What makeup should you not share?

Author: Prof. Mellie Emard PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Protect yourself from infection-causing germs Thoroughly wash and dry your hands with a clean towel before applying skincare products and makeup. Never share makeup, particularly mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow. Wash your makeup brushes and sponges weekly, or purchase disposable applicators.

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.

Is it bad to share makeup?

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.

What makeup should I throw out?

But on things like nail polish, lipstick and eyeliner, you may have some things in your collection that are way past their prime. Make sure to toss those since they are much less effective once they've expired. Think runny, discolored nail polish, dried out lipstick and crumbly, dull bronzer.

What makeup should you avoid in pictures?

If you want natural makeup for your photoshoot, avoid shades that are too light or dark as they can lead to an unnatural appearance – especially under camera flash. Also, be cautious of products with high SPF, as they might cause a flashback effect, giving your skin an ashy appearance in photos.

HOW TO AVOID CAKEY FOUNDATION | Tips on Avoiding Cakey Makeup

What colors should you not wear in pictures?

Neons and Bright Colors

But as with everything, there is a best way to do it. Bold colors can sometimes dominate the image and don't fit every location. This is especially true with neon or overly bright colors as these can cast unflattering reflections on the skin and make your family appear unnatural.

Can I wear eyeliner in my passport photo?

Can I Wear Makeup in My Passport Photo? Yes, you can wear makeup in a passport photo if you choose to.

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.

What makeup goes bad?

Consider replacing cream-based foundation or blushes every six months to a year. Powder products, if stored properly and free from moisture, are good for up to two years. Lipstick is good for one to two years, and lip gloss can be used for six months to 1 year.

Should I throw out old lip gloss?

Preservatives in makeup don't last forever.

In general, to maintain a clear and attractive complexion you should discard old makeup. It can harbor germs, degrade, and become rancid. Only the most powerful preservatives might inhibit microbes.

Is it OK to share lip gloss?

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.

Is it gross to share nail polish?

❌ Sharing of Communal Nail Polishes ???? In short – TAKE YOUR OWN. Despite common assumed belief, infections do not 'die' when inside the polish bottle. Studies have tested shared polishes for fungal spores, bacteria and microorganisms and they are riddled with them.

Can I share makeup with my mom?

Some people may not be susceptible to specific infectious bacteria by sharing makeup, but that does not mean that you are not. Many infectious diseases, like Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis, can be contracted from shared makeup.

Which makeup brand is safest?

From ILIA Beauty to Clove + Hallow, here are our 25 favorite non-toxic makeup brands.
  • ILIA Beauty.
  • RMS Beauty.
  • Kjaer Weis.
  • Beautycounter.
  • 100% Pure.
  • Alima Pure.
  • W3LL PEOPLE.
  • Vapour Beauty.

Is it okay to stock up on skincare?

While it's tempting to stock up on your favorite products, buying in excess amounts can lead to waste (of both product and your money). Therefore, you should always purchase what you can reasonably use within the product's shelf life. This not only prevents waste but also ensures that your product remains potent.

Is it bad to share lip liners?

Here are some important considerations to ensure safe makeup practices: 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.

When to throw out makeup?

Signs you should toss makeup
  1. Start to clump like mascara or eyeliner.
  2. Change in consistency like a foundation that separates.
  3. Crumble or fall apart like powder eyeshadow or blush.
  4. Smell bad.
  5. Look dry and flaky or runny.
  6. Have changed color.
  7. Feel different on your skin.

Why you shouldn't wear makeup everyday?

If you are applying makeup on a regular basis and leaving it on your skin for a long time, there are chances that your skin pores get clogged. This does not let your skin breathe, making it prone to acne, bumps and other facial skin problems. You may notice bumps around your eyes as well.

Does mascara expire?

Mascara lasts around three to six months, and shouldn't be kept around for longer. Think about it: You're putting it right near your eyes. An old tube of mascara could be an eye infection waiting to happen, so consider swapping your old tube for a new one each season to stay on the safe side.

How long is Mac makeup good for?

“This shows the life of the product once it has been opened, and these dates usually range between three to 24 months so it's an easy way to tell how long your products will last. While creams won't last as long as powder, powder formulas may fade in colour if kept for years on end.”

Does lipstick go bad?

If it has an off-putting or rancid smell, it's definitely time to toss it. A good rule of thumb is that if it smells bad, it is bad. If it smells off, it's best to avoid using it to prevent potential lip irritation or health concerns.

Do you smile in passport photos?

Since 2004, applicants are no longer allowed to show teeth in their passport photos—but a gentle smile (with your eyes open and mouth closed) is perfectly acceptable.

Previous article
What is the importance of perm?
Next article
When can I put makeup after microneedling?