Keisha Brown, Gleaner Writer

Claire Barrett showing the correct way to apply eyeliner.

You apply eyeliner to the inner rims of your eyes every day and think nothing of it. Right? But, is this practice really safe? According to Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, chief of ophthalmology at the Lutheran Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York, in order to keep your eyes safe there are a few important safety steps that should be taken.

Make sure your hands and nails are clean of dirt and oil before you go near your eyes.

Ensure that your nails are smooth, without ragged edges, because a rough edge from your nail could scratch your eye.

Use only a clean eyeliner pencil. This means sharpening your pencil prior to each use with a clean sharpener.

Do not lend your eyeliner to anyone.

You may be allergic to the ingredients in a pencil, in which case, itching and redness may occur. A good idea is to test the pencil outside the eye area for a day or two before attempting to line the inner regions.

Don't apply your eyeliner in a rush. You run the risk of inadvertently poking yourself in the eye and possibly scratching your cornea.

Avoid using eyeliner on the inside or 'wet' area of your eyelids. This can block the glands there leading to styes and dry eyes.

Put your contact lenses in before applying your eye makeup. This will make it easier for you to see what you are doing and make it less likely for you to get makeup underneath your lenses.

If you have tried on makeup at the cosmetics counter, you may want to avoid the practice in the future. Recent studies have shown that there is staphylococcus and streptococcus contamination in the majority of these products. The bacteria found in these products can cause infections such as conjunctivitis (pink eye). Some samples found at makeup counters also have been found to be contaminated with moulds and other fungal organisms.

If you feel you must test makeup, here are some tips to make it safer:

Test makeup on your wrist or the back of your hand.

Always clean your hands first to prevent exposing makeup to bacteria.

Insist on a new, unused applicator.

Wash your skin immediately after trying on makeup.

Don't use eye cosmetics if you have any kind of eye infection. If you discover an infection, discard all makeup you were using at the time.

If there is bacterial growth on makeup, you may notice a change - either in its colour, smell or consistency - at which point it should be thrown out. It is recommended that mascara be thrown out after three months.

Sources: 1. Dr. Douglas Lazzaro, M.D. , Lutheran Medical Center; Brooklyn, NY; 2. www.todayshow.com