How to Deal With a Roommate Who Uses Your Beauty Products, According to an Expert

Updated on 9/30/2019 at 2:50 PM

POPSUGAR Photography | Diggy Lloyd

Sharing is caring — that's what you were probably taught in kindergarten. But some things are just not meant to be shared, like a toothbrush, for example, or a hairbrush. (To this day, my own mother won't share her hairbrush with me, and after the first lice breakout in my sixth grade gym class, I get why.)

Beauty products like makeup and skin care are no exception. Sharing products — especially mascara, lipstick, and brushes — can also share germs that could potentially lead to infection. No mascara is worth pink eye.

When you're living in close quarters with someone else, whether it's in college or post-graduation, it can be hard to separate your stuff from theirs. So what do you do when your roommate sneaks in your room and uses your products without asking? We talked to etiquette coach and founder of Beaumont Etiquette Myka Meier for some advice on how to show you care without sharing. Whether it's setting some ground rules ahead of time or investing in your own skincare fridge, there's bound to be a solution for you.

Ahead, read the tips and tricks for how to handle a roommate who, er, overshares.

Set Ground Rules

You should set ground rules for specific products that would be unhygienic to share, like products that you ingest (lipstick) or could cause an eye infection (mascara).

Of course, confronting your roommate can be awkward, especially if they're a close friend. "It's important to nicely talk about it with your roommate as soon as you notice," said Myka. "It's equally important not to come off [as] accusing or confrontational, and more just factual when you speak to them."

Myka advises you mind your tone and carefully explain your reasoning. Looking for a good excuse? Myka has some suggestions: Perhaps your beauty products are pricey, or they are tailored for your specific skin type. Or you only shop for products once a month and don't want to run out. "Whatever it is, you should explain in a polite way that there are some things you're willing to share, however XYZ beauty products you want to keep to being just used by you," said Myka.

It's best to be straightforward. "Say something along the lines of 'I got these special products that are just specific to my hair or skin, and so I wanted to point them out so nobody else uses them. These other ones are communal and I'm happy to share if you ever need to use.'"

Separate Your Stuff

"If you notice your products are being used, keep them in a separate area from your roommates if possible to avoid any confusion or further temptation," said Myka. "Worst case scenario, take your products out of the communal area or bathroom and keep them in your room or in a drawer that is just yours."

If you keep your face masks or eye cream in the fridge you share with your roommate, consider getting a mini skincare fridge to keep in your room.