Could your daily makeup routine be contributing to dry, irritated, red, or uncomfortable eyes?

In Episode 86 of The Eye-Q Podcast™, I sit down with ophthalmologist and beauty expert Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo to talk about something many of us rarely think about: how the products we put around our eyes - and the way we apply them - can affect eye health.

We get into the eye-health side of beauty, including eyeliner placement, mascara, waterproof formulas, glitter and particles, makeup hygiene, sensitive eyes, dry eye, and what to consider when choosing products for the delicate eye area.

One habit Dr. Hilal-Campo strongly cautions against is applying eyeliner directly to the waterline, where the openings of the meibomian glands are located. Blocking or irritating these oil glands can contribute to tear-film instability and dry-eye symptoms.

We also discuss why some long-wear and waterproof products can be challenging for sensitive eyes, how cosmetic particles can migrate onto the ocular surface, and why removing your makeup thoroughly—but gently—is so important.

QUESTIONS WE ANSWER

Can eye makeup cause or worsen dry eye?
Is it safe to put eyeliner on your waterline?
How often should you replace eye makeup?
Is waterproof mascara bad for sensitive eyes?
Can glitter or loose eye shadow get into your eyes?
What should contact lens wearers consider when choosing makeup?
How should you remove eye makeup without irritating your eyes?
What ingredients or formulations should people with sensitive eyes look for—or avoid?

ABOUT MY GUEST

Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo is a board-certified ophthalmologist who has practiced in New Jersey for more than two decades. After repeatedly seeing patients whose eye symptoms were being aggravated by their beauty routines, she founded Twenty/Twenty Beauty, an ophthalmologist-developed beauty brand created with eye health and sensitive eyes in mind.

CONNECT WITH DR. DIANE HILAL-CAMPO

Dr. Diane Hilal-Campo: drdianehilalcampo.com
Twenty/Twenty Beauty: trytwentytwenty.com

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If you wear eye makeup, tell me in the comments: Were you surprised by any of these eye makeup mistakes?

Please share this episode with someone who loves makeup but also struggles with dry, irritated, or sensitive eyes.

**This episode is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

#EyeMakeup #DryEye #EyeHealth #SensitiveEyes #MakeupTips