Make-up Hygiene Tips | ExpatWoman.com
 

Make-up Hygiene Tips

Looking beautiful is not worth getting sick for, so make sure you toss out any old makeup after their expiration period.

Posted on

23 July 2013

Last updated on 29 May 2017
Make-up Hygiene Tips

Looking beautiful is not worth getting sick for so make sure you toss out any old make-up after their expiration period (See Make-up expiration dates). However, even unexpired makeup can still give you an eye infection or make you sick since dirt and bacteria can contaminate your make-up.

Studies have found mould, fungus, bacteria pseudomonas, and staph aurus, which can cause infections like bacterial conjunctivitis and impetigo, in make-up and applicators. Oil-based products like lipsticks, gloss and cream blushes are especially great hosts for E. coli and salmonella.

Follow these tips to make sure your cover girl looks aren’t marred with an ugly infection or puffy pink eye:

1. Wash your hands with soap before applying makeup.

2. Keep cosmetics in a dry area, away from direct sunlight or heat.

3. Do not share makeup.

4. Wash your applicator, sponges, or brushes with a makeup cleaner or with soap/shampoo and water regularly (at least every other week). Applicators used on liquid makeup should be cleaned more frequently.

5. Use cotton swabs for applying makeup which can be tossed out after each use.

6. Avoid liquid-based products which are great hosts for bacteria.

7. Dry any damp makeup bags or sponges.

8. Use the look and smell test on your makeup. If there are any colour or textural changes, it smells different, or it has been exposed to prolonged heat, toss it out.

9. Buy cleansers and moisturisers in tubes and pumps instead of jars which will be exposed to air.

10. Avoid digging into jars and pots. Pour the liquids out onto a clean cotton ball instead to avoid contamination.