Hey Guys,
As you may or may not recall, I mentioned my suffering from a horrid allergic reaction some weeks ago in a previous post. I recently purchased Rimmel London’s Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner, and through the completion of thorough research and added trials, I’ve concluded that my reaction was related to my use of this specific product. For those of you unfamiliar with the product, Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner is a waterproof, as the name suggests, self-sharpening eyeliner that comes in about six different shades. The shade I had picked up was Purple Shock – a darkened red-based purple. It came with a smudging tip on the opposite end (this I thought was awesome!). Having used the product, I must say I consider the formula to be fairly good. Despite taking a little longer than what I consider to be the norm to dry, the liner itself is creamy, smooth, pigmented, feels extremely soft along the lash line and does not tug at my skin during application. Oh, and for a product promising to be both smudge proof and waterproof, it’s cost effective and gets the job done.
The opportunity had presented itself for me to go out one evening. After getting dressed, I felt real sassy and cute and proceeded to add the final touches to my overall look – my makeup of course! *twirls*
I decided to test the Purple Shocker as I figured it would complement my outfit very well, by helping to make it pop. I must say this led to a shocker indeed! In all my years of attempting makeup artistry, I have never encountered any problem with a product I’ve used per se. So how could I have possibly known that one was brewing right around the corner? Within two (2) hours of applying the purple liner, I found that my vision became blurred, and my eyes felt sore. They appeared bloodshot red, became extremely swollen, and gave off symptoms of an allergic conjunctivitis. Can you imagine my reactions of dismay and fury at that point in time? I was not only confused, but upset because I was unable to determine what it is that could have possibly contributed to such a horrible reaction. I mean I’ve had my fair share of allergic reactions throughout my lifetime, but none quite like this.
After the incident, I laid off the whole makeup bit for some time. When I thought that my eyes were better, having tried several home remedies, I tried the Purple Shocker once more for yet another occasion. Of course, it was just my luck to have history repeat itself. I experienced the same symptoms all over again that lasted for days. At this point it became very evident that it had to have been the purple eyeliner. I just couldn’t understand why it all came on through the application of the purple liner. So what could possibly be contributing to all these symptoms? By conducting research, I not only found that I wasn’t the only person to ever experience such symptoms, but realised that my allergic reaction may have been triggered by one of the dyes used in the production of the purple eyeliner. As for which one, I’m unable to say. It goes without saying, that ingredients vary in different coloured makeups, and regardless of them being fairly similar, one may be allergic to a specific mineral or metal used by the manufacturers of the purple eyeliner. My research also led to me finding out that the reaction did not come about through use of the brand, Rimmel London, but the purple coloured pencil instead. Many persons have made mention of having the same encounter with the use of the same colour, in multiple brands.
I must say I tried several tactics in an attempt to correct the problem I was having with my eyes. Home remedies employed include: flushing my eyes with water, and then with warm water and salt. I also tried using some “get the red out” eye drops. This combination seemingly worked, and in an effort to ensure that same does not recur, I have done a comparison, and have written down those ingredients found in the purple eyeliner not matching those in the other liners I own. This list I shall keep in my purse, so that I may have access to same once the decision has been made to purchase new liners for my makeup collection. In closing, this was a horrifying and painful experience that I wish on no one. My advice is that you become familiar with the products that you are using and try your utmost best to avoid the ones that may lead to potential harm. I know for me, purple eyeliners regardless of the brand, are a definite no no!
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