Halloween is quickly approaching and is a fun time for kids and adults alike to dress up and have fun. However, do you know what you are putting on your face and in your eyes as part of your costume makeup? The results of poor choices can be scary…
Halloween Makeup
Makeup can be either the finishing touch to a costume or a quick easy last-minute solution. However you wear it, take caution when using cosmetics on your face and around your eyes.
- Check the ingredient list of the products that you use: Certain fragrances, preservatives (like parabens and benzalkonium chloride), metallic pigments, and colour additives may cause irritation to your eyes or skin. It is a good idea to patch test your product before they are used all over your face.
- Don’t use glitter: Plastic particles and dyes in cosmetic glitter are non-toxic but can end up on the eye surface if applied near the eyes. Craft glitter should never be used for makeup purposes due to containing metal or glass particles and harmful dyes.
- Don’t apply product to your eyelash line: Results show this has causes increased eye irritation and dry eyes.
- Throw away old and expired makeup: It is not worth the risk to your eyes or your skin health.
- Be careful with false eyelashes: For eyelash extensions, go to an experienced aesthetician. For false eyelashes, make sure proper hygiene is practised and test your lash-glue for allergic reactions.
- Don’t share makeup: This can lead to higher chances of infection.
Halloween Masks
Always wear a well fitted mask when out partying or trick-or-treating. A poor fitting mask will block vision in your eyes leading to disorientation, and loss of depth perception potentially leading to injury.
Halloween Contact Lenses
Coloured or uniquely shaped contact lenses can be the finish touch to a perfect costume, however non-prescribed contacts can lead to a whole host of problems.
Poorly fitting and poorly cleaned contact lenses can cause damage to the eye or your vision. This can lead to a lack of air flow/oxygen getting to your eyes, or a build up of bacteria. Other issues can include:
- Friction from the lens material
- Cuts and scratches to the cornea
- Eye infections
- Corneal ulcers
- Allergic reactions
- Irreversible decrease or loss of vision.
Only purchase contacts from retailers that are authorised to dispense contact lenses.
