It’s fun sharing makeup. But truth be told, you shouldn’t. Unless you have alcohol-based wipes handy to swipe down said lipstick or gloss or kajal. Why? There’s no dearth of lurking bacteria and viruses that you’re at risk of catching. So which beauty products should you steer clear of borrowing from (or lending to) your bestie?
1
Any beauty product that comes in a jar like Ponds Age Miracle Night Cream or Lakme Absolute Mattreal Skin Natural Mousse 16hr is best not shared. If you need to dip your fingers into the formula here’s two things to do: one, keep the product strictly for personal use, and two, wash your hands before touching the formula. Dirty hands will make the product a breeding ground of germs, and guaranteed breakouts because your body absorbs 60 percent of what you apply on your skin.
2
Mascaras like Avon Super Shock Max Waterproof Mascara can be an incubator of bacteria and viruses causing eye infections like conjunctivitis. And eyes are more susceptible than skin since there is no protective layer. And if you’re in the habit of pumping the mascara wand each time you apply it, stop! Pushing air into the bottle’s base helps breed bacteria that survive in an oxygenated environment. If you HAVE to share mascara with your bestie, use disposable wands and never double dip.
3
While dry powder compacts like Nykaa SKINgenius Skin Perfecting & Hydrating Matte Powder Compact don’t hold on to bacteria the way a cushion or sponge foundation would, it’s still good enough to transfer bacteria from one face to another. The only way you can dream of letting your girlfriend share your pressed powder in an emergency is spraying some alcohol-based sanitizer on it first and then giving her a clean makeup brush to dab some on.
4
Lipsticks and lip balms like L’Oreal Paris Infallible Le Rouge Lipstick – 130 Enduring Berry and Nivea Fruity Shine Lip Balm are the easiest way to transmit bacteria or viruses that cause cold sores. And you won’t even know if someone is infected because you could be a HSV-1 carrier and show no symptoms. That’s why it’s vital you never share a lippie even if you wipe it down with an alcohol wipe.
5
Each time you use your lip gloss like L’Oreal Paris Glam Shine Balmy Gloss and seal it shut you’re pushing air into the base. The moist, sticky formula is the perfect place for bacteria to breed. It’s not such a bad thing provided it’s your own bacteria but introducing someone else’s bacteria into your gloss wand is a BAD idea!
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Cream eyeshadows like Maybelline New York The Nudes Eyeshadow Palette also trap and breed bacteria so even though your friends may love your new palette it’s best you don’t pass it around. More so if you’ve used your fingers in a hurry to apply it and contaminated it with your own bacteria.
7
Sharing makeup brushes can worsen skin breakouts. You can spread acne and cross contaminate bacteria by using someone else’s brushes. The only safe way to use someone else’s brushes— at the risk of sounding like a broken record—is using a fresh brush or spraying your own with alcohol to kill bacteria. Even if you don’t share brushes but have oily, acne-prone skin, it’s a good idea to rinse your brushes in warm soapy water once a week. Have your tried Vega Set Of 7 Make-Up Brushes? There’ll always be a spare one if you haven’t had time to clean the previous one.
8
It sounds yucky but you’ll be surprised by how many of us are guilty of sharing toothbrushes. This is a complete no-no. Mouths are filled with bacteria, both good and bad. The bad ones, anaerobic oral bacteria, are the one responsible for the disgusting smelly breath when you forget to brush or when you have an infection. That’s why it’s so important to brush your teeth regularly to keep bacteria at bay and NEVER share a toothbrush with anyone. Buy Pepsodent Complete Expert Toothbrush- Medium and make sure you never leave home without yours.
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Facial cleansing brushes like Pobling Pore Sonic Cleanser Facial Brush – White are also not meant to be shared. They’re the best way to slough off dead cell, dirt and grime. Now do you want to share someone’s dead cells and infections? At the most you could share a facial cleanser but ensure you change the brush head before using someone else’s brush.
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Finally, razors shouldn’t be shared. Sure, they’re made of stainless steel and don’t harbour bacteria for long but are still potential carriers of (gulp) herpes and genital warts if your friend has either. Also, razors can still have traces of blood or fluids that linger even after the blade has been rinsed that can make you susceptible to a staph infection, hepatitis and even HIV (thought that’s quite unlikely). Still, why take a chance? Best get your own WayToShave One For The Ladies 3 Blade Razor (Pack of 4 Cartridges + 1 Razor Handle).
