SKIN AND EYE COSMETICS: EYELINERS, MASCARA AND EYELASH DYES
Eyeliners
The 1990s have seen a return to the sixties look with the use of bold eyeliner to accentuate the eyes. Eyeliners are available as pencils or liquids which are applied outside the eyelashes, so the chemicals do not enter the eye. Pencil eyeliners are generally quite safe, causing fewer allergic reactions. Liquid eyeliners are more prone to cause irritant and allergic reactions.
Mascara
Mascara is one of the most attractive forms of eye make-up, providing a frame for the face and often making the eyes appear larger and more open. Mascaras are made of natural colours mixed with detergents, soaps and resins. Lash-lengthening and lash-thickening mascaras, which contain nylon fibres and glue, were very popular a few years ago. Because the nylon threads often irritated the eyes, they are now used less often.
It is most important that mascaras be tested by an eye specialist to minimize eye irritation. They should also be changed every three months to avoid bacterial contamination. For contact lens wearers, it is important to select mascaras that are specific for contact lenses, that is, waterproof varieties that are neither lash-lengthening nor lash-thickening. It is best to put contact lenses in before applying mascara.
Although mascaras are generally well tolerated, allergic reactions can occur due to the resin or the preservative in both the normal and hypo-allergenic varieties.
Eyelash dyes
Eyelash dyes are usually applied by a beautician using the same product used in hair dyes. These can be quite hazardous, leading to severe allergic reactions, and are no longer recommended for use in the eye area. If you are going to have your lashes tinted, it is best to have an allergy test first to check whether you are allergic to the dye. If eyelid dermatitis does occur, it is important to ascertain which eye cosmetic is responsible by having patch testing. Most people will be able to find a suitable substitute if the exact cause can be found.
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