Is it safe to share makeup?
This is another question I get almost every day, usually from teenage girls who are using discount makeup products or spending a lot of time at the makeup counter at the mall. Let’s face it, there are times when we all are tempted to share makeup…
When it comes to makeup, it’s best to be selfish and keep your products to yourself. While most cosmetics contain preservatives to help slow the growth of bacteria and fungus, sometimes this isn’t enough to prevent your makeup from getting contaminated. In fact, in one study researchers found bacteria such as staph, strep and E. coli in department store makeup testers. Each time you touch a lipstick or mascara, you are potentially introducing germs to the product. And the more people who use it, the greater the likelihood of spreading infection. Since mucous membranes are more susceptible to getting infected, lip and eye products should never be shared under any circumstances.
