Quick Tips for Makeup Safety
First simple rule in makeup safety: avoid sharing your cosmetics.
We are so tempted to share lip gloss with our girlfriends or swap mascara in the powder room. But the truth is, we are sharing more than the coolest lip plumper or best lengthening mascara. We are swapping germs and possibly diseases. Lip and eye products come in contact with areas of the body easily prone to infections. By using someone else’s lipstick, you are increasing your chances of developing a herpes virus, which can cause unsightly cold sores. Furthermore by borrowing someone’s eyeliner, you increase your chances of contracting pink eye, which is very contagious and can last up to two weeks. Stick with your own products and avoid the temptation of borrowing your friends’ makeup.
Second simple rule in makeup safety: keep your tools clean and your makeup stored properly.
Brushes, tweezers, and other makeup applicators should to be thoroughly cleaned every week. Glo Professionals and BareMinerals have developed brush cleaners and shampoos to simplify this tedious process. Remember, germs and bacteria can grow on your brushes and tools causing your face to breakout. Alcohol can be an effect cleaning product for plastic or metal makeup applicators, as well as, a handy way to sanitize used makeup pencils, but be careful with alcohol around your brushes. Strong cleaning products can break down the glue that holds the bristles in place. Make sure when cleaning your brushes that you use mild and appropriate cleaning products that will help maintain the life of your makeup brushes. Finally to ensure that your makeup lasts, store your products at room temperature. Makeup that is left out in the heat or direct sunlight is more susceptible to bacteria growth or product break down.
Third simple rule in makeup safety: clean out your makeup collection on a regular basis.
Because the FDA does not require cosmetic manufacturers to place expiration dates on their products, consumers must determine when “used” makeup is no longer usable. So, we must employ a few simple guidelines to help with this confusing process. Most manufacturers agree that mascara should be discarded after three months or earlier if you recently experienced any type of eye infection. Liquid foundations and eyeliners or cream based shadows and blushes should be thrown out after six months. Any type of makeup that contains large amounts of water can become a breeding ground for bacteria. However, those products that contain little or no water such as powder foundations, eye shadows, blushes, bronzers, and eye/lip pencils can last up to two years if stored and maintained correctly.
Simple solutions for makeup safety:
1. Don’t share makeup!
2. Clean your applicators and brushes and store your makeup properly!
3. Throw away old makeup!
Categories: makeup