The other day, I was browsing YouTube and saw someone use lipgloss as eyeshadows and I thought, “can you really use lip gloss on your eyes?” Now, I learned a lot of useful beauty tips by watching Youtube:
- If you have oily lids and don’t want to see your just-finished eye look destroyed within minutes, apply primer first.
- You can save a lot of storage space by depotting eyeshadows and blushes into one palette.
- Don’t ignore paint brushes. Sometimes, they work just as well as makeup brushes and can cost considerably less.
But there’s also a lot of advice on there that is, at best, questionable and, at worst, dangerous. And using lipgloss as eyeshadow is one of them.
It’s an old trick used by many makeup artists to achieve a glossy look for editorial photoshoots… and one you shouldn’t copy. Why? Lipgloss may be harmless on the lips, but it can cause quite a lot of damage on the eyes.
Is It Safe To Use Lipgloss On Your Eyes?
Let me tell you why this isn’t the smartest ideas makeup artists ever had. Lipglosses are usually scented. Sometimes, strongly too. The scent makes it a pleasure to apply them, but it can irritate and sting your eyes really bad. Ouch!
But, that’s not all. Not all ingredients that are approved for the lips are safe for the eye area too. Case in points, and colourants such as Red 6 and Red 28 Lake. You don’t want them anywhere near your eyes.
By using lipgloss on the eyes, you don’t just risk an irritation. You could also get an infection. In the worst case scenario, it can lead to blindness! That gorgeous, glossy wet look has lost a lot of its appeal now, hasn’t it?
Related: Is Fragrance In Skincare Products As Bad As Paula Begoun Says?
What About “Clean” Or Natural Lip Glosses?
Even if your lip gloss says “organic” or “clean beauty,” it doesn’t mean it’s safe for the eyes. The problem isn’t just the chemicals. It’s the texture, the fragrance, the stickiness, and the fact that it migrates. Your eyes are not a testing ground for products that weren’t made for them, no matter how gentle they claim to be.
Why Do Makeup Artists Still Use It Then?
Because they’re not wearing it for 8 hours. That glossy lid you see in Vogue? It’s usually on for 15 minutes, max. Then it’s removed. It’s also being applied by someone who knows exactly how to avoid the lash line, how to layer safely, and how to clean up fast. For everyday wear, you’re not getting that kind of controlled application. Plus, it creases like crazy within 10 minutes unless you’re shooting in a studio with fans blowing in your face.
Common Myths About Lipgloss on the Eyes
- “It’s fine as long as you use a little.” Nope. Even one swipe can travel into your waterline and mess things up.
- “I’ve done it before and nothing happened.” Cool. That’s luck, not safety. Eye irritation and damage are cumulative… and next time might not be so forgiving.
- “If it’s safe for lips, it’s safe for eyes.” Absolutely not. The skin around your eyes is thinner, more absorbent, and way more prone to reactions than your lips.
Are There Any Safe Alternatives to Glossy Lids?
Yes and they actually exist for this exact reason. Look for cream eyeshadows or balms specifically labelled “eye safe” or “ophthalmologist tested.” Some brands make clear or shimmer-based lid glosses that give you the same shine without the risk. Danessa Myricks, Glossier, and even some K-beauty brands do versions of this that are made to look wet without wrecking your eyes.
How To Fake the Glossy Look Without Real Gloss
If you still want that reflective, juicy lid look, try this: apply a cream eyeshadow in a shimmer or satin finish, then gently tap a teeny amount of Vaseline above your crease (not near the lash line). Or layer a clear eye gloss over powder shadow. It’s not bulletproof, but it’s way less risky than dragging lip product across your eyelid.
The Bottom Line
The wet, glossy eye makeup look is beautiful, but achieving it with lipgloss can be quite dangerous! Better stick to the use products were formulated for and use lipgloss only on the lips.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
