If you wear contacts certain guidelines should be followed when applying cosmetics. Below are a few basic tips on how to ensure your eyes stay lovely and safe.

Purchasing Makeup

Even before we discuss how to apply makeup, eye care professionals recommend you purchase only cosmetics that are fragrance and oil free. Additionally, to prevent flaking or smearing, which could end up bothering your contacts, use waterproof mascara and eye liner pencils. Finally it's important to replace eye makeup frequently - ideally replace mascara each month, eyeliner after three months and shadows after half a year.

How to Safely Apply Makeup

Make sure you wash your hands prior to applying your lenses. Put on eye shadow, liner and mascara carefully so you won't touch your contact lenses. Make sure you don't touch mascara or eye liner to the inside eye lid and start mascara from the center of the eyelashes as opposed to the bottom near the lid. Never share makeup with others or put makeup on if the eyes are swollen or irritated.

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

Taking proper care in applying cosmetics during contact lens use can prevent red, swollen or inflamed eyes as well as damage to the contacts.

If your eyes are red or infected avoid applying any cosmetics around the eyes. Don't hesitate to call your eye care practitioner if you have any swelling, pain, or irritation. Our Hasbrouck Heights, NJ eye doctor can assist you with any contact problems that are troubling you.