I was cleaning out some files and found a consumer safety booklet titled EYE PRODUCTS. The copyright belongs to Merle Norman Cosmetics and it was dated 6-84.
The brochure contents promote Merle Norman cosmetics but very subtly. The emphasis is on safe use of eye products and cosmetics. I’d like to share the Twelve Tips for Safety as they are still relevant and timely.
TWELVE TIPS FOR SAFETY
- If any eye product causes irritation, stop using it immediately. You should contact your eye doctor.
- Do not allow cosmetics to become covered with dust or contaminated with dirt or soil. Wipe off the container with a damp cloth if visible dust or dirt is present, and do not use the container until it is dry.
- Do not use old containers of eye cosmetics. If you haven’t used a product for several months, it is safer to discard it and purchase a new one.
- Do not spit or introduce any foreign substance (even water) into any cosmetic. The bacteria in your mouth or in tap water may grow in the cosmetic and subsequent application to the eye may cause infection.
- Do not share your cosmetics. Another person’s bacteria in your cosmetic could be hazardous to you.
- Do not store cosmetics at high temperatures. Cosmetics held for long periods in hot cars, for example, are more susceptible to deterioration.
- Avoid using eye cosmetics if you have an infection of the eye or skin around the eye, or if the skin is inflamed.
- Recognize that your hands contain millions of bacteria which, if placed in your eye, could cause infections. Wash your hands carefully before applying cosmetics to your eyes.
- Make sure that any instrument you place in the area of your eye is clean, and extremely careful not to scratch the eyeball or any other area.
- When applying or removing eye cosmetics, be extremely careful not to scratch the eyeball or any other sensitive area.
- Use the side of the brush or applicator in a motion parallel to the lash line. Never point applicators directly into the eye area.
- Take particular care in using eye cosmetics if you have a history of allergies to cosmetic products. If in doubt, consult your eye doctor before using any such cosmetic products.
The take home message is don’t use old products, don’t share make-up, wash your hands before touching the area around your eye and don’t hesitate to call for help.