For many people, makeup is an art; it is a hobby in which we invest our time and money. As makeup prices climb, more and more people are turning to less expensive options such as make-up from the drugstore. Some, however, are opting for a completely free alternative: dumpster diving. When a product is overstocked or simply not selling, beauty stores often throw them out into the dumpsters behind their store. This is when these so-called “dumpster divers” spring into action.

Platforms such as Youtube are becoming increasingly more influential, especially in the beauty world. Youtubers such as Jaclyn Hill, Laura Lee, and Meredith Foster have all recently collaborated with big cosmetic brands like Morphe, Benefit, and Tarte. While it is common to find makeup tutorials on Youtube (a simple search of the term “makeup tutorial” returned 31,700,000 results), more and more youtubers are encouraging viewers to “dumpster dive” for their makeup, rather than pay for it. One influencer who goes by the name Shelbizlee, or Shelbi, has posted numerous videos hauling product she obtained from the dumpster behind her local Ulta store. In a recent video, posted September 24th, Shelbi videos herself rummaging through the dumpster behind Ulta in the middle of the day. The title of the video boasts that she found makeup that was “brand new in the package.” But, even if the makeup is sealed… just how safe is this practice? Often, the makeup that these influencers collect is not brand new, it’s used.

Digging through trash in any circumstance is commonly regarded as unhealthy and unsanitary. At a cosmetics store, where makeup can be swatched by anyone who walks in, the practice seems especially dirty. “Using another individual’s makeup is highly unsanitary and you put yourself at risk to spread bacteria that can lead to infections” explains Alyssa Heflich, a registered medical esthetician at Rao Dermatology in Atlantic Highlands. “This also comes into play if you were to apply makeup that has been previously used by another individual.” When taking makeup out of the garbage, it is important to also note that the makeup has most likely been exposed to the bacteria from the dumpster as well as to human bateria. Heflick emphasizes, “You can face many health risks if you take any product from the trash and use it. For example, you may face a severe fungal, bacterial, or allergic reaction to the product…also, the risk of not knowing if someone else has used this product and contaminated it.”

There are also serious legal repercussions that can follow if one is caught trespassing on private property. New Jersey law classifies a trespassing person as someone who, “…knowing that he is not licensed or privileged to do so…enters or surreptitiously remains in any research facility, structure, or separately secured or occupied portion thereof.” Once someone is explicitly asked to leave, and they continue to return despite being asked not to, they are classified as a “defiant trespasser.” While trespassing is typically regarded as a “disorderly persons offense,” each circumstance is different, and defendants can be charged with “felony trespassing,” which entails possible jail time and a permanent criminal record. One youtuber named Ellie Cardenas posted a video chronicling her experience with dumpster diving for makeup, and how it ended with her speaking to police. As Cardenas and her friend were digging through the dumpster, police showed up and told them that unless they had specific permission from Ulta to dumpster dive, it was not allowed. In the description of this video, she cautions viewers: “I do not recommend dumpster diving.”