How Dirty Is Your Makeup?

[Amanda]

We've all been there – you see an eye shadow or blush compact in your makeup bag but you're not quite sure how long you've had it. No harm in using it one more time, right? Not so fast.

t turns out that all it takes are a few cells from an unwashed hand or a blistered lip and a mascara wand or lip gloss could become a haven for contagious bacteria.

Hundreds of people use makeup counter testers every day, but unfortunately not everyone uses the disposable applicators provided. Dirty fingers dipped in makeup can spread everything from herpes to pink eye.

"You can find staphylococcus, you can find micrococcus…and if you're very unlucky…E. coli, which is obviously from fecal matter," Dermatologist Jeanine Downie said.

That same bacteria might be hiding in your own makeup stash, especially in older products. Antibacterial agents start to break down after about six months.

Hmmm... what a load of rubbish. You can't contaminate yourself, so using your old makeup isn't a threat at all. More media BS.

Discuss.

 

[chanel]

Ha ha. I was just thinking the same thing. I must have red lipsticks from the 80's. lol

 

[strollingbones]

eye make up would be my concern....

 

[JW Frogen]

Alice Cooper created new life in his eye shadow.