Dangers of using mascara

A recent study showed that over 30% of all mascara in the stores contain harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. Some mascara tested even had fungus as well. Most mascara has preservatives to help prevent bacteria growth for up to 3 months, but it needs to be stored in a cool place, like a fridge. After 3 months the mascara should be replaced. Also, you should not carry it around in your purse, especially in the summer. Any mascara that got hot in your purse should be thrown away. Here is a link to a very in-depth article from the Optometry - Journal of the American Optometry Association. Whenever in a desperate need and faced with using an old mascara be very careful that you don't touch your eye or the eyelid with the brush. Paint the very tips of the eyelashes only to minimize the risk of infection. Never apply mascara from the base of the lashes! Never add water to thin out your mascara - water promotes the growth of nasty things. You should probably wash the brush with alcohol after every use, because every time you use the brush and put it back in the tube, you are introducing new bacteria into the tube.