Keywords:
- Pink eye and eye makeup
- Can I keep makeup after pink eye
- Contagious eye infection makeup safety
- How to clean makeup tools after pink eye
- Throw out mascara after pink eye
- Eye makeup hygiene tips
If you’ve come down with pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis), one of the first things you might wonder is: Do I really need to toss all my eye makeup? The short answer is: yes - at least some of it. Here’s why, and how to do it the smart way.
Pink Eye is Contagious:
Pink eye - especially the viral or bacterial kind - is extremely contagious. Anything that comes into contact with your eyes can harbor the virus or bacteria, including:
- Mascara wands
- Eyeliner pencils
- Eyeshadow brushes
- Cream eyeshadows or pots
- Eyelash curlers
Which Eye Makeup Should I Toss?
Definitely toss:
- Mascara – Bacteria love moist environments, and mascara tubes are the perfect breeding ground.
- Liquid eyeliner – Like mascara, it’s likely contaminated if you’ve used it while infected.
- Cream eyeshadows or eye pots – Double dipping spreads bacteria fast.
Disinfect or replace:
- Brushes – If they’re synthetic and washable, wash thoroughly with antibacterial soap.
- Eyelash curlers – Wipe down metal parts with alcohol; replace rubber pads if needed.
- Powder eyeshadows – These are less risky, but if you applied them with your fingers or while symptomatic, it’s safest to toss or sanitize the surface.
Can I Keep Anything?
If you had unopened or unused products that never touched your eyes during the infection, you’re probably safe to keep those. But when in doubt—better safe than sorry.Tips to Avoid Recontamination:
- Wash hands before and after applying makeup.
- Avoid sharing makeup -ever.
- Replace eye makeup every 3-6 months, even when healthy.
- Clean brushes weekly, especially if prone to eye irritation or allergy eyes.
What to use after pink eye:
Once your infection has fully cleared:- Start with fresh eye makeup.
- Look for hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, and preservative-free products if you're prone to dry eyes or burning eyes. Try incorporating our Soothing Coconut Eye Balm or Balm Wipeswhich are naturally fight bacteria.
- Use soothing products like our Instant Relief Eye Spray if your eyes are still sensitive.
Final word:
Yes, tossing makeup can feel like a waste - but your eye health is more valuable than any product. Reinfecting yourself or others is a bigger hassle than replacing a mascara. Take it as a chance to refresh your kit, and maybe try that new eyeliner you’ve been eyeing (pun intended).Leave a comment (all fields required)
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