In the same way that you wouldn't lend to your toothbrush to anyone, you shouldn't share certain beauty products. Our bodies and skin are rife with invisible bacteria and we can never be sure of someone's level of hygiene. Despite your generous nature, it's best not to share: Treatments in pots: The contents may be contaminated, as we use our fingers to apply them. Day cream, eyeshadow, lip gloss, body lotions... All of these come in pots or bottles and should be strictly kept for personal use. It's important that you don't increase the risk of adding bacteria to your products. So it's wise to give your hands a thorough wash before dipping your fingers into your favourite products. And make sure you firmly close their lids to keep them better preserved.
Lipstick: Never lend your lipstick to someone - even if it's your best friend! Viruses and bacteria (herpes, thrush, cold sores) thrive in our mouths and are not visible to the naked eye. We can be carriers of certain illnesses without having symptoms, but that may not the same in your case!
So better to be safe than sorry and keep your lipstick under wraps. Ditto for lip gloss and balms.
Mascara: Our eye zone is incredibly sensitive and prone to infections including conjunctivitis, styes and orbital cellulitis. Even if your mascara wand looks clean when you take it out, don't take any risks by sharing it with others! If you can't bear to say "no", then opt for silicone mascara wands (as do pros), which are easy to clean. Eyeliner: As with all parts of the eye, the mucous membrane is particularly at risk of infection. So keep your eyeliner to yourself - its oily tip is a bacterial breeding ground! Compacts: It's not the compact itself that's risky, but rather the sponge, applicator or brush that comes with it. By sharing your powder, you're also sharing germs.
Loose powder, compact foundations, bronzers should be for you and you only. Brushes: You'll be okay if you wash your brushes - kabuki, blusher, bevel and fan brushes - after each use. If that's not the case, don't share them. Bacteria love them and their bristles! Nail files: As with nail clippers, these should not be doled out. When we give ourselves a manicure/pedicure, we dislodge bacteria and grime hidden under our nails.
Even if you keep them for personal use, it's wise to wash and dry your hands before using them.
Nail varnish, however, is fine to share as bacteria aren't capable of surviving in their bottles. The same goes for perfume (the alcohol content zaps bacteria), sprays (as we don't touch them with our fingers) and pencils (which can be sharpened to get a clean surface).
