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That's disgusting: Sharing makeup

By Kirsten Hudson

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Whether you’re slicking on your friend’s peachy pink lipgloss or borrowing your roommate’s shiny new bronzer, that makeup you’re applying could be giving you more than a makeover. Using someone else’s makeup could transmit bacteria or spread an infection.

Impetigo, a skin condition that causes red sores on the infected area, and fever blisters are two possible consequences of sharing makeup, says Lee Bittenbender, a dermatologist at the Dermatology Center of Lawrence.

Sharing makeup could also result in a staph infection. Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, a type of germ commonly located on the skin or in the nose. Some people, even if they’re healthy, can carry the infection without realizing it, says Cecil Fackrell, a physician assistant at the Dermatology Specialists of Kansas City. Usually staph bacteria only cause minor skin infections, but sometimes the bacteria can enter the bloodstream, urinary tract, lungs or heart, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Borrowing your friend’s latest Sephora find could also result in an allergic reaction.

“You might never have any problems with your eye shadow, but then you try a friend’s and get an allergic reaction because you’ve never used that brand before,” Bittenbender says.

While sharing any type of makeup — be it foundation, powder or eyeshadow — is unhygienic, using someone else’s eyeliner is a definite no-no. “It’s more risky because of the chance of contamination from body fluids,” Fackrell says. Lipsticks also pose threats because of the chance of catching cold sores and herpes viruses.

When it comes to makeup, don’t do as your mother told you — be selfish.

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