Strange Question for Beautician or Person with Medical Knowledge

Updated on April 08, 2009
S.D. asks from Mesa, AZ
12 answers

I was in a wedding back in February. While I was getting ready in the bathroom, one of the other bridesmaids came in and asked if I had any brown mascara. I said sure and handed over two tubes (both of which I had just bought). When I came back into the bridal suite, I was mortified to find the hair stylist using my brand new mascara on the bride’s mother’s hair! While what she was doing was clever (she was hiding come gray hairs) I was extremely angry that they didn’t tell me why they wanted to borrow it. I never would’ve guessed it was for something other than someone’s eyes! So, my question is this, I’ve been afraid to use the mascara since this happened because I’m not sure if it’s safe. Does anyone know if it’s still good to use on my eyes? I don’t know what other hair products may be on it and the last thing I need to do is get an eye infection of some kind. Thanks in advance!

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T.N.

answers from Phoenix on

I actually think you are probably more prone to getting an eye infection if someone used it on their eyelashes than on their hair. I have been told that you're not supposed to share mascara with others due to risk of infection. Sorry they were brand new, but I wouldn't be using them again even if they had been used on eyes.

More Answers

F.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi S., I always see in magazines that it says not to share your make-up with others since it could spread bacteria, etc. I would not risk it and throw it out and get a new one. Chalk it up to a lesson learned and feel good about saving the bride's mom on her wedding day!

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N.B.

answers from Phoenix on

please don't take the risk. i have even heard not to share mascara with anyone period because risk of infections are too high. the eyes are so susceptible to picking up bacteria, even more so when shared on another person's eyes. compare the money it will cost just to replace the mascara versus money it will cost if you get an eye infection....
that was a clever idea for the gray hair but very inconsiderate of them to not clue you in.

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C.M.

answers from Phoenix on

You definitely wouldn't want to use it on your eyes after someone else used it on their EYES. That is definitely a good way to get an eye infection. Make up cannot be shared that way. So if somebody ever asked me to borrow mascara, I would know that I was giving it up anyway. I'm sure they were very grateful that you had brown mascara though and you can feel good about helping out the bride to have a more pleasant wedding! :)

C.

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D.P.

answers from Phoenix on

YOu poor thing:) I personally would not use it weather it was on her hair and especially on anyones eyes. Mascara, like a toothbrush is nothing to ever share. It is unfortunate but I would throw them away and start over. It is shocking what happened but unfortunate and not worth taking the risk of infection.
Have a great day!
D.

L.W.

answers from Phoenix on

Not only would the bride's mother have hair products in her hair, but she's also going to have all the pollution in the air in her hair, dust, pet dander (if she has pets or anywhere near them)... and Lord only knows what else!

As a MK Consultant I'm going to say go and get new mascara. As the pp have said, you're going to get bacteria in your mascara that is not healthy for your eyes. There is a reason why I use disposable brushes for customers when I demo the mascara... and if they need a little extra then they get ANOTHER brush. I don't let customers share brushes, so please don't "share" your mascara with others... throw it out!

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D.K.

answers from Phoenix on

get you a bottle of eye makeup remover & put the brush into & clean it all the way off just like it was a brand new brush & then use it. There shouldn't be anything wrong with it.. I know everyone says don't share eye make up but that is only because of secreations & stuff that can be inside the eye. My sister here self as actually done what that lady did & we washed the bristles & she never had problems with the make. but I think it would be a personal decision because you know about the family that used it..

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K.R.

answers from Phoenix on

S. -
I would liken lending someone mascara to lending them your toothbrush. I wouldn't have loaned them out even if they were for someone's eyes. Completely unhygienic.
Throw them out!!

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S.C.

answers from Phoenix on

S., as a long time user of makeup and also being a nurse, i am telling you that you NEVER share any makeup, especially eye makeup, not even shadow. I think it was very wrong of the hair stylist to do this. I bet she wouldn't use her own mascara on somebody else like that and then use it again on herself. Lesson learned.

S.

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S.G.

answers from Phoenix on

My question to you is this...why would you even consider using the mascara in the first place after you let someone else use it? GROSS!!! Think about what ickiness there could be...totally unsanitary. And NO!!!! Don;t use it after someone used it in their hair...BUY NEW MASCARA AND NEVER SHARE!!! Gross!!!

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K.W.

answers from Phoenix on

When you loan mascara, or anything for your eyes, you don't want it back. You shouldn't use anything on your eyes after someone else used it on any part of their body.

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M.D.

answers from Phoenix on

I'd agree that you should probably just throw it away just to be safe, but keep things in perspective. I wouldn't be shocked or angry. What if they HAD bothered/remembered to say "thanks, we are going to touch up some gray roots with it" would you really have said, "oh, in that case - no way - please give it back!" ?

It was a wedding, everyone is trying to get ready and probably rushed and crazy - and you really helped them out. If you loan your mascara, you should not use it again regardless of where someone used it. :)

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