Five makeup mistakes that could expose you to infections

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, people are going to extreme lengths to protect themselves from getting infected from using hand sanitizer to avoiding crowded places and isolating oneself if you have flu-like symptoms. There have even been images and videos circulating online, loaded shopping trolleys and empty supermarket shelves as people stock up on supplies.

What some people may ignore is harmful makeup habits that could expose them to disease-causing germs.

Some parts of the face are entry points for bacteria that cause illnesses like Coronavirus, so paying attention your makeup use is paramount if you want to avoid getting sick.

Below are three makeup mistakes you should be cautious of.

1. Using testers

How convenient is it to try on a makeup product before buying it? This not only saves you money, it also saves you the disappointment of buying a product that doesn’t work with your personal style or your skin tone.

When it comes to free makeup testers, you never know what the previous customer transferred onto the samples. Makeup testers can harbour harmful bacteria that may lead to infections and diseases.

To better know what makeup products would suit you, browse online for product reviews and tutorials for the products you’re interested in, that way, you can avoid using makeup samples that are open to the general public.

2. Sharing makeup products

This is another beauty faux pas. You may have been in situations where you’re in need of a quick makeup touch up but don’t have any with you. Or you offered a friend a makeup item.

Above, we discussed the dangers of free makeup testers that are open to the public, but even the people close to you can transfer disease-causing bacteria onto your makeup products. You should view makeup like underwear; you should never share it!

During a time when Coronavirus is a health risk to most people, make sure your makeup products that are solely for your use. Avoid leaving the house without products you know you will need later on in the day and, if a friend asks to borrow a makeup product, politely refuse because your health and safety is paramount.

3. Using expired makeup

The same way that eating expired food is harmful to your health using expired makeup products is bad for you. It can be hard to get rid of an expensive beauty item or something that has been discontinued which makes you hold onto it for as long as possible.

Makeup products can be harmful to your health because they harbour bacteria. Mascara, for example. Once it’s gone past its expiry date, the bacteria build-up in it could give you an eye infection. Therefore, you should ideally replace your mascara every three months.

Expired lipstick could also expose you infections like since the mouth is one of the entry points of the virus. Lipstick can be used for one and a half years.

Be sure to also replace your eyeshadows and eyeliners every six to twelve months and facial/complexion products every twelve months.

4. Not washing your brushes and sponges

The tools you use to apply your make up can also spread illnesses. Makeup brushes come into contact wit your products and skin. Dirty makeup brushes, beauty blenders and powder puffs are perfect breeding grounds for disease-causing germs. To prevent getting ill or spreading acne, wash them once a week.

5. Failing to your hands first

Remember, your hands get into contact with various surfaces of different degrees of cleanliness. This makes them the perfect way to spread germs. Applying makeup with dirty hands could put you at risk of getting infections. Wash your hands thoroughly before you sit down to apply your makeup to keep infections at bay.