Navratri means long evenings, bright lights, dancing and in the case of a few, a touch of extra time in front of the mirror. Eye makeup is a mainstay of the look, that is used can range from kajal, eyeliner to mascara, glitter and false lashes. While these products can be worn safely enough when applied properly, the eye area is delicate. A slip up in application or cleanliness will turn a festive look at home to a painful night out. So really when it comes to Navratri eye makeup the issue isn’t to avoid makeup at all but know what to stay away from. Also this advice goes out for a few days of fun as opposed to one off application.
Burning, watering, redness, itching or blurred vision after applying a product. These are signs of eye irritation, but what should be avoided is to put on more make up. Here are seven which you should not fall into this festive season. Before you put on more Navratri eye makeup give the eye a chance to recover if you see these symptoms.
1. Using Old or Dried-Out Eye Products
Mascara, liquid eyeliner and other similar products which are used near the eye do not last forever. It is seen that with each use the applicator picks up microorganisms and also that dried out or contaminated products may cause irritation or infection. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports that it is the consumer’s responsibility to not use old eye cosmetics and also that they should be aware that manufacturers usually recommend that mascara be replaced every few months. For Navratri eye makeup which may have been stored for months pay special attention to the condition of these products.
Before the first night of Navratri go over the products you will use. If a mascara has altered consistency, has developed an odor or is dry, that is your signal to discard it before you attempt to reinvigorate it with water or saliva. This base element of eye make up safety is what people tend to neglect in the rush to get ready. What is easy and important is to use new, well stored Navratri eye makeup which is a better base for a long festive evening.
2. Sharing Kajal, Eyeliner or Mascara
Sharing makeup may appear to be a harmless practice when friends are going for a makeup look together, but products which come in contact with the eye area like the eyelids or the lashes can actually pass along germs from one person to another. This is very much the case with mascara wands, kajal pencils and liquid eyeliner applicators.
A better practice is to use your own products and tools for the festive makeup look. As for retail samples, use with care as these may have been used by many. Also in terms of what is a good practice in eye makeup safety is to keep the products clean, to close them properly and to stay away from anything that has become visibly contaminated. Also this extends to when friends trade out Navratri eye makeup products at the festivals.
3. Putting Glitter or Pigment Too Close to the Eye
A better practice is to use your own products and tools for the holiday make up look. As for retail samples use with care as these may have been used by many. Also in terms of what is a good practice in eye make up safety is to keep the products clean, to close them properly and to stay away from anything that has become visibly contaminated. Also this extends to when friends trade out Navratri eye makeup products at the festivals.
If something gets into your eye and causes immediate eye irritation, resist the urge to rub it. Remove the makeup carefully and allow the eye to settle. Persistent pain, sensitivity to light or blurred vision deserves medical attention.
4. Applying Makeup While Travelling
A very full Navratri schedule may have you do your makeup in the car on the way to the garba venue. It may save a few minutes but an unexpected hit or sudden break can turn an eyeliner pencil or mascara into a eye injury. FDA also reports that it is best to not put or take off eye make up in a moving car. For Navratri eye makeup, do it a little beforehand so there is no need to do it during the trip.
It is better to do your makeup sitting at a stable well lit location. This small change in routine is practical for eye makeup safety which includes when you are working with sharp or rigid tools near the eye. Also take the same care with Navratri eye makeup even when you are running late for an event.
5. Wearing Contact Lenses Without Thinking About Makeup
Contact point lenses add a different element to festive makeup. What they put into our makeup may get trapped under a lens and also poor lens care increases the risk of corneal issues. If you wear lenses, follow the care, wear and replacement instructions provided by your eye care professional. When in lenses keep Navratri eye makeup away from the lens itself and follow your regular lens care routine.
Decorative and colored lenses are not automatically a safe choice because they are used for looks instead of for vision correction. The CDC reports that decorative lenses are medical devices which should be properly prescribed and fit. Going to an unauthorized seller may increase your risk of injury and infection. If you notice your eyes are very red, painful, weepy or sensitive to light while in your lenses, take them out and get in to see an eye care professional. Do not try to mask eye irritation with more festive makeup. If you are going to wear Navratri eye makeup with lenses, put lens hygiene at the forefront.
| Makeup habit | Safer approach |
| Old or dried mascara | Replace it rather than adding water or saliva. |
| Shared eye products | Use your own mascara, kajal and eyeliner. |
| Loose glitter | Use only products intended for the eye area. |
| Makeup in a vehicle | Apply cosmetics while seated and stationary. |
6. Sleeping Without Removing Eye Makeup
After many hours of dancing, what you don’t see is the desire to remove your make up. Also, going to bed with mascara, eye liner or glitter around the eyes may increase product residue exposure and also may cause more discomfort which is an issue for those with dry or sensitive eyes.
Take a short while to remove your eye make up at night. Avoid vigorous rubbing at all times, in particular if you notice that your eye area is already irritated. If you are in the midst of an eye infection or there is inflammation around the eye do not use cosmetic products until that area has fully healed. Also, it is best to go without the festive makeup if you are trying to heal an irritated eye which will only make the issue more severe.
7. Ignoring Persistent Redness, Burning or Blurred Vision
A little watering of the eyes after make up removal may provide relief at first but persistent symptoms require attention. Eye irritation which is continuous, worse redness, pain, discharge, great light sensitivity or blurred vision may be a sign of an issue beyond a temporary reaction. Do not put on Navratri eye makeup again to see if the symptoms go away.
How to Enjoy Festive Makeup More Safely
Good festive makeup doesn’t have to be complicated. Begin with clean hands, use products that are intended for the eye area which you should not share. Close out of date products as per the manufacturer’s instructions and keep what you have in a closed container when not in use. If you have an eye infection give that eye time to heal instead of trying to cover it up with makeup. With a few easy practices Navratri eye makeup can be included in your celebration without sacrificing basic eye care.
People that wear contact lenses should be very careful with hygiene and should use only those which are properly prescribed to them. If a product causes eye irritation discontinue it instead try a different product out. These practices make eye makeup safety a part of the get ready routine not an after thought.
Conclusion
Navratri is a great time to play with different outfits and accessories which may include eye makeup as a part of the fun but at the same time not let it become a cause for concern. Use clean products, do not share your eye make up items, avoid doing your eye make up in a moving car, be extra careful with your contact lenses and always remove your make up before going to sleep. If eye irritation continues even after you stop using a particular product go to an eye care professional rather than trying out more home remedies.
At Vasan Eye Care, an ophthalmic exam may bring to light that which is causing persistent redness, discomfort or blurred vision is a simple cosmetic issue or requires a specific treatment. Into the party, do not forget to also pay attention to the health of your eyes which are an integral part of your overall look.
Frequently Asked Questions About Navratri Eye Makeup
1. Can I use glitter around my eyes during Navratri?
Yes but go for a product that is meant for the eye area and stay away from loose craft glitter. Discontinue Navratri eye makeup if it causes eye irritation.
2. How often should I replace mascara?
Check the care instructions of the product which are put out by the manufacturer. The FDA notes that usually mascara is to be replaced every few months.
3. Can I share my festive makeup with friends?
It is best not to share eye make up. Mascara, kajal and eyeliner may transfer germs between users.
4. Can I go for colored contact lenses with festive makeup?
Only with proper fit and prescription. Also decorative lenses may cause issues when not used and cared for properly.
5. When should I see an eye doctor?
You should see an eye doctor at once for persistent eye irritation, large scale pain, discharge, redness, light sensitivity or any change in vision.
References
1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration — Eye Cosmetic Safety
https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/eye-cosmetic-safety