Dirty makeup is fine on a video, but we'll pass for everyday use

This week, we were grossed out by a story that appeared on Glamour.com about used makeup – including lipstick, foundation and brushes – that is up for sale on eBay, with plenty of bids coming in.

We thought the idea of buying makeup that a complete stranger has used was absolutely disgusting, particularly used lipstick and mascaras, but a little digging around the Internet revealed that scoring used makeup online is actually pretty common and has been going on for years now.

Back in 2007 there were warnings of the dangers of the buying used makeup on eBay phenomenon. {Associated Content} Even further back in 2004, The Early Show on CBS reported on makeup swapping site Makeupalley.com, where users can trade their used cosmetics for others†old products. Not only that, but fans of the site who were interviewed for the story had apparently been swapping makeup for years.

“Makeupalley.com is one of several Web sites where makeup enthusiasts can trade everything from lip gloss and eyeliner to fragrances and hair gel.Some of them are ‘BNIB†(brand new in box), but many of the products have been used.” {The Early Show}

The report warned that most dermatologists and the FDA do not approve of using anyone elseâ€s cosmetics. Makeup cannot be cleaned of bacteria and viruses from previous use, which can lead to serious issues like corneal infections that harm vision from mascara. In addition, bacteria are carried from applicators back to the product itself, so using a clean applicator does not decrease the risk. This also means even a product that has only been used once can be harmful.

Women who love to sample different colors and brands raved about Makeupalley.com regardless, and Hara Glick, the siteâ€s founder, said they had received no complaints about contaminated products and their consequences. The Web site does have a disclaimer that users are “swapping at their own risk.”

We understand that getting a new lip color or foundation shade home from the store and realizing it is wrong for your face is frustrating, but taking used products from anyone, especially complete strangers, is just not worth the risk. We can see where fragrances, nail polishes and hair products would be harmless, but otherwise, the risk of shelling out money for something you might only use once is worth knowing you won’t end up wearing a rash, infection or anything more than you bargained for.

First, simplify your makeup routine. Cutting back on how much makeup you use each day will not only cut the number of products you have to bring, but will look much better than a face full of melting products. You’re on vacation after all, so there’s really no reason to look all dolled up. Cut down to the bare minimum: a tinted moisturizer, face powder with SPF, bronzer and a shot of mascara can take you from day to night.

Our suggestions? Neutrogena’s Healthy Skin Enhancer is a tinted moisturizer that is great for combination skin and hot summer days. With SPF 20 and Retinol, this product provides some protection from the sun and prevents nasty blemishes from popping up. {Neutrogena} Follow the tinted moisturizer with a bronzer, sweeping it with a fluffy makeup brush across your cheekbones, forehead, nose and chin; basically anywhere the sun would hit most. Sally Hansen Natural Sun Glow Powder Bronzer goes on light and sheer but with enough color to make it seem you spent the day in the sun. {Sally Hansen} Top off the look with a swipe of waterproof mascara, like Maybelline’s Lash Discovery mascara in Very Black {Maybelline} Later in the day, refresh your SPF and soak up some excess oil with a product like Bare Escentuals SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen, which features Titanium Dioxide as the active ingredient in a powder applied with a built in brush. {Sephora}

Finally, we have three additional beauty products to simplify your vacation. Wherever you go for your summer vacation, it’s important to slather sunscreen on any exposed skin. Supergoop! makes super-handy, zinc-oxide sunscreen wipes that are easy to travel with since they are not liquid. {Sephora} Another handy product is Cake Beauty’s Satin Sugar Hair & Body Refreshing Powder. This powder goes a long way, helping to absorb oil from day old hair, as well absorbing odor and oils from the skin. {Sephora} Lastly, the ease of Sula Beauty’s water-based nail polish can’t be beat. Because it’s water based, it’s much kinder to nails, allowing them to grow strong and healthy and as an added bonus you don’t need a nail polish remover to get rid of a color you’re sick of. We like Sorbet, Azure, and Champagne Coral for the summer. {Sula Beauty}

“The partnership between Carolâ€s Daughter and FFAWN is a natural fit. In the true spirit of beauty by nature, Carolâ€s Daughter is proud to support FFAWN in their efforts to empower women and instill confidence. Like FFAWN, Carolâ€s Daughter believes that true beauty comes from within. With their genuinely natural products, they strive everyday to help women look and feel their most beautiful.” {Talking Makeup}

Oprah herself is no stranger to charity work and most celebrities aren’t either. Halle Berry, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Madonna, and of course the patron saint of charitable celebs, Angelina Jolie are only some of  the celebrities who vocally support charities through performances, products and other means that make use of their fame to help those in need. We think that if you can give, you should give and these celebs and other activists around the world are responsible for making life that much better for those in need. What’s your cause?

According to a report from The Campaign For Safe Cosmetics, several types of face paints have been found to contain trace levels of lead and metals like nickel and cobalt, which are proven allergens — even on products labelled as non-toxic.

By all means be wild and creative this Halloween season, but remember that health and safety are much more important.  We recommend using reputable brands backed up with positive reviews and honest labels: a good start would be makeup-artist-grade theatrical makeup, which will be more costly but much better for you in the long run.

Read the full story {GlamBlush}