As festival season kicks into high gear, the optometrist team at Leightons Opticians spoke with makeup expert Saffron Hughes from falseeyelashes.co.uk about how to minimise the risk of eye infections from your tent.
Whether you’re swimming in festival pools, dancing all night, or applying glitter makeup, taking care of your eyes is essential to avoid infections and long-term damage
6.5M UK festival-goers at risk of eye infections this summer
Speaking exclusively with Leightons Opticians, makeup expert Saffron Hughes from falseeyelashes.co.uk highlights the dangers of improper eye care and the common mistakes from your tent that could increase the risk of eye infections for the UK’s 6.5M festival-goers this summer (1).
Always check makeup expiry dates before you leave
Research shows that 79% of women use expired makeup, exposing themselves to harmful bacteria (2). Saffron advises, “Always check expiration dates before packing for a festival. Using expired makeup increases the risk of bacterial contamination, potentially causing infections like conjunctivitis or styes. Mascaras and eyeliners typically last 3-6 months, whereas powder products like eyeshadow can last up to 2 years. However, if you notice any changes in colour, texture, or smell, it’s time to replace them. If you can’t remember when you bought a product, it’s better to be safe and replace it.”
The £3 makeup artist trick to minimise festival breakouts
“Festivals are a breeding ground for bacteria, especially in your makeup bag. The heat, humidity, and close quarters in tents create perfect conditions for microorganisms to thrive.” Saffron explains.
“To minimise bacterial risks, always clean your hands thoroughly before applying any makeup. I recommend carrying a travel-sized hand sanitiser with at least 60% alcohol content. Use it generously before touching your face or makeup products. You can also bring a bar of soap to the festival with you and wash your hands thoroughly outside your tent using a collapsible water container.”
“To sterilise makeup brushes in your tent, bring a small spray bottle filled with 70% isopropyl alcohol. After each use, spritz your brushes thoroughly and let them air dry upright in one of your tent side pockets. This will kill most bacteria and doesn’t require any water. For powder and cream products, mist them with the isopropyl alcohol, let them dry for a minute, and use a clean tissue to wipe the surface before each use. This removes any bacteria that might have settled on top.”
Never fall asleep with false lashes to minimise the risk of infection
“One of the biggest mistakes I see festival-goers make is falling asleep with their false lashes still on. It’s tempting after a long day of dancing and partying, but this can lead to serious eye health issues. Lash glue can trap bacteria against your eyelids, potentially leading to infections like conjunctivitis or styes. The edges of false lashes can also scratch your cornea while you sleep, especially if you toss and turn, which can cause painful abrasions and increase your risk of eye infections. Leaving lashes on overnight can also damage your natural lashes, causing them to become brittle or even fall out.”
How to correctly remove false lashes from your tent
With long queues for water taps, it’s always good to pack a gentle eye makeup remover and cotton pads in your festival kit. Micellar water works well. Before bed, gently remove your lashes by applying remover to a cotton pad and holding it against your lash line for 30 seconds to soften the glue. After removing the lashes, use a fresh cotton pad with remover to clean any remaining glue or makeup from your lash line.“
“If you plan to reuse them, clean them thoroughly with alcohol or some lash shampoo and water outside your tent to remove any bacteria before storing them in a clean, dry container. In the morning, always check your eyes for any signs of irritation. If you notice redness, swelling, or discomfort, avoid reapplying lashes and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.“
How to store your makeup and brushes in your tent
“Store your makeup and brushes in sealed, airtight containers like clean Tupperware or a makeup bag to protect them from dust and bacteria. I recommend using clear, resealable bags which weigh less and will take up much less room in your festival bag. Avoid storing your makeup in direct sunlight and find the coolest spot possible in your tent, or even pop your makeup in an insulated cooler bag if you have one.”
Why you should consider leaving the festival glitter at home
“Glitter might add sparkle to your festival look, but it can pose serious risks to your eye health if not used and removed properly. Glitter particles, especially non-cosmetic grade ones, can have sharp edges that can scratch the cornea if they get into your eyes. This can lead to corneal abrasions, which are not only painful but can also increase your risk of eye infections.”
“Always opt for cosmetic-grade or biodegradable glitter if you’re using it, which is often better for the environment and is often gentler on the skin and eyes. Apply glitter carefully, avoiding the immediate eye area and use a good eye primer or lash glue to help the glitter stick better to your skin, which will reduce the risk of it falling into your eyes.
“If you still want that quintessential festival sparkle without the risks, larger rhinestones placed on the lid or around the eye area is a cool way to experiment with your makeup look. TV shows like Euphoria are the perfect inspo for this.”
How to remove glitter and rhinestone makeup safely
“Use a gentle, oil-based makeup remover. Apply it to a flat cotton pad and not a cotton ball, which will leave fibres behind, and hold it against your closed eye for about 30 seconds to dissolve the makeup.”
“After using the remover, you can dampen a clean face cloth with water or opt for micellar water to ensure all glitter particles are removed.”