The best way to prevent cosmetic allergies is to avoid the allergens that cause them. Those who are allergic to a specific ingredient should check the label of every cosmetic before purchase to make sure the ingredient is not present.

Other tips include:

• Choose products with 10 ingredients or fewer. The more basic the ingredient, the lower the likelihood of irritation.
  
  
• Use powders when possible. These have fewer preservatives and other ingredients likely to cause irritation. Those who do use a liquid should choose one with a silicone base.
  
  
• Complete trial applications. Apply a small amount of the cosmetic to the inner arm three times a day for three consecutive days. Individuals should stop using any product that causes a reaction.
  
  
• Avoid waterproof makeup. The solvent needed to remove these products also removes sebum, an oily barrier that protects the skin from irritants that cause breakouts.
  
  
• Rotate cosmetics. Using the same brand every day increases the likelihood of becoming sensitized to the product and developing an allergy to it.
  
  
• Avoid using old cosmetics. Old cosmetics spoil and become contaminated. Cosmetic buildup on brushes and sponges also harbors germs and dirt that can aggravate skin.
  
  
• Use disposable cotton pads or swabs to apply cosmetics.
  
  
• Choose colors carefully. Use black eyeliner and mascara. Dermatologists say black is the least allergenic of all colors.  Conversely, stick to earth tones – tan, cream, white or beige – for eye shadow. These colors seem to cause less upper–eyelid irritation in women.
  
  
• Use unscented or mildly scented soaps, body cleansers, shampoos and conditioners.
  
  
• Avoid nail polish. Polishes are easily transferred to the skin, where they can irritate.
  
  
• Use sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Unlike chemical sunscreen agents, these physical sunscreen ingredients cannot cause allergies because they reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them.
  
  
• Wash off all makeup – especially around the eyes – before going to sleep.