Optometrists Are Begging You To Do This 1 Thing Before Applying Mascara

Whether you have an early doctor’s appointment or are running late to work, there’s not always time for a full beauty routine. If there’s one makeup product I personally refuse to give up, though, it’s mascara.

Recently, some Gen Zers said skipping out on mascara is more “high fashion,” but mascara is still a staple for many of us. A few quick swipes make me feel a little more alive.

I’m not the only loyal user. Within the past year, TikTokers raved about mascara shields, or eyelash guards, that help you avoid getting mascara where you don’t want it. Plus, Statista data show that more people are using mascara now than they have in the past five years.

But the importance of eye safety and health can’t be ignored (you’ll especially understand this if you’ve ever had a stye or an infection), especially since a million people go to a doctor with an eye infection every year — recently including Elton John among them, who has allegedly lost his eyesight in one eye as a result.

So without further ado, here are need-to-know guidelines about safe mascara use, straight from eye doctors and cosmetologists.

If there’s one tip all the experts all agreed on, it’s that you absolutely need to keep track of how old your mascara is. Just like food and medication, mascara expires after a certain point. Stanley Nolan, a cosmetologist and beauty education specialist at Ogle School, suggested swapping out tubes every two to three months.

And it’s not just because old mascara can be flaky or thickened — it’s because it can transfer dangerous infections. Nolan mentioned irritation and the spread of bacteria. Inayatali said that blepharitis, a condition where bacteria accumulates along the eyelid margin, can increase the risk of infections, such as styes and conjunctivitis.

With that in mind, it’s also important to sanitize your wand weekly with a makeup sterilizer (something most of us don’t do) and be careful along the eyelid margin, according to Dr. Faheem Inayatali, an optometrist with Oasis Dry Eye Center. He encouraged using a UV sterilizer light to keep the mascara clean and reduce bacterial growth. If the UV sterilizer size allows, the entire mascara container can be sterilized. However, at a minimum, the tip that comes into contact with the eyelids should be sanitized.

While this may be a bit annoying, or yet another thing to do, it’s a fairly easy step that makes a difference.

“Regularly switching out old mascara tubes is one of the simplest ways to protect your eyes from potential harm,” said Dr. Joel Kopelman, facial plastic surgeon at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery.

Mascara is generally safe to use (as you’ve probably noticed from using it for years without many problems). But at the same time, it can cause eye infections — which present with annoying symptoms, such as eye itching, pain and discharge.

The main situation in which mascara can lead to an eye infection, Nolan said, is when it’s contaminated.

“Naturally, eyelashes have bacteria on them,” she continued. “Because of this, you can contaminate the mascara wand when you apply the mascara.”

Conjunctivitis (aka “pink eye”) is one example of a possible infection, according to Kopelman. “I’ve seen cases where patients come in with red, irritated eyes due to poor mascara hygiene,” he said.

But again, this can be avoided. Nolan recommended keeping disposable mascara wands on hand. Inayatali encouraged avoiding the eyeliner area, explaining that the obstruction of those oil glands can contribute to dry eye disease over time.

We hate to report that unfortunately, yes — it is that bad. “Sleeping in mascara is more harmful than many people realize,” Kopelman said.

Avoiding this habit is as crucial as avoiding others you may have heard, like sleeping in contacts or not brushing your teeth at night, according to Inayatali. “When bacteria accumulate on the eyelids, they form a biofilm that releases toxins into the eyes, leading to redness and potential allergic reactions,” he said. “Over time, lashes exposed to bacterial buildup become thinner and may even fall out.”

Nolan agreed washing mascara off before bed is vital. “Mascara can flake off overnight, causing debris to get into your eyes and potentially clog up your tear ducts, which can then lead to irritation, inflammation or an eye infection,” she said.

Those flakes can even scratch the surface of the eye (aka the cornea), Kopelman added.

Overnight, mascara can also smear onto your skin, causing breakouts, Nolan said, or weaken and dry out eyelashes, which makes them prone to breakage.

So the next time you come home late after a night out, don’t neglect a makeup wipe swipe — as annoying as that (and as sleepy as you) may be. More specifically, Nolan recommended a gentle, eye-safe makeup remover that can keep your eyelashes clean and reduce the risk of clogging hair follicles or tear ducts.

Kopelman urged never to share your mascara, as innocent as it seems.

“I know it’s tempting to let a friend borrow it, but sharing mascara can spread bacteria and increase the risk of infections,” he said.

This is one of the grossest common makeup habits, according to other experts. Eek!

Is hypoallergenic mascara — such as Covergirl Lash Blast volume mascara and Maybelline Great Lash mascara — the best choice for everyone? You know, one of those “better safe than sorry” situations?

Not quite. “While everyone can use hypoallergenic mascara, it isn’t necessary for everyone unless sensitivity is a main concern,” Nolan said. “I recommend that people who have sensitive skin or eyes, or those prone to allergies, get hypoallergenic mascara.”

Additionally, she encouraged checking the ingredients if you’re prone to allergies. This can reduce potential risks.

But again, you don’t have to fit into that “category;” using it with “less serious” conditions, so to speak, won’t hurt.

“If you tend to experience redness, irritation or watering eyes after applying mascara, hypoallergenic formulas are definitely worth considering,” Kopelman added. “They’re designed to be gentler and free from many common irritants found in regular mascara.”

With that said, hypoallergenic mascara isn’t a cure-all. You still need to wash your eyes and engage in other eye hygiene practices.

“It does not mean the product is resistant to bacterial growth or completely free of potential eye-related issues,” Inayatali said. “While hypoallergenic options are generally safer for sensitive eyes, they are not a comprehensive solution for maintaining long-term eye and lash health. Proper hygiene and regular replacement of products are equally important.”

Two steps matter, in fact: how you get the mascara formula out, and whether you fully close the tube after.

The former is especially surprising: Nolan said to avoid pumping the wand to get the formula out. Rather, insert the wand once and spin it in a circular motion. “This avoids exposure to bacteria brought in from the elements,” she explained.

Kopelman mentioned this, too, for the same reason: It can introduce air and bacteria, drying out the mascara and making it more likely to harbor harmful bacteria.

Also, make sure the tube is closed tightly after use, for a similar reason. “Exposure to air dries out the product and encourages bacterial growth,” Nolan continued. “A tightly sealed tube helps keep the mascara fresh and minimizes the chance of contamination, ensuring safer use.”

Always do this, Kopelman said.

“If you have residual oil, dirt or old makeup on your lashes, the mascara can clump, flake or irritate your eyes,” he explained.

If you need one final push to heed these mascara safety tips, read this information from Inayatali. (Warning: It’s icky.)

“Many individuals develop Demodex mites at the base of their lashes, often due to using old mascara or neglecting proper eyelid hygiene,” he said. “These mites can thrive until this cycle is broken.”

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