04/23/2026
When using cosmetics around the eyes, the following tips will help you avoid painful and damaging eye infections:
🩵 Only use cosmetics that are designed for use around the eyes.
🩵 Throw away eye makeup after three months. Infection-causing bacteria grow easily in creamy or liquid eye makeup.
🩵 Before applying makeup, be sure your face and eyelids are clean.
🩵 Always apply makeup outside the lash line, away from the eye, to avoid blocking the oil glands of the upper or lower eyelid. These glands secrete oil that protect the eye’s surface.
🩵 Avoid sharing eye makeup, even with family or close friends.
🩵 When sampling makeup in stores use only fresh applicators and samples that have not been contaminated by multiple users.
🩵 If you develop an eye infection, like pink eye, immediately toss all of your eye makeup. Don't use eye makeup until the infection is gone.
If you have questions about your cosmetics routine, or if you have an eye condition that may require special care, ask your doctor.
(source: aao.org)
