Keywords:
- Pink eye and eye makeup
- Can I keep makeup after pink eye
- Contagious eye infection makeup safety
- How to clean makeup tools after pink eye
- Throw out mascara after pink eye
- Eye makeup hygiene tips
If you’ve come down with pink eye (also known as conjunctivitis), one of the first things you might wonder is: Do I really need to toss all my eye makeup? The short answer is: yes - at least some of it. Here’s why, and how to do it the smart way.
Pink Eye is Contagious
Pink eye - especially the viral or bacterial kind - is extremely contagious. Anything that comes into contact with your eyes can harbor the virus or bacteria, including:
- Mascara wands
- Eyeliner pencils
- Eyeshadow brushes
- Cream eyeshadows or pots
- Eyelash curlers
Which makeup should I throw away after Pink Eye?
Definitely toss:
- Mascara – Bacteria love moist environments, and mascara tubes are the perfect breeding ground.
- Liquid eyeliner – Like mascara, it’s likely contaminated if you’ve used it while infected.
- Cream eyeshadows or eye pots – Double dipping spreads bacteria fast.
Disinfect or replace:
- Brushes – If they’re synthetic and washable, wash with antibacterial soap.
- Eyelash curlers – Wipe down metal parts with alcohol; replace pads if needed.
- Powder eyeshadows – These are less risky, but if you applied them with your fingers or while symptomatic, it’s safest to toss or sanitize the surface.
Can I Keep Anything?
If you had unopened or unused products that never touched your eyes during the infection, you’re probably safe to keep those. But when in doubt - better safe than sorry.Tops to avoid re-contamination:
- Wash hands before and after applying makeup.
- Avoid sharing makeup—ever.
- Replace eye makeup every 3–6 months, even when healthy.
- Clean brushes weekly, especially if prone to eye irritation or allergy eyes.
What to use after pink eye?
Once your infection has fully cleared:- Start with fresh eye makeup.
- Look for hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist-tested, and preservative-free products if you're prone to dry eyes or burning eyes. Try incorporating our Soothing Coconut Eye Balm which are naturally fight bacteria.
- Use soothing products like our Instant Relief Eye Spray if your eyes are still sensitive.
Final word
Yes, tossing makeup can feel like a waste-but your eye health is more valuable than any product. Reinfecting yourself or others is a bigger hassle than replacing a mascara. Take it as a chance to refresh your kit, and maybe try that new eyeliner you’ve been eyeing (pun intended).Leave a comment (all fields required)
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