Let’s all picture this scenario:
It’s 10 minutes to your best friend’s bridal shower and suddenly, the bride realizes she forgot her signature nude lipstick. There’s mild panic as five mutual friends
search through their bags before someone (thankfully) produces a slightly worn Fenty Beauty lipstick. Without no further ado, the beauty product is passed around with each woman swiping it directly across her lips. By the end of the night, that lipstick has been on more mouths than men in one night.
This, my friends, is how ‘beauty plagues’ are born.
As someone who’s witnessed (and suffered through) countless makeup-sharing disasters, let me give it to you straight: some beauty products should never be community property.
In this article, I’ll be sharing what years of field research have taught me about the unspoken rules of sharing makeup.
The Unspoken Rules of Sharing Makeup (Without Sharing Germs)
We’ve all been there. Your friend pulls out that perfect lipstick shade at brunch, and before you can stop yourself, you’re swiping it across your lips. It’s just one quick borrow – what’s the harm? As someone who’s witnessed (and suffered through) countless makeup-sharing disasters, let me give it to you straight: some beauty products should never be community property.
The Makeup Sharing Rulebook
Not all makeup is created equal when it comes to sharing. I breakdown the reasons below:
Safe to Share (With Precautions)
Pressed powders can survive being passed around if you give them a quick spritz with alcohol first. I once saw a single powder compact make its way through an entire brunch picnic (15 women and counting). Pencil products get a pass too, but only after a fresh sharpen. Think of those pencil shavings as all the germs you’re leaving behind.
Absolutely Never Share
Mascara wands are basically petri dishes on sticks. I’m fact, a study found nearly 80% carry staph bacteria. Liquid lipsticks with doe-foot applicators? Those are just germ paintbrusters. Let’s also not forget eyelash glue which is a hard no unless you want to bond with someone’s eye infection.
Know Your Sharing Limits
Who you share with matters almost as much as what you’re sharing:
– Family gets a pass (mostly) on this one. I for one often share and use my sister’s lip gloss?
– Close friends however, enter the danger zone. That bridesmaid’s lipstick might look tempting, but maybe just dab it on with a clean finger instead of direct application.
– Strangers are strictly off-limits. That influencer handing you her lipstick at an event? The makeup artist using the same mascara on everyone? Just smile politely and say no.
Damage Control for Makeup Emergencies
We’ve all made questionable sharing choices (usually after a few drinks at an event ) but here’s how to minimize the damage:
For lip products, wipe off the top layer with a tissue first. Powders? Hit them with alcohol spray and let them dry. And if you absolutely must borrow mascara, use a disposable spoolie (keep some in your purse for emergencies).
The Ultimate Sharing Test
When in doubt, ask yourself one question: Would I still use this if my ex’s new girlfriend just used it? Yup, if the thought makes you cringe, put it down. Your future germ-free self will thank you.
Remember, sharing is caring, but pink eye is uncomfortable.
