AITA for not wanting to use my makeup that a friend with eczema used?
A fun night out turned into a social nightmare when a young woman, let’s call her OP, faced a tricky situation about sharing makeup. While getting ready with friends, OP let her friend Becky borrow her foundation—only to feel uneasy when she noticed Becky’s open eczema sores. Worried about hygiene, OP skipped using the foundation herself, a choice that sparked unexpected drama.
The situation escalated when another friend accused OP of being judgmental and bullying Becky over her skin condition. Hurt and confused, OP wondered if her discomfort was unfair. Was this just about hygiene, or did she unintentionally offend her friend?
‘AITA for not wanting to use my makeup that a friend with eczema used?’
It all started when OP and her friends gathered to prep for a party:
Things got complicated when Becky asked to borrow OP’s makeup:
Discomfort set in as OP watched Becky use the foundation:
The fallout came when OP chose not to use the foundation, sparking conflict:
OP began questioning herself after the incident:
OP’s situation highlights the delicate balance between empathy and personal hygiene. Sharing makeup, especially foundation with a cushion applicator, carries risks of bacterial transfer, even without skin conditions. Dr. Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital, notes, “Makeup products like foundation or lipstick can harbor bacteria from the skin, especially if applied to damaged areas”. Becky’s open eczema sores amplify this concern, making OP’s hesitation understandable.
Still, the issue isn’t just hygiene—it’s also about how OP handled it. Agreeing to share but then avoiding the foundation due to feeling “grossed out” may have left Becky feeling judged. Her friends’ accusations of prejudice likely stem from this miscommunication. A polite refusal upfront, citing general hygiene, could have prevented the drama.
Becky’s choice to borrow makeup during a flare-up also raises questions. People with eczema are more prone to infections, and using shared products could harm her skin further. Both parties need to recognize that sharing makeup isn’t just personal—it’s a health matter.
For OP, the takeaway is learning to set boundaries tactfully. Next time, she could say, “I don’t share makeup for hygiene reasons, nothing personal.” A heartfelt conversation with Becky to explain and apologize could mend their friendship. Prioritizing health and mutual respect is key.
Check out how the community responded:
The online community jumped into the debate, with many backing OP for hygiene reasons. Several users stressed that sharing makeup is a bad idea, period:
![[Reddit User] - It's nothing to do with eczema I have it myself - sharing make up is incredibly unsanitary. Never do it.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/wp-editor-1762825297098-1.webp)
Users with eczema chimed in, supporting OP while sharing their own caution:
Some argued OP was at fault for not being upfront:
Others offered constructive solutions to move forward:
OP’s experience is a lesson in setting boundaries and communicating honestly. Her hygiene concerns were valid, but agreeing to share and then backing out likely fueled the misunderstanding. Becky may have felt hurt, yet she too should be mindful of health risks when borrowing makeup, especially with open sores.
This story shows how clarity and kindness can prevent conflicts. What should OP do to repair her friendship? Was her discomfort unfair, or just a natural reaction? Share your thoughts below!
