Is it safe to share make-up?

Author: Jamaal Nitzsche  |  Last update: Sunday, August 3, 2025

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.

Can you catch anything from sharing makeup?

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.

Is it okay to share makeup products?

We often show our love by sharing makeup and skincare products, but this is one habit you must ditch immediately. This can lead to serious skin issues and infections due to the transfer of bacteria and contaminants.

What makeup is safe to share?

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.

What makeup not to share?

DON'T: Do not give anyone anything that touched your eye or mouth, especially if the product has a foot applicator. Ex: Liquid lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, concealer or lip gloss with a doe foot applicator. Avoid giving people products in a jar, especially if it's skin care.

Is It Safe To Share Eye Makeup? | Eye Safe Makeup Tips | An Eye Doctor Explains It All

What are the side effects of sharing makeup?

Here's Why You Should Stop Sharing Makeup
  • Acne. At the very minimum, using some else's makeup exposes your skin to their natural oils (sebum) and bacteria. ...
  • Cold Sores. Even if your friend does not have signs of sores or irritation around their lips, she could be carrying the herpes virus. ...
  • Eye Infections. ...
  • Staph Infections.

How long do bacteria live in makeup?

It depends on the type of bacteria, and the type of makeup, and whether or not the makeup has preservatives. If the bacteria run out of food, they'll probably be viable anywhere from a couple hours to a few weeks. If the makeup IS the food, they can potentially stay there indefinitely, if it is damp enough.

Can I share makeup with my sister?

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.

What is the most safe makeup brand?

25 Best Non-Toxic Makeup Brands
  • ILIA Beauty.
  • RMS Beauty.
  • Kjaer Weis.
  • Beautycounter.
  • 100% Pure.
  • Alima Pure.
  • W3LL PEOPLE.
  • Vapour Beauty.

Is it OK to share skin care 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.”

Is it OK to give away used makeup?

Donate Them

Not all charity organizations and homeless shelters will accept used beauty lotions and potions, so we recommend calling first to see if your local center will accept gently used products. Something that has never been opened should be fine, as long as the packaging is intact.

Can sharing makeup cause acne?

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.

What is cross contamination in makeup?

Beware of cross-contamination

It's no good if the makeup artist is using a disposable mascara wand but is cross-contaminating products by putting that disposable back into the mascara tube. Contaminated brushes and products breed micro-organisms that can cause a whole host of health problems.

Is it OK to share makeup once?

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.

Can you catch anything from skin-to-skin contact?

This is because some STIs, like herpes and HPV, are spread by skin-to-skin contact. Some STIs can be passed to the fetus during pregnancy or during childbirth. Other ways that some STIs may be spread include during breastfeeding, through blood transfusions, or by sharing needles.

What bacteria is in makeup products?

Although frequency of usage is a factor, the real “Achilles' heel,” Suozzi said, is when preservatives in products start breaking down, leaving the makeup more susceptible to growing bacteria, such as Staphylococci or E. coli, that may cause skin irritation, or worse, infection.

Is elf makeup toxic free?

e.l.f. respect

free from phthalates, parabens,nonylphenol ethoxylates,triclosan, triclocarban,and hydroquinone. All skincareis also free from sulfates.

Which is the No 1 makeup brand?

Most Popular Makeup Brands
  • 1) Maybelline. Maybelline, a true titan in the cosmetics industry, has earned its spot as a favourite among Makeup lovers. ...
  • 2) L'oreal. ...
  • 3) MAC Cosmetics. ...
  • 4) Estee Lauder. ...
  • 5) Fenty Beauty. ...
  • 6) NARS Cosmetics. ...
  • 7) Dior. ...
  • 8) Bare Minerals.

How do you know if makeup is safe?

Safer ingredients

Check out EWG's Skin Deep Database to find safer products and check ratings for items you already use. Note: The FDA does not regulate the word “natural,” so if you find a product that claims to be all-natural, you still need to read the ingredients label.

What makeup can you not share?

Avoid sharing: Refrain from sharing makeup products, especially those that come into direct contact with the eyes, lips, or mucous membranes. This includes mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, lip gloss, and lip balm. Use personal products: Invest in your makeup products and tools.

Is it OK to share a room with your sister?

It's recommended that children over the age of 101 should have their own bedrooms – even if they're siblings or step-siblings. We know this isn't always possible. If your children share, try to have regular conversations with them about how they're feeling and allow for them to have private time.

Can I share my lipstick?

While ideally people should stay away from someone else's personal care products, she said, it is also important to use common sense. “Yes, don't share lipstick,” she said.

What type of makeup grows the most bacteria?

In low-quality cosmetics, frequency of microbial growth is higher and more diverse than high-quality cosmetics. It has been observed the most contaminated product was in lip gloss and it follows by the lipstick.

Can I use 10 year old eyeshadow?

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.

When to throw away makeup?

General Lifespan of Products
  1. Lipstick: 1 to 3 years. Koestline says that for both cream and liquid formulations, you have to look at if the product contains water or not. ...
  2. Lip Gloss: 1 Year. ...
  3. Blush: 3 Years. ...
  4. Contour or Bronzer: 3 Years. ...
  5. Foundation: 2 Years. ...
  6. Eyeshadow: 1 to 3 Years. ...
  7. Eyeliner: 3 to 6 Months. ...
  8. Mascara: 3 to 6 Months.

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