Health and Me

Rachel V Thomas

Shared Lipsticks, Makeup Items May Spread Herpes: Here’s How To Stay Safe

In a shocking incident, a woman contracted the <span>herpes</span> virus after using shared lipstick samples at a cosmetic store, raising concerns about makeup hygiene.

The incident highlights the risks involved in trying products that come into direct contact with the skin and are shared with a lot of people.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/featured-articles/world-autism-awareness-day-2026-can-cell-therapy-be-the-future-of-autism-treatment-article-153980716" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Can Cell Therapy Be The Future Of Autism Treatment?</a>

<strong><h2>What Is Herpes?</h2></strong>

The <span>herpes simplex virus</span> (HSV) is very common, and the infection is lifelong. But the symptoms can come and go over different periods of life. Many people never get any symptoms linked to their infection.

The common virus, carried by up to 50 to 80 percent of adults, can cause painful blisters or <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/ulcers">ulcers</a></span>. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable.

There are two types of herpes simplex virus: <strong>HSV-1 and HSV-2.</strong>

<strong><em>HSV- </em>1 </strong>is the most common and usually spreads by oral contact. It causes infections in or around the mouth (such as oral herpes or <span>cold sores</span>), as well as genital herpes.

<ul><li>blisters (cold sores)</li><li>open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth or lips.</li></ul>

<strong><em>HSV-2</em>  </strong>generally spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes.

<ul><li>bumps,</li><li>blisters,</li><li>open sores (ulcers) around the genitals or anus.</li></ul>  

<strong><h2>How <span rel="noindex">Makeup Testers</span> Can Spread Infection</h2></strong>

Experts warned that makeup testers can become a breeding ground for germs. The repeated use of the open samples can spur their growth and can then spread by “double-dipping” — reusing an applicator after touching the skin. This can transfer viruses and bacteria between users.

“You can absolutely get a herpes infection from a makeup tester," Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City, told TODAY. "The more ‘double dipping’ that occurs, the higher the chance of spreading viruses or bacteria at a makeup counter.”

A 2010 study by researchers from Rowan University in New Jersey found that cosmetic samples harbored strep, E.coli, and staph.

For two years, the team examined makeup testers at makeup counters, specialty stores, and drug stores. They found that Saturday is the busiest day of the week, and 100 percent of the samples carried some sort of germ.

To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend:<ul><li>Much like the toothbrush, personal cosmetics and cosmetic brushes must not be shared.</li><li>Wash and dry your brushes regularly to avoid bacterial growth.</li><li> Avoid applying testers directly to your lips or skin</li><li>Use disposable applicators </li><li>Test products on your hand rather than your face</li><li>Avoid using testers if you have cuts, chapped lips, or active infections.</li></ul>

Health Conditions A-Z

health

shared-lipsticks-makeup-items-may-spread-herpes-heres-how-to-stay-safe

Herpes

Lipsticks

herpes simplex virus

cold sores

Makeup Testers

ulcers

autism

World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Can Cell Therapy Be The Future Of Autism Treatment?

foundayo-us-fda-approves-eli-lillys-glp-1-weight-loss-pill

Foundayo: US FDA Approves Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 Weight Loss Pill

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

In a shocking incident, a woman contracted the herpes virus after using shared lipstick samples at a cosmetic store, raising concerns about makeup hygiene.The incident highlights the risks involved in trying products that come into direct contact with the skin and are shared with a lot of people.Also Read: World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Can Cell Therapy Be The Future Of Autism Treatment?What Is Herpes?The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is very common, and the infection is lifelong. But the symptoms can come and go over different periods of life. Many people never get any symptoms linked to their infection.The common virus, carried by up to 50 to 80 percent of adults, can cause painful blisters or ulcers. It primarily spreads by skin-to-skin contact. It is treatable but not curable.There are two types of herpes simplex virus: HSV-1 and HSV-2.HSV- 1 is the most common and usually spreads by oral contact. It causes infections in or around the mouth (such as oral herpes or cold sores), as well as genital herpes.Common oral herpes symptoms includeblisters (cold sores)open sores (ulcers) in or around the mouth or lips.HSV-2  generally spreads by sexual contact and causes genital herpes.Its symptoms include painfulbumps,blisters,open sores (ulcers) around the genitals or anus.  How Makeup Testers Can Spread InfectionExperts warned that makeup testers can become a breeding ground for germs. The repeated use of the open samples can spur their growth and can then spread by “double-dipping” — reusing an applicator after touching the skin. This can transfer viruses and bacteria between users.“You can absolutely get a herpes infection from a makeup tester," Dr. Whitney Bowe, a dermatologist in New York City, told TODAY. "The more ‘double dipping’ that occurs, the higher the chance of spreading viruses or bacteria at a makeup counter.”A 2010 study by researchers from Rowan University in New Jersey found that cosmetic samples harbored strep, E.coli, and staph.For two years, the team examined makeup testers at makeup counters, specialty stores, and drug stores. They found that Saturday is the busiest day of the week, and 100 percent of the samples carried some sort of germ.How To Stay Safe?To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend:Much like the toothbrush, personal cosmetics and cosmetic brushes must not be shared.Wash and dry your brushes regularly to avoid bacterial growth. Avoid applying testers directly to your lips or skinUse disposable applicators Test products on your hand rather than your faceAvoid using testers if you have cuts, chapped lips, or active infections.

shared lipsticks, makeup items may spread herpes: here’s how to stay safe

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

Shared Lipsticks, Makeup Items May Spread Herpes: Here’s How To Stay Safe

Why Inclusive Opportunities Matter For Individuals with Autism: Unlocking Untapped Potential

World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Origin, Theme, Significance

Shift to Plant-Based Proteins, Low-Fat Dairy To Boost Heart Health: American Heart Association

Health Conditions A-Z

World Autism Awareness Day 2026: Can Cell Therapy Be The Future Of Autism Treatment?

Shared Lipsticks, Makeup Items May Spread Herpes: Here’s How To Stay Safe

Foundayo: US FDA Approves Eli Lilly’s GLP-1 Weight Loss Pill