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Cleaning your makeup might not be something you’ve thought much about.
It’s important, but how do you do it?
Meet the Experts
Why You Should Clean Your Makeup
Simply put, makeup gets dirty.
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“This buildup can be things like oils, environmental debris, dirt, or product residue.”
And if you skip cleaning?
Cosmetic chemist Charlene Valledor also notes that dirty makeup can lead todermatitis.
How you treat your makeup also impacts the need to clean it.
This is due to factors like ingredients or where you bring your makeup," Valledor tells us.
Lipstick
How to Clean: Lipsticks are generally very easy to clean!
Carr suggests doing this before every use.
“I always use a paper towel and wipe off the top layer of the lipstick before each use.
Then wipe it clean and pop it back into the tube.
The best you could do is wipe down the area under the top.
To prevent foundation from going back quickly, Carr suggests being mindful of where you store your products.
“Over time, it makes an impact and can grow bacteria.”
When to Throw It Away: Both Carr and Valledor say to throw foundation bottles away within a year.
“[The same goes if] it changes form and texture which is different from the product separating.
“Whenever a formula separates, the issue can usually be resolved by simply shaking.
But don’t worry, it’s quick to do.
“Spray a little alcohol on top [of the powder] then wipe it clean with a tissue.
Don’t let it sit on the product.”
This should be done occasionally.
However, don’t jump the gun on that just because you see it cracking.
“If you are using disposable applicators, the product could last you 6 months,” says Carr.
She also says to never make a pumping motion when applying.
“When you do that you are pushing air into the tube which is causing it to dry out.
The product will go bad faster because it makes moisture,” she explains.
“Instead of pumping, twist the mascara wand only to get more product then pull out.”
“Liquids like lipgloss go rancid faster because they typically have jojoba oil as an ingredient.”
However, don’t be fooled by the texture.
“If the product has water listed, then 6 months shelf life is recommended.”
“You are taking the top layer off when you sharpen it,” says Carr.
She notes that this action removes the bacteria on the surface.
you might also clean pencils in between sharpening.
This method is similar to how you would clean lipstick.
The Final Takeaway
Makeup items can, and should, be cleaned regularly.
Some are easier to clean than others, with items like lipsticks and pencil liners being the most straightforward.
In those instances, you should use disposable applicators for each utility.
All makeup products should be thrown away every year, at the outset.
Thanks to these in-depth tips from our experts, your makeup can stay clean from here on out.
