There are safety measures for choosing, applying, and wearing cosmetics when you wear contact lenses. These measures will help protect your eyes and provide for long-term, problem-free contact lens wear.
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Choose unscented, hypoallergenic cosmetics made by a well-known brand name that you trust.
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Wash your hands before putting in or taking out your contact lenses.
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Don't borrow or lend your cosmetics to others.
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Keep false eyelash glue, nail polish and remover, and perfume and cologne away from contacts. They can damage the lenses.
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Wash all makeup brushes often.
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Take lenses out before removing makeup.
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Don't use hand creams or lotions before handling contacts because they can leave a film on the lenses.
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Apply makeup after inserting the contact lenses.
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Don't reuse your old mascara applicator with refills.
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Don’t use frosted, pearlized, shiny, or other glittery types of eye shadow. These flake and are common causes of eye irritation and infection in people who wear contacts.
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Don't apply eyeliner to the inner edge of the lid or above the lash line on the lower lid.
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Don't use loose powder on the face.
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Don't apply creams too close to the eyes.
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Never apply eye makeup while in motion or while driving.
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Don't use water or saliva to wet applicator or thin cosmetics.
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Don't apply cosmetics if your eyes are red, swollen, or infected. Talk with your ophthalmologist or optometrist if symptoms continue.