AUGUST 26, 2020 / Skincare

Is Your Makeup Contaminated?

Almost every day, we are using some sort of makeup on our faces. It is important to understand certain things about makeup and application in order to avoid skin infections, makeup contamination, and worsening of current skin issues.

Throw out old makeup

Preservatives are formulated in makeup to keep them from growing bacteria and fungi. They are safe to use and are very much needed!

But after a while, they become no good, so you must toss that product.

The average person usually keeps products past its expiration date. I have been guilty in the past myself.

To know how long your product lasts after opening, look for a small image of a jar with the lid off. On it, it will say a number with an m next to it. This indicates how many months this product is good for once you open it.

Most people don’t realize this, but it is important!

Using expired makeup is no good, as it can lead to skin infections and worsen acne and rosacea.

Plus, it gives you a perfect excuse to go shopping!

Ditch your beauty blender

Beauty Blenders are serious bacteria hoarders. Studies have shown several bacteria and fungi build up on them.

They must be damp to use for application, which makes them a breeding ground for bacteria.

A lot of people don’t throw their beauty blender out after first use, so they’re pouncing a bacteria party on their face each time they do their makeup.

Find a good quality brush instead, giving you the same application with the ability to wash it properly.

Do Not Share Your Makeup

Sharing brushes, powders eyeliners etc. easily transmits one person’s bacteria to another. I love my friends, but I’m not interested in having their bacteria on my face.

Using a friend’s mascara, can enhance your risk of getting an infection or sty.

Practice safe hygiene and make sure you aren’t sharing your makeup products or brushes!

Wash Your Brushes

To avoid putting contaminants on your skin, you want to make sure you are washing your makeup brushes regularly.

Makeup is considered foreign to our bodies so adding bacteria on top of that is a lot for your widdle skin to handle.

I recommend washing your brushes once a week with a basic fragrance-free hand soap or body wash, rinsing, and air drying. Depending how many times you wear makeup a week you might want to step it up to washing your brushes 2x a week.

Wash Your Hands

Always wash your hands before applying any kind of makeup to your skin. You don’t always realize how many things you touch, and you don’t want to put that bacteria on your face or brushes.

I always keep a pump of Purell on my vanity, it’s super convenient if I’m in a rush or being lazy.

This applies for skincare as well.

Sanitize Your Grooming Tools

Ok, so I know this isn’t makeup, but I think it’s related enough to include.

I often find myself tweezing, trimming or shaving facial hair before I do my makeup or the day before to prep.

It is so important that when you are finished using your tweezers, brow scissors or peach fuzz razor for your face, that you sanitize it when you’re finished.

Any tool you use on your skin, you want to make sure it’s sterile for the next time you use it. Otherwise, it’s an easy way for harmful bacteria to be introduced to the skin and or eyes.

The easiest way to remember to sanitize your tools is to buy a spray bottle and refill it with rubbing alcohol. Spray down the tool and dry it with a clean towel. Do this twice before you put it back in a clean area.