COSMETICS can help in the beauty transformation, but some danger lies that can also hurt you. Just learn to use them wisely.

There is a big danger in Mascara, eye shadow and eye liner contain preservatives to prolong their shelf life, but eventually these protective chemicals break down, making the products ripe for contamination by bacteria.

Continued use of the cosmetics can irritate or cause permanent damage to the eye. To protect yourself, follow these guidelines:

* Replace your eye makeup every three to four months if you haven’t finished using it up.

* Wash your hands before applying make up.

* Never use friends’ eye makeup and avoid eye (and face) makeup testers at cosmetic’s counters. If you do, be sure to use the disposable q-tips and mini-spatulas provided. A recent study showed that more than half the demonstration supplies at the display counter were contaminated.

* Be especially careful to avoid scratching the cornea, which can cause serious damage.

For other cosmetics, here are some safety tips:

* Keep containers tightly closed and store them in a cool place. Creams and lotions can be refrigerated to prolong their shelf life. Check the list of ingredients on packages to see if the product contains a substance to which you know you are allergic.

* With hair coloring and depilatories, do a patch test. Don’t use cosmetic on already irritated skin.

* Don’t smoke while applying cosmetics. Some products, for example, hair sprays and nail polish, contain alcohol, which is flammable.

* Don’t mix half-used cosmetics or add water or saliva.

* Buy cosmetics in the small size. Date the container and use only for the next twelve months, maximum.

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