Common Eye Makeup Habits That Can Lead to Irritation

By Dr. Nieka Sabeti, OD

Eye makeup can be a beautiful part of your daily routine, but how you apply, wear, and remove it matters.

As an optometrist, I often talk with patients about makeup habits that may contribute to eye discomfort or irritation. In many cases, the issue is not necessarily the makeup itself. It is how the product is being used.

The good news? Many of these habits are simple to recognize and easy to adjust.

1. Applying Makeup Too Close to the Eye

One of the most common habits I discuss with patients is applying eyeliner directly along the inner eyelid margin, commonly called the waterline. Applying eyeliner in this area is often referred to as tightlining.

This area contains the openings of the meibomian glands, which produce part of the oily layer of our tear film. Applying cosmetic products too close to these openings may interfere with the natural environment of the eyelid margin and increase the likelihood of cosmetic particles migrating into the tear film.

Instead, consider keeping eyeliner along the lash line rather than directly on the inner rim of the eyelid.

A small change in placement can still create beautiful definition while being more mindful of the delicate structures surrounding the eye.

2. Holding Onto Eye Makeup for Too Long

We all have that favourite mascara or eyeliner we are reluctant to replace, especially when there still seems to be product left.

But eye makeup has a lifespan.

Every time a mascara wand or liquid eyeliner applicator is used and returned to its container, it is exposed to the environment around the eyes. Over time, this can increase the potential for microbial contamination.

As a general rule, I recommend replacing mascara and liquid eye makeup approximately every three months after opening. Always pay attention to the product’s recommended period after opening, and if a product changes in smell, texture, consistency, or performance, it may be time to let it go even sooner.

Regular replacement is one of the simplest ways to support a more eye-conscious beauty routine.

3. Removing Eye Makeup Too Aggressively

Your nighttime makeup routine matters just as much as, if not more than, your morning one.

The skin around the eyes is delicate, and repeated rubbing, tugging, or scrubbing can create unnecessary friction around the eyelids and lashes.

Instead of trying to remove everything immediately, allow your makeup remover time to dissolve the product first.

Apply remover to a soft pad, gently hold it against the closed eye for several seconds, and then wipe away the makeup using light pressure. Repeat as needed rather than scrubbing.

The goal should be effective removal with as little friction as possible.

4. Sleeping in Eye Makeup

I understand. Sometimes getting into bed feels much more appealing than completing your nighttime routine.

But removing eye makeup before sleep is an incredibly important habit.

Leaving mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and other products around the eyes overnight can allow cosmetic residue to remain along the lashes and eyelid margins for extended periods.

Taking a few extra minutes to thoroughly but gently remove your makeup gives your eyelids and lashes a clean reset before morning.

5. Sharing Eye Makeup

Sharing beauty products may seem harmless, particularly with friends or family, but products used around the eyes are best kept personal.

Mascara wands, eyeliner applicators, brushes, and other tools can come into contact with the eyelid and surrounding skin. Sharing them can also mean sharing microorganisms, including bacteria, from one person to another.

Your mascara may love company in your makeup bag, but it does not need a second user.

6. Ignoring How Your Eyes Feel

Beauty routines should never require you to simply tolerate ongoing discomfort.

If a product consistently causes burning, excessive watering, redness, itching, or discomfort, stop using it and pay attention to what your eyes are telling you.

Everyone’s eyes are different, and a product that works beautifully for one person may not be the right choice for another.

Persistent or significant eye symptoms should be assessed by an eye care professional rather than simply covered up or worked around.

Small Changes Can Make a Big Difference

Eye-conscious beauty is not about giving up the products you love.

It is about becoming more intentional about how you use them.

Keeping makeup away from the inner eyelid margin, replacing products regularly, avoiding unnecessary friction, removing makeup before bed, and paying attention to your own comfort are simple habits that can make your beauty routine more thoughtful.

At CHESHMA, we believe beauty and eye health should work together.

Because when it comes to the eyes, the little things matter.