The right way to remove summer eye makeup

Make sure you're getting rid of your eye makeup the right way this summer! Credit: sxc.hu/shotsling, shotsling

Layers of eye shadow and eyeliner, a few swipes of mascara and a dusting of shimmery eye makeup may be helping you achieve your picture-perfect look this summer, but all that makeup will take its toll on your skin. If you get into the bad habit of sleeping with all of this makeup on, you're probably setting yourself up for infection and a host of skin problems. Beauty Expert Cyndi Watson was recently featured on Dr. Oz to explain why many women make some serious mistakes when applying and removing makeup. Bacteria buildup, eye infections and ulcers on the eyelid are some of the effects of poorly-applied makeup. And what about removing it?
Here's what you need to know:
#1: Avoid the Cotton Swab at All Costs
Do you use a cotton swab to get rid of liner and eye shadow? If you've been dipping your cotton swab in an eye remover solution and then rubbing it over your eye area to get rid of the gunk, stop! Watson says the cotton swab is dangerous because it tugs and snags at the delicate skin on your eyes. If you're doing this to the rim of your eyes regularly, you could be looking at an infection in the near future (no pun intended).
#2: Stick with the Cotton Ball
So what's the best beauty tool for getting rid of eye makeup? The good ol' cotton ball. I like to use the super-size cotton balls with an oil-free eye makeup remover because you only need to wipe your eyes once to say goodbye to those layers of makeup. The key to using the cotton ball without causing any damage is to press the ball gently over your eye area for 20 to 30 seconds, then wipe v-e-r-y slowly in an upward motion and to the side of your face. Letting the cotton ball rest on the eye helps the makeup remover dissolve all of that makeup and makes the removal process that much easier.
#3: Don't Scrub or Rub Your Eyes
If you're using any type of facial cleanse or makeup remover wipe on the rest of your face, avoid the eye area completely. You want to avoid scrubbing or rubbing your eyes in any way, because too much stimulation over the delicate eye area could tear the tissue and open up pores for bacteria to settle into. Use separate makeup removal tools and products designed for the eyes only. This approach will prevent aggravation and inflammation of the area, and reduces the risk of infection

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