Don't share your cosmetics. Another person's bacteria in your cosmetic can be harmful to you. Don't use "testers" in retail stores where others are sampling the same product unless you are sure they have been tested with single use applicators.
It is not recommended to share mascara with others . Mascara wands can easily transfer bacteria and germs , which can lead to eye infections . Additionally , sharing mascara can also lead to the spread of viruses , such as conjunctivitis or pink eye .
It's generally not recommended to share mascara. Sharing mascara can increase the risk of transferring bacteria and other pathogens between users, which can lead to eye infections or irritations. Each person's eye health and hygiene practices are different, so it's best to use your own products to maintain safety.
Take no chances with eye products—germ-ridden formulas can cause infections. 2 When you buy a new tube, do all you can to safeguard it from bacteria. Close it tightly after each use, avoid pumping the wand in and out, and never, ever share your mascara with anyone.
Eye infections and irritations
When you share eye makeup such as mascara, eyeliner, or eyeshadow, you risk exposure yourself to potential contamination from pathogens on someone else's skin or eyes.
Yes, it's unsanitary to use someone else's mascara, even your mom's. You can easily share a bacterial or other infection (pink eye is never cute). If you are using her mascara without permission, that's also disrespectful of her belongings and will probably get you in trouble.
Mascara: 4 to 6 months
"People use their mascara way too long. We often see rashes and can see infections from that," she says. Henry strongly urges you to replace your mascara within four to six months.
It's essential to wash your mascara wand thoroughly before reuse. Simply wash with hot water and soap until all of the excess product is removed, then spray with isopropyl alcohol to sanitize.
Levy was quick to point to mascara and lip gloss as especially risky items to share. However, “any type of face powder” including powder foundation or blush, are among the least likely to transmit harmful bacteria according to Levy.
Along with the issues above, sleeping in mascara may cause lashes to fall off as it dries and clumps overnight. Don't take any chances of harming your eye health. Never sleep in mascara, and be sure that it's removed properly before you lie down for the night. Mascara remover pads make mascara removal simple and safe.
Also, remember that it's never a good idea to share mascara with someone else. If you use someone else's mascara wand, there's a risk of bacteria spreading into your eye, which could potentially cause a stye (hordeolum) to develop.
The primary risk is that certain components may migrate into the eye, potentially causing irritation for some individuals. Due to repetitive applications, these mascaras disrupt the production of tear films or lacrimal film, which covers the surface of the eye and protects it against external assaults.
Although “mascara” refers to someone's partner, others have also used the imagery of a “mascara wand” as code for, well, you get the picture.
"Depending on the bacteria or virus and depending on the type of product and its ingredients, beauty products can remain contaminated from a range of a few hours or days to much longer," said Dr. David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist and the CEO and founder of Curology.
Don't share!
Don't share or swap eye cosmetics -- not even with your best friend. Another person's germs may be hazardous to you. The risk of contamination may be even greater with "testers" at retail stores, where a number of people are using the same sample product.
Mascara and liquid eyeliner typically are considered safe to use for three months. Liquid products used near the eye have an increased risk of spreading bacteria.
Infections like pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, are highly contagious. Often, people don't realize they're developing it and can even spread it by sharing eyeliner, mascara, eye shadow, or concealer wand. Eye cosmetics can also transfer infections such as warts, styes, and eyelash lice.
If you do share makeup or keep it for longer than recommended, you may develop a skin or eye infection. Other diseases associated with sharing makeup include the herpes virus, which causes cold sores, and dermatitis. Keeping your makeup fresh and your skin clean can help you avoid illness.
Applying two or more different mascaras may also help improve the longevity of your makeup, depending on the formulas used. Layering a waterproof mascara over a washable formula, for instance, can help “lock in” the latter, allowing for a longer wear time.
Astudy done almost 40 years ago in a very reputable ophthalmology journal showed that bacterial and fungal growth was found in 36% of mascara tubes after 3 months. So, now ophthalmologists make the recommendation to discard your mascara after 3 months.
Leaving mascara on your lashes for long periods of time can cause them to become brittle and break, leaving you with thinning lashes.
It is the perfect companion of a no-makeup makeup look. However, wearing mascara everyday can also be damaging for your delicate lashes. In an attempt to make your peepers look prettier you might actually be damaging your lashes.
When do eyeshadows expire? Luckily, you can hang on to your eyeshadows for a bit longer. The time from opening to when eyeshadows expire is 12 months but if left unopened, you have a full three years to hang onto them. This is because eyeshadow palettes are generally made with powder formulas.