Why You Should Never, Ever Share Makeup Again

You’re probably well aware that you shouldn’t share your makeup. If not, we have some interesting, if not down right gross, information for you. Besides not being safe for your skin, our experts say there are many reasons why you should be selfish with your makeup and never share it again. 

Reason number one—there’s a potential to spread bacterial or viral infections, says San Antonio dermatologist Vivian Bucay, MD. “We all harbor bacteria on our skin surface and these can then contaminate our cosmetics.”

While many of us do escape unscathed, for others, there are some pretty nasty consequences that can occur. “Sharing cosmetics, especially mascara, eyeshadow and eyeliner, can lead to a bad eye infection,” says Montclair, NJ, dermatologist Jeanine B. Downie, MD. “It’s also bad to share lipstick because viruses can live on inanimate objects. So if the person gets cold sores, you can also get a cold sore outbreak, which you keep the rest of your life.” 

If that wasn’t enough to dissuade you, some other unpleasant side effects of sharing makeup are flat warts and pink eye. Both can be picked up on your makeup because it’s used on your skin. “You should never share anything that comes into direct contact with someone’s skin or mucus membranes,” says Dr. Bucay.

Also, remember that the germs and bacteria that grow on your makeup brushes and applicators can cause your breakouts too, so wash them regularly to stop acne.