Do I Need to Throw Out My Eye Makeup After Pink Eye?

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
Even if the product itself looks fine, it could be contaminated.

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).

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