Ladies, Using Makeup Testers Could Make You Sick – Or Even Blind!

Most women today consider makeup as a must-have and so they often raid makeup shops to get a hold of the newest products. Well how many of you, ladies, have tried using makeup testers in these beauty shops? Did you know that these testers could make you sick, or worse, blind?

Recently, a report said that a woman from California has sued Sephora, a French chain of cosmetics stores, after claiming that she acquired herpes from using one of the shop’s lipstick samples.

Are you fond of using makeup testers?

Now, an expert is warning ladies against using makeup testers because these contain not only the microorganism that could cause herpes but a broad spectrum of other pathogens.

Amreen Bashir, a lecturer in Biomedical Science at Aston University explained that the virus that causes herpes can actually thrive on cosmetic products. In fact, he said that it is not just herpes that can lurk in makeup, but other pathogens.

Herpes is caused by a virus and this is commonly transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, sexual intercourse, and kissing. However, the virus can also be transmitted in droplets of saliva left by an infected person on eating utensils, towels, and lipsticks.

Those who are infected with the virus may have a blister, either immediately after infection or after a few months.

The blister may appear on the lips and around the oral cavity. When makeup sponges, brushes and lipsticks touch the areas with the blisters, these are considered contaminated and may transfer the virus to the next user.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for a herpes infection. However, there are many ways to reduce the length of being infected. In some cases, the infection resolves on its own even without treatment.

Did you know that using makeup testers may also lead to permanent or irreversible blindness? Makeup brushes, mascaras, and eyeliners are seen as the major culprits in the development of conjunctivitis or “pink eye”.

These cosmetic products could contain bacteria and viruses that could cause many health issues

Studies have shown that 43 percent of mascaras and eyeliners contain contaminants, that could eventually lead to irritation and infection. The common symptoms of pink eye are redness and watery discharge. In worse cases, it could lead to irreversible or permanent blindness.

Scientists have also suggested that beauty products have been tied to the presence of pathogens decades ago.

In fact, microbiologists found about this when a newborn baby has died when exposed to talcum powder that has been contaminated with Clostrodium tetani bacteria.

In another case, a woman became paralyzed due to an antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria or MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection after borrowing the makeup brush of her friend who had a Staphylococcus infection on her face. The bacteria attacked her spine.

These cosmetic products could contain bacteria and viruses that could cause many health issues.

In most cases, these applicators, sponges, and brushes are dampened to help in the application of makeup. A wet environment is an ideal environment for rapid bacterial growth.

Bashir said in a statement:

“If all of these horror stories tell us one thing, it’s stay away from sharing makeup products, both among your friends and especially in cosmetic stores.”

“Always keep your own cosmetic products clean and use single applicators where possible. You wouldn’t share your toothbrush with strangers, so why make an exception with your cosmetics?”