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Keeping Your Make Up Clean

By: Jody Ehrhardt - Updated: 19 Sep 2012 | comments*Discuss
 
Keep Your Makeup Clean Makeup Cosmetics

You faithfully apply makeup, buy makeup, and experiment with makeup all in the hopes for fresher, younger, more polished looking skin. But what happens when your trusted tube off goo suddenly becomes your worst enemy and no longer does the job of beautification? Before you blame the cosmetic itself it may be time to look at how you keep your makeup clean and pure.

Is Dirty Makeup Causing Those Breakouts?

When makeup is first packaged at the factory it is bacteria and germ free. And the new packaging goes a long way towards keeping it that way. But once you open your new beauty find and start dipping into it you begin introducing bacteria and other harmful particles into the mix. This non-airtight environment and the addition of unclean particles make a great breeding ground for germs that you would never think about applying to your face. And once the makeup is contaminated it only gets worse with each use.

The germs and bacteria that are allowed to thrive on or in your makeup also thrive on your skin. These contaminates can cause clogged pores, acne, blackheads and other skin problems every time the makeup is used.

Is Your Makeup Too Old?

Another reason your prized blush may be playing havoc on your skin is because it is past its prime in the beauty world. Old makeup is more susceptible to bacteria growth plus some of the healthy ingredients in makeup can go bad and cause an adverse reaction on your skin.

To keep your makeup working and looking its best you need to discard makeup after it has lived out its shelf life. Manufacturers usually recommend that you discard liquid foundation after six months and powder based foundations after one year. Blush, eyeliners, and lip liners should also be thrown away after six months. Eye shadow lasts the longest with a usable life of up to fourteen months, but mascara lasts only a short six weeks. Finally, lipstick should be tossed after three months.

It may sound like an expensive undertaking when you think about the cost of replacing all of that makeup every few months but the benefits to your skin will be well worth it.

Keeping It Clean

Another way to get the most out of your makeup is to keep it as clean as possible. Many cosmetics users never think about the way that they handle, store or apply their makeup but taking care in each area can save your skin and your looks.

  • Always wash your hands before handling makeup. This will prevent the contamination of makeup and help decrease the growth of germs and bacteria.

  • Use a disposable makeup applicator or a clean brush to apply makeup. Never use a brush twice before washing it with warm soapy water. Better yet, use disposable sponges or cotton tipped applicators so you can choose a fresh one every time.

  • Never share your makeup. The person using your makeup may not wash their hands, may use a soiled brush, or may have an infection that they can pass to you through the makeup.

  • Only use water if you need to dilute or moisten a cosmetic. Never use saliva or other liquids.

  • Store you cosmetics properly. Keep makeup in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight. This environment is less inviting to germs and bacteria growth. Also make sure to close makeup securely after each use to limit contaminates exposure.

  • Discard makeup if the container is broken since the cracked seal can allow bacteria in.

  • Discard any makeup that changes color, begins to smell differently, or that changes in texture. These can all be signs that your makeup is old or contaminated and the cosmetics should no longer be used.

Simply by following these tips to keep your makeup clean you can keep your makeup and your skin looking fresh and beautiful application after application.

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