Whether you are a professional makeup artist or a makeup lover, you should ensure that each product you put directly on your face, lips and eyes are clean, safe and bacteria-free. Make-up, like food do not last forever.
Even if you are the only person using your makeup kit, bacteria from the environment, the natural oils from your skin, fingers (especially when you use them for application), coughing or sneezing during makeup application can help contribute on contaminating all of your products.
Some of these bacteria can lead to eye irritations, infections, skin irritations and breakouts.
- Wash your hands for at least 30 seconds with warm soapy water before touching your makeup or your face.
- Use a clean applicator instead of dipping your fingers into a bottle or powder. Use a clean brush, sponge, q-tip and cotton swab to apply makeup.
- Replace mascara every 2-3 months. Mascara comes in contact with the eye and eye fluid, making it a breeding ground for bacteria. Do not wash the wand and then return it to the bottle, and don't push extra air into the tube by pumping the brush up and down inside the container.
- Wash makeup brushes at least twice month to remove dead skin cells and old makeup. Wash with a brush cleaner or mild soap, such as baby shampoo, rinse thoroughly with clear water and air dry laying it down on a paper towel.
- Wash your eyelash curler after every use.
- Replace lipsticks and balms at least every 6 months.
- Never share makeup!
- If you are a makeup artist, always replace your products frequently and on each person, always use a clean/brand new brush, sponge, q-tip, etc.
- Sharpen eye and lip pencils regularly to remove the outer layer, which may be contaminated with bacteria.
- Move open makeup and makeup brushes away from the toilet if you keep your cosmetics in the bathroom. Each time the toilet is flushed, a fine mist is emitted, which can spread bacteria to your makeup.
- Make sure you toss out any old make-up and brushes.
