3 Makeup Trends You Should Avoid, According To An Eye Doctor
It's easy to jump on beauty trends without thinking about how they may impact our health. An eye doctor on TikTok points out three different makeup looks that you might want to think twice about, explaining how they will impact your eye health.
TikTok is known for a variety of content that can either be pointlessly entertaining or extremely useful. Every once in a while you'll find some content about health or beauty that all but changes your life, whether it's a foundation hack or an exposé about your favorite household cleaning supply. In August, an eye doctor named Alexa Hecht from Toronto spoke about the three types of makeup trends she would avoid, and it has gone viral as expected. Dr. Hecht is an optometrist, which is a doctor that primarily focuses on routine eye care and vision correction. Optometrists perform comprehensive eye exams, which include vision tests and analysis to detect common eye ailments like myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and astigmatism. They prescribe corrective lenses or contact lenses to improve vision and can also identify early symptoms of eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy.
Dr. Hecht also wants to help women avoid the popular type of makeup trends that will cause discomfort or health issues to their eyes. Here are three things she recommends avoiding.
1. Getting a Lash Lift or Tint
A lash lift and lash tint are popular beauty treatments designed to enhance the natural appearance of eyelashes. A lash lift is akin to a perm for your eyelashes, where a special solution is applied to curl the lashes upwards, giving them a longer, fuller look. The lift can last anywhere from six to eight weeks, depending on the individual's natural lash growth cycle. A lash tint involves applying semi-permanent dye to the lashes to darken them, offering a mascara-like effect that can last for several weeks.
While exact numbers are hard to pin down, these treatments have surged in popularity, with salons and beauty professionals reporting a significant increase in demand in recent years. Influenced by social media and celebrity trends, countless women are opting for these treatments as part of their beauty routines.
However, these procedures come with some risks. An improperly performed lash lift can result in damaged or broken lashes. There's also a risk of allergic reaction to the chemicals used in the lifting and tinting process. Furthermore, unsanitary conditions or untrained technicians could lead to eye infections. It is crucial to go to a certified and experienced professional to minimize these risks. A patch test is generally recommended 24-48 hours before the treatment to check for any allergic reactions.
Dr. Hecht says these procedures use "extremely toxic chemicals including ammonium," which is toxic to eye tissue and can cause serious infection. She also shares a picture of what a lash lift looks like and it just seems incredibly uncomfortable and unnatural.
2. Wearing Waterproof Mascara Every Day
Waterproof mascara is a cosmetic product designed to resist smudging or running when exposed to moisture, such as sweat, rain, or tears. The waterproofing effect is typically achieved through the use of ingredients like waxes, silicones, and other synthetic polymers that repel water. The average price can vary significantly, ranging from around $5 for drugstore brands to upwards of $30 for luxury brands.
Waterproof mascara comes with some risks.
Despite its benefits, waterproof mascara comes with some risks. The very "forever chemicals" that make it waterproof can be harsh on lashes, leading to dryness or breakage over time. Dr. Hecht says these toxins can cause dry eye and irritation, and can even cause your eyelashes to become brittle. Removing waterproof mascara often requires specialized makeup removers or oils, and if not done carefully, can lead to eyelash loss. Therefore, it is important to apply and remove it cautiously.
3. Using Glittery Eyeshadow
Glitter has been in and out of the trend list for a long time, and it has recently come back as a popular tool in the beauty kit. But Dr. Hecht advises against it. "Glitter can cause tiny little scratches on the front surface of the eye, causing irritation and infection," she said. Glittery eye shadow often contains materials like PET (polyethylene terephthalate), aluminum powder, and colorants that could pose risks to eye health. Some of these substances might contain traces of heavy metals like lead or cadmium, which can be harmful when they accumulate over time. Although cosmetic-grade glitter is generally considered safe for application on the skin, the fine particles can become irritants if they enter the eye, causing discomfort, redness, or more severe issues like corneal abrasions. Consumers concerned about toxins in glittery eye shadow should look for products that are labeled as "ophthalmologist-tested" or made with "natural" or "clean" ingredients, although these terms are not strictly regulated. Always exercise caution when applying any makeup close to the eyes.
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