When sharing is not caring

SINGAPORE — We all love to share, especially if it is something good like food or news. But when it comes to beauty products, that is where we have to draw the line.

It might be tempting to swipe on your sister’s lip kit to try it out, or let your BFF borrow your powder to touch up a shiny T-zone, but what you might also be doing, is transferring (and storing) bacteria, germs and viruses from one person to another. Keep reading to find out which beauty products you should never, ever share.

1. Mascara/ Eyeliner

There is a good reason why it is recommended that we throw out our mascaras and eyeliners every three months. Bacteria and viruses can live and grow within mascara and eyeliner tubes. Plus, your eyes do not have as many layers of protection as the rest of your skin, making it easier for you to contract diseases like conjunctivitis or eye infections from the germs passed around — nasty.

2. Sponges

Sponges are hotbeds for bacteria, especially if you do not clean them often. Be it from a powder compact or cushion foundation, never ever let your BFF use a cosmetic sponge you’ve already used. If your bestie desperately needs a dab of powder, sanitise your powder compact with an alcohol-based cosmetic spray and use a clean brush instead of the sponge.

3. Any lippie

Calling all girls who try out lipstick from the store on their lips — chances are you’re also swiping on a ton of bacteria and viruses from complete strangers. Unless you have alcohol-based cosmetic sanitising spray on hand, sharing lipsticks, lip glosses and lip balms can also mean you are sharing a variety of diseases, from the common cold to even herpes.

4. Make-up brushes

Using someone else’s or sharing your own make-up brushes can cause the spread of bacteria. And if you use brushes for your entire face, that bacteria can increase the chances of breakouts and acne. It is good practice to clean your brushes regularly even if you are not sharing your make-up, to get rid of any pore-clogging, pimple-causing grime.

5. Anything in a container

Be it moisturiser, foundation or cream eyeshadow, if it comes in a jar, never share it. It is bad enough that the product is exposed to bacteria from our fingers and hands whenever we dip them into the container, but share it with a friend and you will get yourself a DIY petri dish. Be sure to always sanitise and wash your hands before using the products yourself, too, to minimise the amount of nasties harboured within.

This story first appeared on www.ELLE.sg