Here's How To Wear Makeup With A Stye

When it comes to random bumps that can appear on your face from time to time, eye styes tend to fall in the "most annoying" category. If you've never had one before, or aren't entirely sure what it is, styes are little, red bumps that show up on the eyelid. And if you're a beauty junkie like me who can't stay away from the shadow and liner, you may be wondering if it's OK to wear makeup if you have a stye. Especially because styes tend to form around the edge of the eyelid near the lash line (they can show up on the top or bottom, outside, or even inside of your eyelid), it's important to treat them properly so as not to damage your eyes. So I spoke with dermatologist Dr. Hadley King to learn a little more about what causes styes and how to treat them.

Here's the deal. According to Dr. King, styes are actually similar to acne, and can be caused by a blocked duct and inflammation. So don't worry, it's not an infection. And actually, as Dr. King explained, because styes are like acne, and it's OK to wear makeup over acne, it's also OK to wear makeup when you have a stye — especially because your products likely won't make much contact with the stye. However, there are a few things you should make sure to do so that your stye heals ASAP.

1. Choose Your Makeup Wisely

If you decide to wear makeup when you have a stye, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The first, Dr. King noted, is to use non-comedogenic makeup, as this will help prevent further clogged pores. Second, stay away from glitter, as the larger particles could further irritate your stye. And finally, make sure to keep your makeup and makeup brushes clean to prevent spreading around dirt and bacteria. (You wouldn't want to cause another stye.)

2. Keep The Area Clean

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Dr. King also expressed the importance of keeping the area around your stye clean. Wash it thoroughly yet gently with an eye-safe formula like baby wash or baby shampoo. And remember to pat, never rub, dry.

3. Try A Warm Compress

And to help speed the healing process along, Dr. King suggests using a warm compress. Soak a washcloth in warm water before wringing it out and holding it against the affected area for a few minutes, a few times a day. This should help relieve some of the pain and swelling until the stye heals on its own.

Because a little eyelid pimple doesn't have to get in the way of some fierce, graphic eyeliner.

Images: Getty Images (3); Courtesy of Brand