January 26, 2012
Mixing contact lenses and cosmetics can be a messy situation. Here are some tips from the American Optometric Association (AOA) that will help you keep your eyes safe while using cosmetics and contact lenses.
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Put on soft contact lenses before applying makeup.
- Put on rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses after makeup is applied.
- Avoid lash-extending mascara, which has fibers that can irritate the eyes, and waterproof mascara, which cannot be easily removed with water and may stain soft contact lenses.
- Do not use hand creams.
- Remove contact lenses before removing makeup.
- Choose an oil-free moisturizer or lotions before applying contacts. They can leave film on your lenses.
- Use hairspray before putting on your contacts. If you use hairspray while you are wearing your contacts, close your eyes during spraying and for a few seconds afterwards.
- Blink your eyes frequently while under a hair drier or blower to keep your eyes from getting too dry.
- Keep false eyelash cement, nail polish and remover, perfume and cologne away from the lenses. They can damage the plastic.
- Choose water-based, hypo-allergenic liquid foundations. Cream makeup may leave a film on your lenses.¹
¹http://www.aoa.org/x5236.xml
