Whether it’s the sultry Smokey eyes look or a dash of neutrals; many women cannot leave home without makeup. Their dressing table is lined with all the makeup items needed to perfect a particular look.
But, how many of you have ever stopped to peek inside the eyeliner bottle or taken time to inspect the makeup brushes? I can bet not many.
Makeup proves to be one of the best breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. Their use is such that they get easily contaminated. To add, the moisture in many cosmetics provides atmospheric conditions very conducive to the growth of bacteria.
Old, spoilt and contaminated makeup items are very damaging to the skin. They cause skin, mouth and eye infections that not only ruin your complexion but also take very long to heal.
To avoid all the troubles, we give you tips to clean out your makeup kit and keep it germ free. Read on and enjoy.
- The best way to store makeup items is to place it in a freezer. The cold temperatures kill bacteria.
- Using an antibacterial wipe, wipe down every makeup container. When doing so wipe the lids, the bottle openings and inside the lids.
- Makeup brushes and sponges need to be cleaned at least once a month. Wash the brushes with warm water and mild soap or shampoo. Drain the brushes properly and dry them completely.
- Multiple use sponges should be cleaned every week. It is preferable to use sponges with antibacterial properties.
- Metal equipments such as scissors, tweezers and sharpeners get contaminated easily. You should disinfect these equipments. Wipe the surfaces with cotton dipped in alcohol or nail polish remover.
- Lip and eye pencils need to be sharpened regularly. It removes the contaminated layers on the pencils.
- Makeup bottle and pots should be recapped immediately after use. In case you misplace a cap or a lid, do not replace it with another. Replace the makeup item with a new one.
- Makeup tubes or dispensers are a better option than pots and bottles.
- Finally, wipe your makeup bag clean with an antibacterial wipe.
Other Makeup Etiquette
1. Get rid of old makeup –
Makeup items are pricey especially the good quality ones. However, it is unintelligent and unreasonable to use makeup items till the last drop or speck. Get rid of makeup that is a year old unless there is a specific best before date mentioned on the package.
2. Do not share makeup items –
Avoid sharing makeup items. You may contract a skin infection another is already suffering from.
3. Wash your hands –
Wash your hands with an antibacterial soap before you start applying makeup.
4. Do not wet makeup brushes during application –
You should not wet your makeup brushes or pencils with water or saliva.
5. Take cues from skin irritations –
If you develop an eye infection, cold sore or breakout all of a sudden, these are signals that makeup does not agree with your skin or it has gone bad. Stop using it.
6. Foul smelling and discolored makeup –
If the makeup item develops a foul smell or becomes discolored throw it away. It is a signal of bacterial growth.
Make this your monthly routine. Spend a few hours cleaning the mess in your makeup kit and ensure a safe makeup regimen.
