Many different makeup products and tools help to magnify and accentuate your eyes. For some people, these products may cause an allergic reaction including itchy skin, watery eyes, swelling and infection. If you experience an allergic reaction to eye shadow, stop using the product immediately. To see whether you are allergic to eye shadow, test a small amount on your inner wrist before buying.
Eye Shadow Ingredients
Most eye shadows contain preservatives to combat the growth of bacteria. These ingredients might cause an allergic reaction if you have sensitive skin. In addition, a specific ingredient in the product might cause an allergic reaction. Blue mineral eye shadow, for example, contains cobalt, found in the soil. If you have an allergy to metal, you might experience an allergy to blue mineral eye shadow.
Old Makeup
If you have had your eye makeup more than six months, this might increase your risk of an allergic reaction. To apply eye makeup, you may use your finger, applicators and brushes that repeatedly touch the product and your skin. In time, excess skin oil and bacteria might contaminate the eye shadow. Throw out eye makeup that is more than six months old and wash applicators and brushes frequently. For new products, always use a new applicator.
Infections
Allergic reactions to eye shadow can range between itchy red skin to serious eye infections, including bacterial conjunctivitis and sties. If you experience an eye infection, regardless of whether makeup caused it, throw out all products and tools that touched your eyes. Always use a new makeup applicator or brush when trying out makeup at a cosmetics counter. Also, don't store makeup in warm, moist places such as your bathroom. Warm and moist air is a breeding ground for infection-causing bacteria.
Other Considerations
How you put on eye makeup may cause allergic-like reactions as well. Never apply eye makeup too close to your lash line. This disrupts your ability to make tears, and it might dry your eyes. Never share eye makeup with a friend as this ups your risk of catching a skin infection. Never use saliva while applying or removing any form of eye makeup. If you think you suffer from an allergic reaction to eye makeup, see your doctor or a dermatologist.
