Why shouldn't you share mascara?

Author: Joannie Jerde  |  Last update: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

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.

Is it bad to share mascara with someone?

Sharing mascara is generally not recommended due to hygiene concerns. Mascara can harbor bacteria, and sharing it can increase the risk of eye infections or irritation. If you want to let your sister try your mascara, consider using a disposable applicator or giving her a small amount in a clean container.

What happens if two people use the same mascara?

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.

Why can't girls share mascara?

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.

Can you get an eye infection from using other people's mascara?

Bacteria may also form on makeup brushes used to apply eyeshadow, eyeliner, and mascara. Bacteria can also form on the makeup itself. Also, if you share eye makeup with someone else, you are at an increased risk of developing an eye infection.

How I keep my straight lashes curled ALL DAY *Includes my tiktok viral curling method*

Is it okay to share mascara with your mom?

You especially should never share lip and eye products, which come in frequent contact with more easily infected areas of the body. Think about it -- that's why you usually see disposable applicators on hand at most cosmetics counters.

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 is mascara girl code?

'Mascara' is being used as a code word on TikTok by young women to talk about their experiences of sex and sexual abuse.

What age do most girls wear mascara?

When asked when they first let their daughter use certain makeup or beauty items, the results (from oldest to youngest) were as follows:
  • Foundation – 14 years old.
  • Eye liner – 14 years old.
  • Lipstick – 13 years old.
  • Mascara – 12 years old.
  • Eyeshadow – 7 years old.
  • Lip gloss – 6 years old.
  • Nail varnish – 5 years old.

What is the deal with mascara on TikTok?

TikTok fan? Chances are you've seen a lot of people talking about mascara recently - but it isn't about make-up. People have been using the word to talk about relationships in a way that avoids TikTok's censorship filters.

Why shouldn't you wear mascara everyday?

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.

How long can bacteria live on makeup?

"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 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.

Can two people use the same mascara?

The main danger with sharing makeup is passing on an infection like viral conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Exposure to even a small amount of virus can lead to a very uncomfortable infection. If you have signs of a viral infection, make an appointment with your eye care provider.

Is it bad to use someone else's hair brush?

“Sharing hairbrushes is not recommended between strangers and even family members. A hairbrush is a vector for contaminants and microbes that can be transmitted from person to person with sharing,” says Purvisha.

Can you get eyelash mites from sharing mascara?

Throw away any eye makeup you may have used during the infestation. And, since they can spread from person to person, it's important to never share eye makeup, particularly mascara. Infestations of eyelash mites can recur, so remain vigilant about eye hygiene in the future.

Should I let my 14 year old wear mascara to school?

Choosing an appropriate age is up to you, but a 2019 YouGov study suggests that most parents believe that children should be allowed to wear makeup between 14 and 16.

Can you use 10 year old mascara?

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. Pencil-style eyeliners, gel eyeliners and lip pencils can be used for up to a year.

What does blue mascara mean?

Blue mascara will not only draw attention to your eyes, but it'll also brighten the whites of your eyes to make you look more awake and alert. If you're still wary of color, why not try coating your lower lashes with Lash Alert Mascara in blue.

What is mascara slang for?

“Mascara” refers to someone's romantic partner and is being used with the hashtag #MascaraTrend as code to describe relationships. As an example, one TikToker joked: “My mascara stuck its wand in another tube.”

Are you supposed to share mascara?

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.

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 sharing lipgloss bad?

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.

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