Written by Tanya Shelton-Harville
Mascara is the magic wand that instantly transforms our eyes, making them appear brighter, bigger, and oh-so-beautiful. A few swipes can take your look from drab to fab and boost your self-confidence immeasurably. However, this beauty trick has its own set of rules which should be followed to maintain your eye health. They are easy to remember, and simple to follow.
Eyelash curlers, undeniably effective in lifting lashes for that wide-eyed look, come with their own set of warnings. When misused or improperly sanitized, they can pull out lashes from the follicles—some of which might never grow back. This is not merely a cosmetic concern. Improper use can lead to infected eyelids, a painful, but treatable experience. In the worst-case scenario, these infections can jeopardize vision, leading to potential blindness.
At WK Eye Institute, we believe your eyes are one of the most striking features of your face, and it is essential to take good care of them. Following these three simple rules – removing mascara daily, replacing it every three months and using your eyelash curler with care – will help you maintain eye health, promote lash growth, prevent premature aging, and ensure your makeup looks fresh and attractive. However, if you start experiencing any of the following, crustiness, or grittiness in or around the eyes, sticky lashes, swollen eye lids or any other discomfort of the eyes, please seek out immediate attention of an eye care professional. Remember, your eyes are the windows to your soul; make sure they always shine brightly!
Simple Rules of Mascara
Rule 1 | Remove Mascara Daily
Prevents Eye Infections: The eyes, specifically the eyelids, are incredibly sensitive and a breeding ground for bacteria. Not removing mascara properly leads to a build-up of the product along your lash line and eyelids, which in turn can lead to eye infections such as conjunctivitis or styes.
Promotes Lash Health: Your lashes need to breathe! Keeping mascara on overnight causes lashes to become brittle and break off. It can also clog the hair follicles, hindering the growth of new lashes.
Prevents Aging: The skin around your eyes is extremely delicate and prone to wrinkles. Failure to remove eye makeup properly accelerates skin aging. The tugging and pulling of the skin while removing mascara can also cause fine lines and wrinkles.
Prevents Irritation: Mascara can irritate, especially for those with sensitive eyes. If you experience any reaction to your mascara, remove it immediately and thoroughly.
Keeps your Makeup Fresh: Mascara tends to dry out and become clumpy over time. This not only makes application difficult but also results in an unattractive finish.
Rule 2 | Replace Mascara Every Three Months
Bacteria Build-up: Mascara wands are exposed to bacteria every time you pull it out of the tube and apply it to your lashes. Even if you do not have an eye infection, bacteria from your skin can transfer to the wand and then back into the tube, where it can multiply.
Drying Out: Mascara tends to dry out over time, making it challenging to apply and causing clumping on your lashes.
Formula Breakdown: The ingredients in mascara break down over time, causing the formula to become less effective. This can lead to subpar application and finish.
Eye Health: Old mascara can harbor bacteria, leading to eye infections. It is better to be safe than sorry and replace your mascara every three months to ensure your eye health.
Rule 3 | Eyelash Curlers- Use with Caution
When using an eyelash curler, always apply it with a light touch.
If during the application you sense any tugging on your lashes, promptly ease the pressure. NEVER allow the curler to pull on your lashes.
Always clean your eyelash wand with an alcohol prep pad and let it dry thoroughly before its next use. This ensures any lingering bacteria from prior use is eliminated.