What make-up products you should throw away after being sick

Time to throw out those lipglosses

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Although make-up can make us look human while suffering through a particularly bad cold, the products can also harbour germs capable of getting us sick again.

Morgan Statt, a health and safety investigator for ConsumerSafety.org, told The Independent that there are actually multiple health risks you need to consider with cosmetics, because cold and flu germs can live on your cosmetics, along with other types of bacteria that may lead to health issues.

The worst offenders? Lip products.

According to Statt: “You should absolutely dispose of any lip products after you’ve been sick.

“Your lip linings are a natural gateway to your respiratory tract which puts you at an additional risk of infection and illness,” she told us.

And in addition to hosting cold and flu germs, lip products can also spread the Herpes simplex virus (HSV-1).

Lip products are the worst offenders for carrying germs

But, if you can’t bear to part with your favourite lipstick, Statt said: “cutting off the top is one option to salvage your lipstick. But, you can also wipe off the top layer with a tissue and combine this approach by also disinfecting the whole tube with rubbing alcohol.”

To ensure you are killing all the germs, twist the lipstick tube so “most of the product is exposed and stick it in a cup of rubbing alcohol to fully submerge it. Leave it in the alcohol for at least 30 seconds and then let air dry,” according to Statt.

However, considering the dark damp tubing of lipstick is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, even if it hasn’t come into contact with people or surfaces that are infected, it is probably best to purchase a new lipstick rather than take the risk.

The other make-up Statt recommends throwing out after you’ve been sick are eye products - eyeliners and mascaras especially.

Eyeliner and mascara can also carry contagious germs so dispose of them when you are sick

Like lip products, eye make-up can also spread other illnesses like conjunctivitis or pink eye, so it is best to replace the products rather than risk infection.

Dermatologist and founder of DermWarehouse Dr Alan J. Parks agreed. Dr Parks told The Independent in the case of conjunctivitis or other eye infections, “You should dispose of your eye make-up, as this is very contagious and you would want to get rid of any make-up you were using while this developed or while you had it.”

Sharing products is also a big no.

Statt said: “the risk of germs and infection that comes with sharing cosmetics makes it never a good idea” and Dr Parks said sharing is a “sure-fire way to get germs in your products.”

Unless of course, you are using disposable applicators.

Don't forget to wash your makeup brushes

However, “even if you have yet to get sick, any expired make-up or products that you’ve been using for the past couple of years may put you at greater risk of infection or illness and should be thrown out,” according to Statt.

Because although “most make-up products come with antibacterial properties to slow down bacterial growth, they will likely become ineffective after one to two years,” Statt told The Independent, and, “your best bet is to toss out cosmetics that you’ve shared, have used right before you fell ill, or have been in your make-up bag for over a year.”

And don’t forget to wash your brushes, as these should be washed once a week to avoid bacteria.

At least this means we have a reason to go make-up shopping.