Can I wear makeup after laser eye surgery?

If you wear makeup daily, you might be wondering how soon you can return to your normal routine after laser eye surgery.

It’s a fair question, especially when you’re planning your recovery.

In this blog, we’ll explain:

• When it’s safe to wear makeup again
• What types of products to avoid
• Tips for hygiene and safety.

Why is makeup a concern after surgery?

After laser eye surgery, your eyes are more sensitive and vulnerable to irritation. Any bacteria or particles near your eyes could increase the risk of infection or slow down healing.

Even clean brushes or unopened products can still be risky in the early days.

How long should I wait to wear makeup?

Here’s a general guide:

• No eye makeup (mascara, eyeliner, eyeshadow) for at least 1 week
• No face makeup around the eyes for 3–5 days.

If you’ve had LASIK, you may be able to wear light face makeup after 3 days, but eye makeup should still wait at least a full week.

If you’ve had LASEK or TransPRK, your healing may take a little longer, so we often recommend waiting 7–10 days.

What makeup should I avoid?

• Waterproof mascara (hard to remove)
• Glitter or powder eyeshadows (particles can fall into your eyes)
• Eyeliner on the waterline
• Old or expired products.

What about makeup tools?

Brushes, sponges, and applicators can carry bacteria — even if they look clean.

We recommend:

• Washing all tools before first use after surgery
• Replacing mascara wands and eyeliner pencils
• Avoiding shared or tester products.

What are the risks of wearing makeup too soon?

• Infection: Bacteria near the eyes can increase this risk.
• Irritation: Healing eyes are more sensitive to ingredients.
• Delayed recovery: Your eyes may take longer to settle.

When is it safe to return to your full makeup routine?

After 1–2 weeks, most people can return to their normal makeup routine, as long as:

• Their eyes feel comfortable
• There’s no sign of redness or infection
• They're using clean products and tools.

If you're unsure, ask us during your follow-up visit.

Final thoughts

Makeup can wait, your eyes can’t. Giving them a break helps ensure a smooth recovery and better results from your laser eye surgery.

Take our suitability self-test to find out if you’re a candidate for laser eye surgery.