Is it ok to share beauty products? Sharing is caring – but not when it comes to beauty and skincare products. While you may be tempted to borrow your friend's mascara if you're in a pinch, it's best to get your own.
Allergic Reactions: Sharing makeup can expose you to allergens that you may not be sensitive to, leading to skin irritation, redness, or even more severe allergic reactions. Avoid sharing makeup whenever possible. If you must share, limit it to products that are easy to sanitize, like lipstick.
It is generally not recommended to use someone else 's mascara , even if they have only used it once . This is because mascara can easily transfer bacteria and other germs , which can lead to eye infections or irritation .
However, “any type of face powder” including powder foundation or blush, are among the least likely to transmit harmful bacteria according to Levy.
"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.
Can makeup make you sick? You wash your hands after using the restroom and before you eat, but if you're using four-year-old eye shadow, your hygiene habits may not be enough. Contaminated or old cosmetics can contain germs that lead to acne, rashes, pink eye, staph infections and even herpes.
“It is hard to re-infect yourself,” he said. RELATED: Symptom tracker: Cold, flu — or something else? After being exposed to a virus, the body creates antibodies to fight off the virus. When you recover from that particular virus, your body no longer remains susceptible to that strain.
It may sound rude to say no to sharing makeup, but it can lead to serious facial conditions that might look harmless at the moment. Just like one should never share or try makeup testers kept in the stores, you should never share some makeup products and skincare that could lead to a disaster.
Look for the MADE SAFE® seal
It's the only nontoxic certification in the country that crosses consumer product categories. A partner of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, MADE SAFE® makes it easier to identify verified, safer products. Visit MADE SAFE to find certified products.
Not only can it be unhygienic, but using skincare products that aren't yours might negatively affect your skin, so it's best to try and limit sharing and curate a personalized routine.”
Eye Irritation
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.
Acne isn't contagious, but when you share makeup, makeup brushes, or applicators, the acne-causing bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells on other people's skin can wind up in your makeup. When you use that makeup, you can transfer their bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells to your skin.
Herpes is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread easily through close personal contact, including the sharing of makeup, chapstick, and lipstick. Although herpes can cause discomfort and embarrassment, it is important to remember that it is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
Of all the lip products to share, including lipsticks, balms and liners, lip gloss is among the most likely to transmit infections because of its gooey, watery consistency — viruses thrive in moist environments, Dr. Bhutani said.
Toxicity Level
Types of makeup are minimally toxic if ingested in small amounts, such as a taste or a lick. This may cause mild upset stomach. Cosmetic items with semi-permanent pigment, like hair dye, eyelash tint or eyeliner tattoo ink, may be more toxic.
Makeup can also contribute to developing styes. In applying eye makeup, applicators repeatedly touch the products and the eyes, causing bacteria to transfer between them. While styes aren't contagious, reusing the same contaminated products can reintroduce bacteria to your eyes, leading to recurring styes.
This doesn't mean the Think Dirty app isn't legitimate. As we understand, it absolutely is, and we agree with their findings on ingredients.
The longer the foundation is kept after purchase, it can oxidize. This oxidation can change the color. If you notice your favorite beige color foundation taking on a slightly more orange color, it may be expired. Using your sense of smell also is a way to tell if your makeup is expired.
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.
Mascara: Mascara wands come into direct contact with the eyes and can quickly transfer bacteria, viruses, or fungi potentially leading to eye infections. Sharing mascara increases the risk of spreading these pathogens, so it's best to use and replace your own mascara regularly.
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.
But if you've had strep throat, you'll want to throw out any lip products used while you were sick, as the bacteria that causes strep throat can survive longer. MedExpress Pro Tip: Nervous about germs on that perfect shade of red lipstick that you or your partner love, but hate to throw it out?
Genetics, high stress levels, and your environment may explain why you get sick so often. Even if you're generally healthy, it's always possible to get sick. How often you get sick as a healthy person depends on how your body functions. You have different types of immunity, which affect your likelihood of getting sick.
Colds have a sneaky habit of hitting when you least expect it. Even with careful behaviour, it's possible for viruses to make their way into homes and bodies. During a cold, the bed is where we do most of our resting and healing. However, that also means that the bed sheets have high levels of exposure to germs.