If you’re a makeup hoarder, you may want to think twice about hanging onto all those old lipsticks and mascaras. They do have a shelf life and can go rancid. Many of our makeup tools can be a breeding ground for nasty germs too.
- If you use makeup sponges, wash thoroughly with soap and hot water after each use.
- If you use a foundation brush, wash it every week with a mild dish washing detergent. I recommend using a conditioner to keep bristles soft. Shake it well and then leave to air-dry. I wash all my makeup brushes in the same way, once a month.
- Any makeup that touches your actual eye can easily pick up bacteria. That’s why you need to be really careful with mascara and eye pencils. Replace your mascara every 3 months and never share either of these items with friends. Always throw away mascara and pencils after an eye infection.
- Dip your eye last curler in 1/2 a glass of hydrogen peroxide once a week. Leave it to soak for about 10 minutes and dry/wipe with a clean kitchen towel.
- Dip a clean rag or cloth in a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide, and wipe out your cosmetic bag once per month.
- Lipsticks and lip glosses should be replaced every 6 months. Always replace the cap tightly as leaving the lid off can encourage bacterial growth. Never share these items as viruses can be easily spread this way.
- Liquid Foundations should be tossed after 6 months regardless of whether they are oil or water-based. Mineral powder foundations can last for up to 2 years.
- Creme blushes and bronzers should also be tossed after 6 months.
- Powder eye shadows can last for up to 2 years.
- Always use a hand sanitizer before applying your makeup. It’s obvious, but we can sometimes forget. I keep a small bottle of my homemade hand sanitizer in my makeup bag.
Those are some great tips. I always wondered how often you’re supposed to clean brushes and I never thought about cleaning my cosmetic bag that often.
It sounds wasteful to toss lipstick after 6 months. I have more than 1 tube of lipstick & I know I couldn’t finish them all after 6 months.
Anna, I agree and I don’t always toss after six months, but that is the official sell-by date if you want to be 100% sure your product is fresh and not rancid.
Anna I totally agree. That’s why I have started to buy the tester and sample sizes for things like lipstick and mascara. 100% pure is a good line and they sell teser sizes for some of there products. Of course if a person wears a lot of makeup they might just use up a full size in 3 months.
Knowing that cosmetics aren’t truly safe to keep for over 6 months to a year keeps me from buying too much at one time. It is almost impossible to use us an entire tube of lipstick or mascara. I love 100% Pure products! Buying sample size products from them is a great idea!
I always wash my hands before i apply my makeup. I think using sanitizer before applying makeup is a great idea but i wonder if i can use my bath and body works sanitizer before applying my makeup cause b&bw sanitizers have really strong scents so im worried if its gonna cause my skin to break out or do anything bad on my skin..
Oh and how often should i wash my powder brush? Thank you:)