Five eye-makeup precautions for Diwali and garba: kajal, glitter and mascara

With the start of Diwali, garba fever sets in. New clothes, bright makeup, glitter, dark kajal and mascara all come together for a striking look. But a few days after Diwali, many people go to doctors complaining of itchy, watering eyes and swollen eyelids.

The cause is said to be makeup that stays on the eyes for hours, along with heat, dust and the exertion of garba. People whose eyes are already sensitive are the first to suffer. Those who want to look after their eyes during the festival are advised to keep five things in mind.

First, do not apply a new product directly to the eye. If you have bought a new kajal, eyeliner or mascara, do not use it for the first time on the day of garba. A day or two earlier, apply a little on the skin behind the ear or the inside of the forearm and watch for 24 to 48 hours. If redness, itching or swelling appears, the product does not suit you and should not be used near the eyes at all. It is also advised to choose a fragrance-free, allergy-tested product that has been checked by eye doctors, because the fragrance and chemicals in makeup can cause allergies in the eyes.

Second, do not apply kajal on the inner rim of the eyelid. Many women are in the habit of lining the inside of the lower lid. It looks good, but is said to be bad for the eyes. The inner edge of the eyelid has small glands that make the oil that keeps the eye moist. If particles of kajal collect there, these glands get blocked. This can lead to lumps and swelling on the eyelids and dryness in the eyes. Instead, apply eyeliner on the outer lash line, preferably liquid eyeliner. There is also a risk that sweat during garba will make the kajal spread into the eye.

Third, be careful with glitter and false eyelashes. Even a tiny glitter particle can scratch the outer layer of the eye. This causes immediate pain and sometimes infection. So use only glitter made for the eyes, not craft glitter. Choose cream or pressed eyeshadow instead of loose powder. If you wear false eyelashes, use latex-free glue and do not let it touch the base of the lid. If you wear lenses, put them in before makeup and take them out before removing makeup. If your eyes feel dry or burn during garba, remove the lenses immediately.

Fourth, do not use a friend's makeup. Borrowing a friend's kajal or mascara at garba is common, but it can spread eye infections such as conjunctivitis from one person to another. Everyone should keep their own products. Sharpen a kajal pencil well before use. Mascara should be replaced three months after opening and liquid eyeliner after six months. If a product dries out, do not add water or saliva to reuse it, as this increases bacteria.

Fifth, remove makeup completely before sleeping. Even if you return home late at night, do not sleep without removing it. If makeup stays on overnight, the eyelid glands get blocked and the eyes burn. First wash your hands, then put a fragrance-free makeup remover on a cotton pad and wipe gently from the inner corner of the eye outwards. Do not rub the eyes hard. If dust or glitter has got in, wash the eyes with clean water.

If there is redness, pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, sticky discharge from the eye or swelling of the eyelids, do not put in any drops on your own. The advice is to see an eye doctor immediately.