Safe Beauty: Why you should avoid applying makeup while commuting

Here is why you should reconsider applying eyeliner on a moving bus on your next trip to the office.

National Eye Health week was celebrated earlier this week globally. This annual campaign organized by eye health organisations aims to remind people about the importance of their eyes and how they should have them examined once every two years. What was interesting about this year’s campaign was the debate many had about applying makeup while on public transport.

Let’s face it. Most of us are rushing for time early in the mornings. That extra wink or two could translate into us struggling to apply eyeliner on board a moving bus. Most of us would have mastered that skill by now but a serious point that has been brought up in this debate is about how dangerous such actions can be.

Perplexed? Let us explain. Although the human eye is a strong organ, it is also very delicate and can be subjected to wear and tear. When applying makeup on the go, the risk of scratching your cornea is present. That sudden jerk while in the bus could lead to a corneal abrasion and if not treated well, may lead to visual impairment. That may sound extreme but according to studies by various agencies, the risk has increased significantly over the past few years. Minor corneal abrasion takes weeks to heal – certainly a risk we would not want to take as this would mean missing out on applying our favorite eye makeup products and bearing with discomfort.

Another reason why you should not apply makeup while travelling on public transport is the risk of encountering infections. It is important to practice good makeup hygiene. According to findings from the College of Optometrists,  while travelling, we might unknowingly touch the handles of escalators or the buttons for example and this leads to the presence of bacteria on our hand. These very hands when used to apply makeup may cause not only bacteria to sit on our skin  but may also result in eye discomfort or even breakouts when you touch your face continuously during application. When outdoors, it is always very important to sanitize our hands or tools prior to makeup application.

The next time you’re travelling on public transport, always remember to practice such habits so as to reduce the risk of accidents and protect your eyes.

Perin Sidhu

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Marie France Asia, women's magazine