Time For a Makeup Bag Makeover: Protect Your Eyes This Summer

As the summer holidays approach, there’s one essential health check that’s often overlooked – your makeup bag. While many of us refresh our wardrobes or skincare for the season, few stop to consider the hidden risks lurking in outdated eye makeup.

We’re urging people to examine their beauty products more closely. Expired mascara, eyeliner, and cream shadows may not only perform poorly but could also jeopardise your eye health.

Why Expired Makeup Poses a Real Risk to Your Eyes

Most eye makeup products are applied very close to the delicate surface of the eye, where bacteria can easily spread and cause painful infections. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that these products come with a shelf life, not just from the date of purchase, but from the moment they are first opened.

Optegra consultant ophthalmologist Nihal Elghryany warns:

“Harmful germs can build up in your makeup and cause eye infections, just like eating food past its best-before date. When you first open a product, mark the date underneath so you’ll know when to replace it. It’s a simple step that can help protect your sight.”

Crucially, price doesn’t guarantee safety. “It’s a myth that more expensive brands are safer,” adds Elghryany. “Whether budget or premium, every product has a shelf life -and ignoring it carries the same risk.”

How Long Should You Keep Your Makeup?

Every cosmetic product has a shelf life, and when it comes to eye makeup, using expired items can lead to serious eye infections.

To stay safe, always check for the PAO (Period After Opening) symbol – it looks like a small open jar with a number and letter (e.g. ‘6M’ means six months from opening).

Here’s a general timeline to follow from our experts:

• Mascara – Discard after 4 months
• Liquid eyeliner – Use for 3 to 6 months
• Cream eyeshadow – Use within 6 months
• Powder eyeshadow – Safe for up to 12 months
• Foundation – Replace after 6 months

To help you keep track, write the opening date on each item with a permanent marker. It’s a small step that could protect your eye health.

Avoid Eye Infections: Smart Habits for Safer Makeup Use

With a few simple tweaks, you can dramatically reduce your risk of eye infections – without giving up your favourite beauty products.

Store Smart: Keep Your Makeup Cool to Keep Your Eyes Safe

Proper storage is one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of eye infections. While most cosmetics contain preservatives, heat and sunlight can quickly break these down, especially in summer. Products such as mascara, cream eyeshadow, and eyeliner are particularly vulnerable to bacterial growth when kept in warm or humid environments.

To extend the safe use of your eye makeup, we recommend storing it in a cool, dry drawer, and during heat waves, consider placing key items in the fridge.

Stay Clean: Makeup Hygiene Habits That Really Matter

A clean beauty routine doesn’t just improve application – it helps safeguard your eye health. Begin with the basics: always wash your hands before applying makeup or inserting contact lenses. This simple habit significantly reduces the transfer of bacteria to the sensitive eye area.

Makeup tools should also be treated with care. Wash brushes and sponges weekly using warm water and mild soap, ensuring they dry completely to prevent mould or bacterial growth.

Sharpen pencil eyeliners regularly and avoid using products that smell unusual, have changed texture or colour, or are past their recommended use date. “Even premium makeup can harbour harmful germs,” warns Dr Elghryany. Routine hygiene is the best way to ensure your tools enhance your look, without compromising your eye health.

Don’t Share: Why Eye Makeup Should Be Just for You

While sharing clothes or skincare might seem harmless, sharing eye makeup is a different story. Mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow brushes can quickly transfer bacteria or viruses, such as conjunctivitis, between users.

Germs thrive in dark, moist environments, such as mascara tubes, and spread easily when shared. That means even trying a friend’s mascara or using a communal tester can pose a risk. To stay safe, treat your makeup like your toothbrush: personal, not to be shared. When sampling in-store, use disposable applicators and avoid products with open access. It’s a small shift in habit that could spare you from painful, avoidable eye infections.

Remove Thoroughly: Your Most Important Night-Time Ritual

At the end of a long day, it might be tempting to skip makeup removal, but leaving residue behind can irritate your eyes and increase infection risk. Mascara and eyeliner particles can block tear ducts, cause inflammation, and contribute to conditions such as blepharitis or dry eye.

Know the Warning Signs: When to Stop Using Eye Makeup

Your eyes are incredibly sensitive, and early symptoms of infection should never be ignored. If you notice redness, itching, burning, excessive watering, or any unusual discomfort after applying makeup, stop using all eye products immediately. These signs may indicate an allergic reaction, irritation, or the early stages of an infection.

To help relieve mild symptoms, gently apply a clean, warm compress to the affected eye, but don’t delay seeking advice. If irritation continues beyond a day or gets worse, consult your local optician or pharmacist for treatment. For severe pain, changes in vision, or swelling, urgent medical care may be necessary.

If you’re using eyelash serums or lash-enhancing products, take extra care. These can sometimes cause inflammation or sensitivity. Learn more in our expert-led guide to eyelash serum side effects.

Look After Your Eyes, Starting with Your Make-Up

Our eyes are exposed to more than we realise – and with a few small changes, you can reduce your risk of irritation, infection and long-term damage. Giving your make-up bag a health check is an easy but important way to prioritise your vision.

If you’re concerned about your eye health or have symptoms that won’t go away, book an eye examination with your local optician.