Lecturer - Istanbul Kent University, Health Services Vocational School and Faculty of Pharmacy
"With a correctly chosen eyeliner, an impressive mascara, and the perfect eye shadow palette, your eyes will shine like windows opening to the depths of your soul.So how should we choose eye makeup products with clean ingredients that do not endanger your eye health?"
Title:
| What is eye makeup?
| The importance of eye makeup
| Eye makeup products
| Things to consider when applying eye makeup
| Health problems related to eye makeup
| What kinds of eye cosmetic ingredients are harmful to your health?
| Eye makeup suggestions that suit your eye shape
| Eye makeup styles according to trends
| Common misconceptions
What is eye makeup?
Eye makeup, which has been around since the early Egyptian period, is the most important and challenging part of makeup, emphasizing beauty by highlighting the eyes and strengthening facial expressions.
The importance of eye makeup
Eye makeup emphasizes the eyes and clarifies the facial expression. It enhances the intensity of the gaze by defining the eyes' shape and color, thereby amplifying the emotional impact of the expression. In addition, when applied correctly, it completes the person's overall appearance and helps reflect their style. It also stands out as an element that increases self-confidence, especially on special occasions or in professional environments.
Eye makeup products
Eye shadow
It is a makeup product that adds color and texture to the eyelids, available in various forms, such as powder, cream, liquid, and stick.
Color choice
Various colors can be used depending on skin tone, eye color, and personal preferences.
Finish types
Different finishes such as matte, glossy, glitter, and satin are available, which provide opportunities to create different makeup styles.
Application techniques
Techniques such as transition colors, outer corner highlights, and smokey eye makeup can be done with eyeshadow.
Eyeliner
Eyeliner is used to define the eye area and comes in various forms, including liquid, gel, pencil, and felt-tip.
Liquid eyeliner
Perfect for sharp and dramatic lines.
Gel eyeliner
With its creamy structure, it can be easily applied and is long-lasting.
Eye pencil
Provides a natural and soft look and can be applied to the waterline and lash line.
Mascara
Mascaras are beauty products used to enhance the appearance of eyelashes by adding volume, length, and curl to make the eyes look larger. It can be found in various colors and waterproof formulas. For those who want to lengthen without darkening, there are non-pigmented products on the market.
Waterproof mascara
Ideal for especially humid or rainy weather, it is water-resistant and does not run.
Use of an eyelash curler
You can create a more dramatic effect by using an eyelash curler before applying mascara.
Eyebrow products
Used to fill, shape, and define the eyebrows. They come in a variety of forms, including eyebrow pencils, eyebrow shadows, eyebrow gels, and eyebrow mascaras.
Eyebrow pencil
It is used to create natural-looking eyebrows.
Eyebrow shadow
Utilized to create fuller eyebrows.
Eyebrow gel
It is used to fix and shape eyebrows, which can be transparent or colored.
Under-eye concealer
Used to hide dark circles and signs of fatigue under the eyes.
Eye makeup bases
Makes eye shadow, eyeliner, and eye pencils last longer.
Colored bases
Can revitalize the color of the eye shadow and make it more noticeable.
Transparent bases
Increase the durability of eye shadow without changing its color.
Eye make-up remover
It helps to remove cosmetics applied to the eyes and surrounding areas. Cleansers come in different forms, including oils, creams, balms, foams, sticks, micellar waters, and saturated pads or wipes.
Things to consider when applying eye makeup
The main purpose is to protect eye health and ensure that makeup looks beautiful.
Cleanliness and hygiene
Wash your hands and face thoroughly before starting make-up.
Clean your makeup brushes and accessories regularly.
Pay attention to the expiration date of the products, and do not use old products.
Skin preparation
Moisturize the skin around your eyes. Moisturizer helps make-up apply more smoothly.
You can make your eyeshadow last longer by using eye makeup bases.
Health problems related to eye makeup
Not choosing the right products, not paying attention to hygiene rules, or using incorrect applications can lead to serious problems with eye health. Below, you can find the most common eye problems related to eye makeup and what to pay attention to in order to prevent them.
Eye infections
Shared or long-term usage of makeup products such as mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow can lead to bacteria accumulation. These bacteria can cause infections that manifest themselves with symptoms such as redness, itching, swelling, and discharge in the eyes. In addition, the use of old makeup products that are probably highly contaminated may also lead to infections.
Prevention methods
Renew products such as mascara and eyeliner every 3 months.
Avoid using other people's makeup products.
Wash your hands before applying makeup.
Clean your brushes regularly.
Dry eyes
Eye makeup, especially waterproof products, can disrupt the natural oil balance of the eyes and cause dryness. Stinging, burning, and blurred vision are the signs of dry eye syndrome.
Prevention methods
Remove eye make-up completely at the end of the day.
Try not to use waterproof makeup frequently.
Use a moisturizing eye drop before applying makeup.
Allergic reactions
Chemicals in makeup products can cause allergic reactions in some people. These reactions can manifest themselves in the form of redness, swelling, watering, and itching in the eyes.
Prevention methods
Choose hypoallergenic products.
Test makeup products on a small area of your skin before using them.
If you develop an allergic reaction to a product, stop using that product immediately.
Styes and chalazions
Oil and dirt accumulated at the base of the eyelashes can cause styes or chalazions to form on the eyelids. These conditions are characterized by painful, swollen, and red eyelids.
Prevention methods
Do not go to sleep without completely removing your eye makeup.
Renew your makeup products frequently.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure to your eyelids when applying makeup.
In conclusion, eye makeup should not deteriorate your eye health while emphasizing your beauty. Being careful about product selection, following hygiene rules, and using the right application techniques are the most effective methods for preventing eye problems.
What kinds of eye cosmetic ingredients are harmful to your health?
Another important risk to consider when applying eye makeup is the ingredients used in the formulation of the products. In the mildest case, you may develop an allergic reaction to these ingredients; in the worst case, some ingredients may have the potential to cause cancer.
Carbon black
Carbon black is a powder commonly used in eyeliner, mascara, eyeshadow, and eyebrow shadow, and is known to cause cancer and organ toxicity. On labels, carbon black may be listed as D&C Black No. 2, acetylene black, channel black, oven black, lamp black, or thermal black.
Ethanolamine compounds
These compounds, colorless and viscous liquids used as emulsifiers, fragrances, and pH adjusters in cosmetic products, can cause skin burns and serious eye damage. It is recommended to avoid ingredients containing diethanolamine (DEA), monoethanolamine (MEA), and triethanolamine (TEA), as they can cause contact dermatitis. Since they are easily absorbed through the skin, they can accumulate in body organs, including the brain, increasing the risk of liver and kidney cancer.
Benzalkonium chloride (BAK)
It is also known as a biocide, preservative, and surfactant that can cause serious skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation and allergic reactions. It is especially used in eyeliner, mascara, and makeup removers. Benzalkonium chloride, like detergent, destabilizes the tear film by reducing surface tension, which destabilizes the lipid layer and promotes inflammation. It can also cause drowsiness (hypoesthesia).
Premium yellow carnauba wax
It is frequently used in mascara and eyeliner products for hardening and increasing water resistance. However, this substance can have negative effects on eye health by physically blocking the meibomian oil glands.
Parabens
These are the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetics to prevent bacterial growth. They can cause and worsen eye dryness by preventing the oil glands in the eyelids from secreting enough oil. You should avoid products including methylparaben, propylparaben, isopropylparaben, and isobutylparaben in the list of ingredients.
Aluminum powder
Aluminum powder, used as a coloring agent, is neurotoxic and causes systemic organ toxicity. Aluminum powder is also known as LB Pigment 5, or pigment metal.
FD&C color pigments
These are commonly used coloring ingredients in many cosmetic products, especially mascara and eyeshadow. These pigments are thought to be carcinogenic and a frequent cause of skin sensitivity and irritation.
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): These ingredients, especially found in cosmetic products such as eyeshadow, lipstick, and skin cream, penetrate the skin and accumulate in the fatty tissues. This accumulation can damage cell DNA by creating free radicals, which can lead to cancer.
Eye makeup suggestions that suit your eye shape
Eye makeup that suits your eye shape is a great way to accentuate your eyes and highlight your best features.
Almond eyes
One of the most symmetrical and proportionate eye shapes, so many makeup styles look great on this eye shape. Follow the natural lines with eyeliner and extend it a little at the outer corners to create a tail. Smokey eye makeup and winged eyeliner are perfect for this eye shape.
Deep-set eyes
This eye shape is characterized by the eyelids appearing more sunken into the socket. Use light, shimmery eyeshadow to highlight the eyelids. Apply dark colors to the crease and blend them well. To further highlight the eyes, apply eyeliner just above the crease.
Round eyes
Round eyes usually appear wide and open. Extend the eyeliner at the outer corners to make the eyes look more almond-shaped. You can close the eyes a little more by applying a dark pencil inside the lower lash line. Add depth by applying darker colors to the middle of the eyelids.
Drooping eyelids
In this eye shape, the eyelids fall over the eye socket, which can sometimes make eye makeup difficult. Lighten the eyelids with light colors and apply dark tones to the crease area. Keep the eyeliner thin and apply it close to the upper lash line. Winged eyeliner and waterproof mascara are perfect for this eye shape.
Slanted eyes
Slanted eyes are an eye shape where the outer corners of the eyes slope upwards. Create an open and fresh look by brightening the inner corners of the eyes. Apply eyeliner along the upper lash line and create a slight wing. Apply a light-colored pencil to the lower lash line to make your eyes look bigger.
Close-set eyes
This eye shape refers to a situation where the eyes are close together. Apply makeup by focusing on the outer corners of the eyes. Apply light-colored eyeshadow to the inner corners of the eyes and dark-colored eyeshadow to the outer corners. Extend the eyeliner by making it thicker at the outer corners.
Far-set eyes
This eye shape refers to a situation where the eyes are further apart. Create the illusion of zoom by applying dark eyeshadow to the inner corners of the eyes. Apply eyeliner starting from the inner corners of the eyes and increasing the intensity to the outer corners.
Different makeup techniques can be used for each eye shape, so finding the one that suits your eye shape is important to achieve the best results.
Eye makeup styles according to trends
There are several eye makeup trends that will stand out in 2024. You can find some popular eye makeup styles below.
Graphic eyeliner
Going beyond traditional eyeliner lines and creating more creative, graphic patterns, this style offers a different and striking look with unusual shapes and lines on the eyelid.
Colored mascara
Besides black and brown, mascaras can also be in colors such as bright blue, green, and purple to add liveliness to the eyes. This trend is especially ideal for those who want to add color to simple eye makeup.
Smokey eye
Classic smokey eye makeup stands out with softer and less dramatic forms this year.
Metallic eyeshadow
Eye makeup made with shiny and metallic tones such as gold, silver, and bronze attracts attention, especially in evening makeup.
Neon colors
Vibrant and neon colors can be recommended for those looking for a bold option in eye makeup. Neon eye shadows or eyeliners add a modern and striking touch to eye makeup.
Natural eye makeup
The natural and light eye makeup trend adopts a minimalist approach. Light brown and beige tones make the eyes stand out naturally while providing a look that is not overdone.
These trends can be inspiring for those who love makeup.
Common misconceptions
Eyeliner should only be used on the upper eyelids.
While many people think that eyeliner can only be used on the upper eyelid, eyeliner can also be applied to the lower eyelid, and this application can make the eyes look larger. When applying eyeliner to the lower eyelid, it is important that the line is not too thick.
Applying dark eyeshadow makes the eyes look smaller.
Dark eyeshadows, when applied correctly, can make the eyes look deeper and more defined instead of smaller. To achieve this effect, it is important to create a balance by applying dark colors to the outer corners of the eyelids and light colors to the inner corners.
All eye makeup should be done with a single brush.
Different brushes are designed for different eye makeup applications. For example, a wide blending brush is ideal for smoothly blending eyeshadow, whereas a thin brush is more suitable for detailed work and eyeliner applications. Using a single brush can cause the makeup to be uneven.
Mascara should not be applied to the lower lashes.
There is a belief that applying mascara to the lower lashes will make the eyes look smaller. However, applying mascara lightly to the lower lashes can make the eyes look larger and more noticeable. The key here is to apply lightly and not overdo it.
Only compatible colors should be used in eye makeup.
It is thought that eyeshadow and eyeliner colors must be compatible. However, more dramatic and remarkable looks can be achieved by using contrasting colors. Experimenting with different colors can greatly change the style and effect of your makeup.
Thicker eyeliner means bigger eyes.
A thick eyeliner line does not always make the eyes look bigger; sometimes it can make the eyes look smaller and heavier. A thin line and a correct tail can make the eyes look more open and bigger.
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