is eyeliner on the waterline safe... with contacts?

[zeebs]

I've heard it both ways.

So: is wearing eyeliner on the waterline safe, or not?

If not, what can happen?

And is it safe with contacts?

[karen]

I've heard it both ways too, and I think it depends on the formula. I tend to be overly cautious/sketchy about eye stuff- really, it's not sterile and therefore not a great idea, but I don't think they jump out of their sockets or anything. I've waterlined with pencils and been fine- but it runs after a while. I tried our cream liners, and they don't stick- I'm too chicken to try it with anything else. Beware of things with silicones in them- they can really hurt if you get them in your eye.

[Xarata]

i dry line with mineral shadows on the waterline and have been for about two years. Waxy liners (like the creamliners and pencils) generally don't adhere very well. I always use loose mineral shadows. The ONLY side effect I have experienced personally is occasionally it can result in really dry eyes- usually only bothersome if i went a little too heavy on the inner corners. I haven't noticed any other side effects from the method and it's what looks best on me-I almost never line outside my lashes (outside the waterline). I have 20/20 vision so can't comment on contacts.

Caveats:
-There is the contamination issue of transferring moisture and bacteria from your eyes to your shadows so it's best to take a teeny bit out of the jar and wash your brushes after use.
-I wouldn't recommend using any color that isn't lip safe on your waterline- basically the same principle- it's not safe to be mixed into your bloodstream
-Do be careful around the tear duct area (don't clog it up! it basically leaves you feeling like you've got crusty sleepy dust) and it's generally best not to touch your eyeball (duh!)


Not very scientific but at least it's a first hand review/opinion

[lcash]

I would recommend avoiding this. I got a horrible eye infection years ago that took weeks to heal and I had to chuck my contacts (soft) because they absorb ANYTHING introduced to your eyeball, tearducts, lids, etc. My doctor said that you're basically reintroducing bacteria into your eye each time you put in a used contact lens. Disinfection helps, but doesn't eliminate all bacteria. The infection I had was very painful - not something I'm willing to try again!! To quote the Lost in Space robot, "Warning! Warning! Danger! Danger!" Lauren

[Xarata]

I had a friend who kept giving herself pinkeye with her contacts (she didn't wear them while she was taking antibiotics but they'd been infected already and disinfecting/cleansing did not fix the problem). They really do hold on to stuff.

I've never had contacts but it seems like there are some definite ground rules with them.