According to the global cosmetics industry,the United States spends about $800 billion annually on cosmetics. U.S. Census data and the Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS) state that mascara is used by 3.414 million out of 1.186 million people in the United States.
Most people don’t know that they are either using mascara incorrectly or that old and poorly handled mascara puts them at risk for various infections and diseases caused by microorganisms, including parasites. Some of the common infections people suffer from using mascara incorrectly include staphylococci, streptococci, micrococci, and E. coli.
1. Mascara Is Stored for Too Long
Some mascaras seem to last forever, right? Wrong! It actually has an expiration date. In fact, if used for more than three to six months, any open mascara should be thrown away. Not only did it start to dry out, but it didn’t know what microbes were growing inside that black mascara tube. Also, if you’ve had an eye infection recently, it’s a good idea to throw away the old mascara tube and buy another one to reduce the risk of reinfection.
2. Share Mascara
Maybe it’s girls’ night and a friend has a new, amazing mascara to show everyone, or maybe someone in the group forgot their mascara and wants to borrow yours. Sounds good, right? Wrong! Dr. Jessica Weatherer, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, said mascara tubes are not only a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, but also for fungi. Even if you and your friends practice good hygiene, sharing mascara or any cosmetics with anyone can cause irritation and infection. Just because the microbial strain does not affect the owner of the mascara, it can irritate another person and cause problems for another.
There’s one more thing to consider that might make you think twice before sharing mascara again – eyelash mites. According to Consumer Health Digest, more than 80% of Americans have eyelash mites. They are microscopic, and most people don’t even realize they exist. However, do you really want to risk diverting them?
So, if you’re used to sharing makeup, especially mascara, stop by!
3. Squeeze Mascara
Some people will pick up a mascara stick and pump it into the tube in a movement up and down. This is a mascara mistake that will not only destroy the integrity of the product, but also expose your mascara to a greater risk of bacterial growth. First, the straw is drawn into the tube to allow more air to enter the tube. This dries out the mascara quickly and creates a clumping effect. Second, bacteria are everywhere, including those in the air. Bacteria multiply in moist places. Put the two together and you’ll be at greater risk of eye infections.
4. Do Not Curl Your Lashes
Another common mistake most women make is not curling their eyelashes. By curling your lashes, your lashes will appear thicker. However, be sure to curl your lashes before applying mascara. If you curl your lashes after applying mascara, you risk damaging your lovely lashes.
