As the excitement builds for the many Christmas shindigs to begins, let’s take a moment to remember that our eyes will need some TLC.

As the excitement builds for the many Christmas shindigs to begin, let’s take a moment to remember that our eyes will need some TLC. Not only with the catching up of sleep and resolutions to hydrate, but the kindness we need to give our eyes before and after every make up session. Here are some suggestions that will keep your big blues/browns and all in between, feeling good and looking great:

• Like food and medication, make up has an expiry date. Be sure to check for one before purchase by looking out for a Period After Opening (PAO) symbol. All products should have one, but if you can’t find it, the general rules for replacing eye makeup are: mascara every 4-6 months, primer every 6 months, liquid eyeliner and creamy eye shadow every 6 months, eyeliner pencils and powder shadows every 2 years (yay!). Be aware that natural and organic products expire faster.
• Infection-causing bacteria grow easily in creamy or liquid eye makeup. If you develop an ocular infection, immediately throw away all your eye makeup. It will feel awful, but trust me, you will be better off.
• Never share eye makeup, and when sampling in stores, use only fresh applicators and samples that have not been contaminated by multiple users (The safest choice is to avoid store samples altogether).
• Sanitise and sterilise your brushes, lash curlers and other tools regularly.
• If you tend to be allergic, introduce only one new eye makeup or care product at a time. Try and get a fresh sample before you buy. If there is no reaction, add another new product and so on. If you notice an allergic reaction, find out what the ingredients are and let your doctor know. Avoid products that contain untested or harmful chemicals.
• Before applying makeup, be sure that your face, hands and eyelids are very 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 protects the eye’s surface.
• Don’t be an on-the-go-applier. It goes without saying but applying any sort of eye makeup whilst on the move can be potentially dangerous. It may be tempting to have 15 more minutes in bed to then apply makeup in the car or on the train, but you could be at risk of scratching your cornea, which can lead to a corneal abrasion. Plus, your finished look won’t turn out as perfect!
• Do not separate your mascara-clumped lashes with sharp items. That is a disaster waiting to happen.
• If you tend to have dry eyes, avoid metallic/glitter, powder or other makeup that flakes. Flakes can get into the tear film and increase your eyes’ irritation. Glitter eye makeup is a common cause of corneal irritation or infection, especially in contact lens users.
• Remove all eye makeup at night before sleeping, especially mascara that can stick to the lashes. Brush a clean cotton swab along the base of the eyelashes to remove all makeup remnants. If you use eye makeup remover, avoid getting it in your eyes and thoroughly rinse remover off your eyelids.
• If you have eye surgery, do not wear makeup around the eye until your ophthalmologist tells you it is safe to do so. Once you\’ve been given the all clear, only use fresh, new makeup.

So there you have it. Essential tips for makeup wearers everywhere. Make sure you remember these points when you\’re getting ready for your busy days and your fun nights and if there is anything you aren’t sure about, make sure you ask your local optician for advice.

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Written by Malika Chatoo FBDO