MAKEUP BAGS:
UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
Working with leading microbiologists from London Metropolitan University, we swabbed a selection of makeup bags from UK women to uncover just how filthy they are, and what gross germs are lurking inside.
Shockingly, we found over 12 different types of bacteria buried inside, some of which are enough to make your stomach churn.
We’ve explored the five most common types of bacteria found in the study, so get your hand sanitizer at the ready as we explore makeup bags under the microscope.
THE TOP FIVE TYPES OF BACTERIA
We found a LOT of nasty bacteria in the sample of makeup bags we swabbed, so take a look at the most common types most likely to be lurking in yours.
40%
had traces of Salmonella
E-coli
was found in a third of makeup bags
1/5
contained Enterococcus Faecalis
Dandruff
was isolated from 30% of swabbed bags
70%
of makeup bags contained Staph Aureus
UNDER THE SURFACE
Amongst the 12 types of bacteria we found, there are a select few we think you should know about. From bacteria found in faeces to old flakes of dandruff, you’re probably going to be shopping for a new makeup bag once we reveal what’s under the surface.
Teaming with Ben Elmadi from Cosmetic Microbiology testing laboratory, MSL, we uncovered where all this bacteria came from, how it got in our makeup bags, and how we can combat it.
Salmonella
You’ve probably heard of salmonella before, as it’s the bacteria often responsible for causing food poisoning.
This can cause nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Overall, it’s unpleasant, so you need to keep clear of this where possible.
Contamination occurs through raw meat and dairy products, so if you’ve cooked chicken for dinner be sure to wash your hands and wipe down surfaces before applying cosmetics.
Enterococcus faecalis
This type of bacteria is often found in human faeces and the vaginal tract. In healthy people, or when present in normal amounts, it doesn’t usually cause a problem, however it’s still pretty disgusting.
To keep levels of this bacteria at bay, be sure to wash your hands with a high-quality hand wash when you’re in the bathroom. You should also avoid applying makeup in the bathroom or leaving your makeup bag in there, as it can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
Staph. Aureus
This is an organism you find all over your body, from your nose to your hands. It’s not a problem if you have healthy well-maintained skin, but it can result in skin infections such as boils and sores if left to its own devices - especially if you have a blocked hair follicle.
It’s good to have some Staph aureus on your skin but you don’t want too much. To keep things balanced, be sure to maintain your daily skincare regime.
E Coli
E Coli is another common type of gut bacteria, and it’s not the type you want to find hanging around your bedroom.
E Coli spreads when you don’t wash your hands properly after spending a penny, so be sure to sanitise!
Whilst you’d be unlucky, if it does enter the body and you become infected you may have a bit of tummy trouble, resulting in diarrhoea and fevers.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Vel delectus, quis amet recusandae minus voluptates quod unde? Deserunt excepturi provident, modi, qui tempore quas. Provident error vitae facilis libero. Expedita.
Dandruff
Been scratching your head? That’s probably why Malassezia is in your makeup bag. This is the bacteria associated with dandruff and fungal skin infections.
Dandruff is a problem for many of us, and although it’s completely harmless it can often be irritating, causing inflammation to the scalp and skin.
As this type of fungi is found on human skin, it’s hard to combat. However, over the counter anti-fungal cream and anti-dandruff shampoo can help relieve symptoms.
Dr. Matewele
Dr. Matewele said: “Salmonella was from my point of view the most unexpected bacteria found.
In some cases, it can be very dangerous, but luckily the species isolated in this study were not as harmful as their counterparts.”
He added: “For obvious reasons, microorganisms such as E. coli, E. faecalis and Klebsiella might be comparable to those found on toilet seats. They are part of Enterobacteriaceae, a family of faecal microorganisms.”
If your makeup bag is filthy, it’s a good idea to keep your brushes clean, too. Take at look at our full range of makeup brush cleansers to help keep bacteria at bay.
Disclaimer: This information is not medical advice. If you’re suffering any symptoms of illness, you should always speak to your doctor about any prevention or treatment.
