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Blepharitis (inflammation of the eyelids) and dry eye syndrome can make eye makeup lovers miserable. I know because beauty editor me has been plagued by these conditions for months following a stye. Finding alternatives to my usual smoky eye and black kohl pencil-enhanced peepers was a real trial by fire. Along the way I met plenty of other women 50-plus in the same boat. I asked Nashville, Tennessee, ophthalmologist and aesthetic eye surgeon Melissa Toyos for some medical advice. Here's what to do and not do:
1. Find something else to decorate your peepers.
Let's answer this first, since it's the most pressing concern: Yes, you really do have to put a halt to all eye makeup when your eyes are red, infected, inflamed, itchy, tearing or in recovery. Tough it out! Let your favorite eyeglasses, readers and faux eyeglasses (no Rx, just clear lenses) step in and do the eye-framing magic that makeup used to do. Add some earrings or a scarf you love for extra sparkle or color. Step up your lipstick. Clear red is great, so is a vibrant pink, but even a rosier, pinker version of nude powers up your face and restores the glam feeling. You can do brow makeup, but stick to pencil for shaping and fill-ins.
2. Toss your eye makeup stash.
It's really difficult to tell which item, technique or ingredient is causing or exacerbating your problem(s). An overzealous application of liners, mascara and shadows including tight lining (right between the lashes) and inner rim lining (yes, it does look sultry but just say no) may have contributed. Your makeup may have drifted beyond its expiration date, or you simply may have developed a sensitivity to an ingredient. Even ones you've worn before with no problem can suddenly cause a reaction — especially if you now have dry eye syndrome, wear contacts or work at a computer all day long. And then there are medical-based causes to complicate things. Do not be tempted to give away your fabulous multi-shade shadow palette or luxury-brand liners. Share makeup and you might be sharing unfriendly bacteria along with it.
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