For many people, cosmetics are a part of their daily routine, but what are we really putting on our faces?
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New research conducted by Dr Amreen Bashir and Professor Peter Lambert, from Aston University’s School of Life and Health Sciences, has found that cosmetics and makeup tools are actually contaminated with harmful superbugs.
The study, published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, tested 467 lipsticks, lip glosses, eyeliners, mascaras and Beauty Blenders. The research found that 56% of lipsticks, 55% of lip glosses, 69% of mascaras, 72&=% or Beauty Blenders and 77% of eyeliners all contained staphylococcus bacteria, a type of germ that can cause deadly infections.
More than 25% of Beauty Blenders, and one in 10 lipsticks and lip glosses were found to contain E.coli bacteria, while 57% of Beauty Blenders, 37% of lipsticks and 28% of eyeliners were found to carrying fungi within the product.
Worryingly, the study also discovered that some 93% of Beauty Blenders had never been cleaned – even though around 64% are dropped on the floor at some point in its lifespan.
How to stop bacteria growing in your cosmetics
- Wash your Beauty Blender and brushes after every use and allow to dry completely
- Never share makeup or tools with other people
- Change mascara monthly
- Clean eyeshadows by skimming off the top layer of product with a tissue, then spritzing with rubbing alcohol
- Never put your fingers in makeup
- Clean your eyelash curler weekly and replace pads every 3 months.
- Clean lipstick by wiping off the top layer of lipstick gently with a tissue, then dipping the bullet into a small amount of rubbing alcohol (or vodka) for 30 seconds.
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