Is sharing makeup a bad idea?

While it’s fine to share secrets, aspirations, and dreams with friends, dermatologists strongly advise against sharing makeup.

In simple terms, exchanging cosmetics can lead to swapping germs. Makeup brushes and applicators are perfect carriers for bacteria, and their moist, dark environments help these germs flourish. Lip and eye products, in particular, should never be shared, as they come into contact with more sensitive areas of the body. This is why disposable applicators are commonly provided at cosmetics counters—to prevent contamination of testers.

Failing to discard makeup within its recommended timeframe can lead to infections. It’s essential to replace old cosmetics as needed. Different products have varying expiration dates, with liquid makeup expiring faster than powder. Mascara, in particular, requires attention due to its direct contact with the eyes, making it a potential source of infection. Regularly cleaning out your makeup collection might take effort, but it’s crucial for maintaining healthy skin and eyes.

Sharing makeup or using it beyond its recommended lifespan can result in skin or eye infections. Other risks include contracting the herpes virus, which causes cold sores, or developing dermatitis.

Maintaining fresh makeup and clean skin can help prevent illnesses. Continue reading for advice on proper makeup hygiene.

Makeup and Hygiene

Practicing good hygiene with your makeup can help you avoid contracting unpleasant illnesses. Many women are so engrossed in their daily routines that they may not realize their habits could be putting them at risk of infections.

Start by evaluating how you store your cosmetics. Ensure that all makeup containers are tightly sealed after daily use. This practice helps maintain the product's quality and safety over time. While cosmetics typically include preservatives to inhibit bacterial growth, improper storage can create an environment where germs flourish. A key factor is keeping products at room temperature; exposure to heat or direct sunlight can encourage bacterial proliferation. Temperatures exceeding 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) are particularly hazardous for makeup storage [source: FDA].

Avoid adding water to makeup, as it can promote germ growth in an otherwise clean product and reduce the effectiveness of preservatives designed to maintain hygiene. Using saliva is an even worse practice, as it can transfer bacteria from your mouth—where they are harmless—to your more sensitive eyes [sources: Connolly and

While it’s clear not to share makeup with friends, what about strangers? It might seem obvious, but consider what happens when you test a new lipstick shade at a department store counter. If you must use a tester or receive a makeover, insist on disposable applicators, inquire about cleaning protocols, and request a fresh tester if needed [source: Wu].

Curious about what might be hiding on that lipstick tester? Continue reading to discover the various infections that can be transmitted through shared makeup.

Diseases Spread Through Makeup

While a group makeover might seem enjoyable, the risk of contracting pink eye or other infections is a serious downside. Diseases can spread not only among close friends but also through tester products at beauty counters or during department store makeovers. A study even detected staph, strep, and E. coli bacteria in such testers [source: Wu]. Without proper precautions, a fun makeover session could lead to an unexpected doctor’s visit.

Sharing eye makeup can lead to pink eye, or conjunctivitis, a troublesome infection causing redness, itchiness, and watery eyes that can persist for up to two weeks [source: Mayo Clinic]. Highly contagious, it spreads easily among those sharing makeup. While medicated eye drops can treat it within weeks, you’ll need to avoid eye makeup and contact lenses during recovery.

Sharing lipstick with someone carrying the herpes simplex virus, which causes cold sores, can transfer the virus to you. The virus can spread even without visible sores, and since herpes has no cure, a single instance of sharing lipstick could result in a lifelong condition.

Beyond not sharing your cosmetics, ensuring they are in good condition is equally important for preventing infections. Continue reading to discover how to avoid makeup contamination.

Avoiding Makeup Contamination

When you open your bathroom drawer, you might find makeup that has far exceeded its recommended usage period. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which regulates cosmetics, does not mandate expiration dates for these products. Additionally, improper storage can cause some makeup to expire faster. This means it’s your responsibility to determine when to discard your beauty items.

Eyes are highly vulnerable to infections, so it’s crucial to monitor how long you’ve been using your mascara. The sealed container creates a dark, germ-friendly environment. Most manufacturers recommend replacing mascara after three months. If it smells strange, has dried out, or been exposed to extreme temperatures, discard it sooner. If you’ve had an eye infection, replace all eye makeup immediately, regardless of its age [source: FDA].

Liquid products or those with high water content are also prone to bacterial growth and should be replaced regularly. Discard liquid foundation, creamy eye shadow, and blush after six months. Liquid eyeliner, like mascara, should be replaced every three months [source: Matlin].

Powder-based products, which have minimal water content, can remain usable for up to two years. This category includes pencil eyeliners, lip liners, and powder-based eye shadows, foundations, blushes, and bronzers. However, not all makeup will last this long. If a product changes color or develops an unusual odor, dispose of it immediately.

For more information on the risks of improper makeup hygiene, explore the links provided on the following page.