For many of us, doing our makeup is part of our daily routine. With that in mind, it’s important to make sure that the products you apply to make you look and feel your best, aren’t doing more harm than good. No matter how often you cleanse, tone and moisturise, your skin won’t be at its healthiest if you don’t practice good makeup hygiene. Here are seven makeup hygiene hints to help you keep your makeup in a stellar condition, and your skin, radiant.
1. Never share your makeup.
Sharing or swapping makeup with your friends may seem like a cool cost-saving idea, but it’s definitely something to avoid since infections such as pinkeye can be passed on through sharing the same lipstick and eye cosmetics.
2. Be tester savvy.
Department stores often have the most tempting array of testers at their beauty counters. If you want to know what the latest shade of lipstick or blusher looks like on you, ask the makeup artist or beauty consultant for a clean applicator that you can use. This will prevent the transfer of germs that’ll take place if you apply testers directly onto your face.
3. Seal your containers and tubes.
Always close your makeup containers and tubes tightly after using them. Although cosmetics contain preservatives to prevent the growth of bacteria, leaving them open puts them at risk of attracting dust and germs. Taking the time to close them correctly will also help keep your makeup in good condition for longer.
4. Store your cosmetics efficiently.
Storing your makeup at the correct temperature is necessary to ensure that it remains free of bacteria. Always store your cosmetics in dry conditions at room temperature. Keeping them in direct sunlight or someplace damp will create the ideal conditions for bacteria to grow.
5. Clean your tools and applicators.
It’s easy to forget to clean little things like tweezers or lash curlers, even though they regularly come into contact with your skin. To thoroughly disinfect them, place them in a bowl of freshly boiled water and let them soak for ten minutes. Don’t forget to clean your brushes and applicators too. For these items, a little soapy water is sure to do the trick.
6. Wash your hands.
Our hands often carry germs and bacteria because we’re constantly touching things. That’s why it’s always a good idea to make sure your hands are freshly washed before dipping your fingers into a tub of concealer, or rubbing them onto an eyeshadow palette.
7. Don’t keep products that have passed their sell-by date.
It’s important to note that most makeup has a shelf-life of about three months. Powder-based products last longer than liquids. If you’re unsure of when something will expire, ask the consultant at the beauty counter of your local department store. Better to be safe than sorry.
