Makeup after cataract surgery – when you can wear makeup and how to get back to your routine safely

One of the most common questions patients ask after cataract surgery is when they can wear makeup again. This question matters more than it seems: eye makeup is applied right next to the eye, and while the eye is healing, any substance that gets into it may cause irritation or infection. On this page we explain why eye makeup is avoided after surgery, how to return to it safely, and what to know about removing makeup and caring for your face.

Why is makeup avoided after cataract surgery?

In cataract surgery, a small incision is made in the cornea, through which the cloudy lens is removed and an artificial lens is implanted. In the days and weeks after surgery, the incision and the surface of the eye heal. During this time the eye is more sensitive, and the aim is to reduce as much as possible the chance of foreign substances or bacteria reaching it.

Eye makeup, such as mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow, is applied right against the lashes and the edges of the eyelids. Small particles of it may fall into the eye, and removing makeup also means touching the eye and rubbing the eyelids. Therefore, avoid using makeup or creams around the eyes in the first weeks after surgery, to prevent chemicals from getting into the eye, where they may cause infection or irritation.

On the day of surgery

Do not apply makeup or creams around the eyes on the day of surgery. It is best to come with a clean face, without mascara, eyeliner or eye cream, and to remove your makeup the evening before. More information on preparation is on the page Preparing for cataract surgery.

When can I wear makeup again?

There is no single date that suits everyone. The general guideline is to avoid eye makeup in the first weeks, and it is best to ask the doctor at the follow-up visit about the exact time. The doctor examines the eye and can tell you whether healing is progressing as expected. In most cases, full recovery usually takes four to eight weeks, and the pace of recovery varies from person to person.

It helps to tell apart the types of makeup:

• Makeup far from the eye, such as lipstick or blush, is less harmful to the eye. Here too, it is better to avoid loose powder that spreads in the air and any product applied close to the eyelids.
• Eye makeup, such as mascara, eyeliner, eye shadow and eye pencil for the lid margin, is applied right against the eye. This is what the guideline to wait refers to.
• Creams around the eyes fall under the same guideline as eye makeup.

How to return to eye makeup safely

• Start with new products: mascara and eyeliner used before surgery may contain bacteria. When you go back to eye makeup, it is better to open new products.
• Wash your hands before every touch around the eye, and also clean brushes and sponges.
• Start gradually: first light makeup away from the edge of the eyelid, and only later mascara and eyeliner.
• Avoid eyeliner on the inner lash line, right against the moist surface of the eye, because particles pass easily into the eye from there.
• Do not share makeup products with others.

Removing makeup and cleaning your face

Removing makeup should also be gentle. Do not rub the eye or press on it. Gently wipe the area around the eye, and take care that water and cleansing products do not get into the eye. It is best to choose a gentle makeup remover without a strong scent.

When washing your face in the first period, it is best to clean your face with a damp towel or wash it carefully, leaving the eye area aside. Information on restrictions in the period after surgery is on the page What not to do after cataract surgery.

Eyelash extensions, lash tinting and permanent makeup

Cosmetic treatments around the eye, such as eyelash extensions, lash and brow tinting, lash lifts or permanent eyelid makeup, involve chemicals and work right next to the eye. So it is best to put them off until the doctor confirms that the eye has healed, and to tell the beautician that you have had cataract surgery. If you planned such a treatment before surgery, it is better to coordinate it with the doctor in advance. In the same way, when coloring your hair, take care that the dye does not get into the eye. See Hair coloring after cataract surgery.

Face cream, sunscreen and skin care

The guideline to avoid creams refers mainly to the area around the eyes. Face cream or sunscreen on the cheeks, forehead and chin is applied further from the eye, but it is also best to apply these carefully, so that they do not reach the eyelids or run into the eye with sweat or water. If you are unsure about a particular product, you can bring it to the follow-up visit and ask the doctor.

To protect the eye from strong light, wind and dust in the first period, sunglasses help more than any skin care product. See Sunglasses after cataract surgery.

Have an event coming up? Plan ahead

If a family event, a photo shoot or a public appearance is planned, take this into account when you set the date of surgery. In the first weeks after surgery you will not be able to use eye makeup, and sometimes the eye is still a little red or watery. If you are having surgery on both eyes, remember that the period without makeup applies after each of the operations. Information on the timing between the eyes is on the page Cataract surgery in the second eye. If the event is important to you, tell the doctor about it at the consultation, so the date can be coordinated.

When to see a doctor

After surgery, blurred vision, mild irritation and extra tearing are common in the first days. But if, after going back to makeup or at any other stage, you have pain that gets worse, redness that gets worse, discharge or a drop in vision, contact a doctor. If makeup gets into the eye, do not rub it. If the irritation does not go away, it is best to consult the doctor. Information on tearing after surgery is on the page Watery eye after cataract surgery.

In summary

After cataract surgery, makeup and creams around the eyes are avoided in the first weeks, and on the day of surgery you come without eye makeup. Ask the doctor at the follow-up visit when you can go back to eye makeup. When you do, do it gradually, with new products and clean hands, and remove makeup gently, without rubbing the eye. Cosmetic treatments around the eye are best put off until the doctor approves.