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.
1. You’ve got to stop using old mascara
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.
2. Your eye is most likely to contaminate your mascara.
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.
3. Never sleep in your mascara.
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.
4. And more so, don’t share your mascara.
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!
5. Hypoallergenic mascara isn’t necessarily the answer.
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.”
6. How you apply your mascara matters.
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.”
7. Wash your eyelashes before applying mascara.
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.”
See what we mean?
Looking for a great mascara? These are some customer favorites.
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Amazon
A Japanese serum masacra
This Japanese mascara contains what the brand refers to as a "memory-shape polymer" that keeps lashes curled upwards all day. The ultra-waterproof formula has been enhanced with six different lash nourishers like royal jelly extract, argan and almond oil. Because of its budge-proof nature, the mascara can be a little difficult to remove so reviewers and the brand recommend using the Heroine Make speedy mascara remover when it's time to take it off.
Promising Amazon reviews:
"I love this product. It is now my favorite mascara. I have always struggled with keeping my lashes curled after putting on mascara. For some reason, this product does not weigh down my lashes. The entire day can go by and it stills looks great. I will definitely buy this one again." — Shay
"I have very straight lashes. It's hard to find a mascara that actually holds the curl. This mascara is fantastic! It holds the curl and also creates length without looking clumpy. The only complaint is that it is pretty hard to remove. I have to use a cleansing balm followed by eye makeup remover. But the plus side is that it doesn't smudge. I have oily hooded eyes so this is important to me. Definitely the best mascara I've ever used." — Caryn Monta
$9.49 at Stylevana (regularly $14)
Amazon
A conditioning mascara with a micro-bristled wand
The Roller Lash from Benefit Cosmetics is designed to create an eye-opening and lasting curl using a unique hooked brush that lifts and separates lashes and an instant setting formula. You can also expect lashes to feel conditioned thanks to the addition of B5 vitamins and serin.
Promising Sephora review: "Great mascara for those with stubborn stick-straight lashes. This manages to keep my curl for multiple hour where previously I'd have to use a waterproof mascara. My only complaint is the formula drys out relatively quick; however, I tend to prefer drier formulas. Something to note. Very easy to define your lashes and doesn't smudge below my eyes/lower lash line." — jessicageweke
Amazon
An affordable curling mascara from a famous brand
The same brand behind the internet-famous Essence False Lash Effect mascara is also responsible for this curling-specific formula that uses a peanut-shaped fiber brush to curl and lift lashes, without any clumping or weighed-down appearance.
Promising Amazon review: "This is the best mascara I’ve ever had. I have the tiniest lashes and when I don’t mascara it looks like I have no lashes. Any mascara helps but my lashes are very straight and it usually doesn’t hold. This mascara made my lashes stay curled all day after curling them once before applying and once gently after. I recommend 100%." — Alexis Wainscott
Sephora
A luxury mascara with nourishing ingredients
The Diorshow Overcurl mascara claims to be a curl-targeting formula, but where this luxe option truly stands out is its inclusion of comforting floral water, nourishing jojoba esters and cotton nectar, an ingredient that can promote shine and fortify lashes. It features a chunky bristled and perfectly curved brush to apply this jet black mascara, though it comes in up to three color options in total at Nordstrom and Ulta.
Promising Sephora reviews:
"My lashes are naturally long, but don’t usually hold a curl that well. This mascara is one of the only products that actually keeps my lashes curled the whole day." — Kylieslauson08
"Let me tell you, this is the BEST mascara I’ve ever tried. The problem I had with other mascaras is that after curling my lashes, the mascara would immediately straighten my lashes but this mascara keeps my lashes curled for the whole day!! It’s quite expensive but it’s so worth it. My mother put me on Dior products and I do not regret it. So amazing and looks so natural and it’s not clumpy, at all! Love love love." — marzryy
Sephora
A creamy lifting mascara
A Sephora-exclusive option, this volume-inducing and curl-preserving formula boasts an ultra-creamy and buildable texture that's enhanced with lifting wax to keep lashes fanned out, curled and in place.
Promising Sephora review: "I can’t believe I love this mascara. It actually does what it says it’s going to do. I was shocked. My eyelashes are like straight, they never stay curled and lifted. This mascara does it! I’m gonna buy more as backups, just in case they ever get rid of this." — Jackieg862
Sephora
A peptide-infused clean formula mascara
This clean mascara formula by Iris & Romeo claims to not only curl, but also lengthen, volumize and define each lash using a brand-exclusive emulsion wax that feels flexible yet holding. It also contains a five-peptide blend which could potentially thicken lashes over time and prevent breakage.
Promising Sephora review: "I genuinely stopped going to get my lashes curled after using this. It creates the perfect, curled and lifted lash plus I have never found a mascara that is so pigmented while being clean. I have told everyone I know (and don't know) because I keep getting compliments on my lashes! Will 100 percent be repurchasing." — CROB4
Sephora
A do-it-all water-resistant mascara
This do-it-all mascara by Rihanna's Fenty Beauty features a unique "flat-to-fat" brush shape which uses the wide side to lift and load lashes with product and the narrow side to define and curl. The formula is water-resistant and a true black shade.
Promising Sephora review: "My lashes are stubbornly straight, even when I curl my lashes, apply mascara, and curl them again afterwards, my lashes always droop back down. This mascara keeps them UP all day long, it’s crazy. I wore this mascara for an 11 hour day and at night, my lashes looked exactly how they did when I first applied this mascara. Absolutely no smudging or flaking on my lashes. It’s not my favorite volumizing mascara, but it definitely curls & lengthens." — sephoralover97
YSL
A luxe fanning mascara with hybrid brush
The YSL Curler mascara features a hybrid application brush made with curved elastomer combs combined with rounded fiber bristles to create a look that's fanned, defined and dramatically curled. The clump-free formula is enhanced with nourishing ingredients like coconut, walnut leaf and bamboo oils for imparting a healthy shine.
Promising YSL review: "This is officially my new favorite mascara! It really lives up to its name, curling my stick straight lashes really well. It also really elongates them and makes them look full and fanned out. I'm also impressed that it doesn't smear after having it on for a few hours. I absolutely recommend trying this product out!" — Sasheenb
Amazon
A completely budge-proof K-beauty mascara
Available in three shades, Curl Fix is a Korean-formula mascara that claims to keep lashes curled for a whole 24 hours. Using a combination of slim and dense bristles, this mascara is waterproof and smudge-proof yet shockingly lightweight. Reviewers say this is difficult to remove so you may want to invest in an oil-based cleanser or makeup remover.
Promising Amazon reviews:
"I have thin, straight lashes. They are long, but never ever hold a curl. PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS HOLY DO NOT CURL YOUR LASHES AFTER APPLICATION. I applied and the curl stayed very well!" — Morgan McDowell (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)
"My eyelashes are long but they have ZERO curl. This is hands down the best mascara I’ve used and I’m 37. The best way to use this is to have the wand ready and curl your eyelashes with a curler. Then immediately apply the mascara. It holds that curl right in place. It dries very fast so make sure your wand has the right amount of mascara on it. If it has too much your eyelashes will look clumpy." — Jeff and Heather (This review has been edited for length. Read the full review.)
Sephora
A sculpting mascara with curved applicator
Refy is probably best known for its laminating brow wax that's capable of taming even the unruliest brow hairs. The brand has utilized that same combination of waxes in this mascara, which uses a unique and dramatically curved comb-like applicator to separate, curl and lift each individual lash. The sculpting formula claims to leave behind a high-pigmented finish and curl that's long-wearing.
Promising Refy review: "This mascara makes my eyelashes look so pretty, natural, and with a nice curl. It doesn't smudge or flake, which I didn't think was possible - every mascara I've ever had ends up in the area below my eyes, no matter what I've done. And I'm amazed by the curl - I didn't even use an eyelash curler before using this mascara, and it somehow, miraculously lifts the curls! Crazy! I never thought a mascara could do what this one does - I'm amazed and now I want to buy a lifetime supply." — Heather C.
