervals - it is preferable to switch mascara every month, eyeliner every three months and shadows after half a year.

How to Safely Apply Makeup

Be careful to rinse your hands before putting in your contacts. Put on eye shadow, liner and mascara with care so you won't touch your contacts. Don't apply a brush or liner to the inside eye lid and start mascara from the midpoint of the eyelashes instead of the base. Never share makeup with others or apply when the eyes are swollen or irritated.

Another important tip is to remove makeup daily with hypoallergenic, oil-free remover. It's advised to take out contacts prior to removing cosmetics.

Taking proper care in using cosmetics during contact use can avoid irritated, swollen or infected eyes as well as scratches, breaks or breakdown of lenses.

When your eyes are red or irritated don't use any cosmetics around the eyes. Feel free to contact your eye care practitioner if you have any redness, pain, or itchiness. Our Northridge, CA eye doctor will be glad to assist you with any lens issues that you may be having.