O.K. I confess: In a bout of Spring cleaning, I recently trashed the lip gloss I wore to prom (circa 2009), and my sparkly blue eyeshadow (circa sometime in middle school). Blame it on emotional attachment, but before you judge, take a look in your own makeup bag. After recovering from shock at my confession, my roommate found an eyeshadow she’d kept since middle school, as well as a mystery compact for some sort of makeup – once belonging to her mother.
If you can’t relate to these beauty blunders, I applaud you! Still, if you use any type of makeup it’s important to know how often to clean your tools, and how regularly you should replace your makeup.
In a fascinating Good Morning America news report, “How Dirty Is Your Makeup?” GMA staffers sent samples of their makeup – from mascaras to face powders to lipsticks – to a lab to be tested for bacteria. Of the 25 samples sent in, 11 came back positive for different types of bacteria! These included staphylococcus, the cause of pink eye, skin lesions and rashes, streptococcus, the cause of strep throat and gram negative rods, found in decayed food.
Obviously, no one wants bacteria growing in their makeup. Not only can unaddressed bacteria make you sick, but they are absolutely not good for your skin! Fortunately, I’ve done your research for you. From makeup artists to health professionals, here are the general guidelines on how to care for, and when to chuck, your makeup:
EYES – How often should I replace…
Mascara: Every 3-6 months. You make the call, but for me it’s usually after 5 months that my mascaras start to get seriously clumpy anyway.
Eyeliner: Every 2 years! But this is only if you make sure to sharpen your pencils regularly (every few days is recommended). This will shave off any bacteria or germs. You should replace liquid eyeliner ever 3 months. Any liquid eye product gathers a lot more bacteria that can irritate eyes or cause infection.
Eyeshadows: Every 3 years!
FACE – How often should I replace…
Cream Blush: Every 12-18 months.
Concealer: Every 12-18 months.
Powder Foundation: Every 1-2 years. If you use a compact, wash the puff or sponge every few weeks! If you use a foundation you put your fingers into, replace every 6-8 months to avoid trouble from built-up bacteria.
Powder Blush and Bronzer: Every 2 years!
LIPS – How often should I replace…
Lip Liner (pencils): Every 2 years. Make sure to keep pencils clean by sharpening them regularly, just as you would for eyeliner.
Lip Glosses: Every 18-24 months.
Lipstick: Every 2 years! Both glosses and lipsticks last longer if stored in a cool place. Also, if lipglosses or sticks come in contact with a cold sore or any other similar type of infection, get rid of them!
MISCELLANEOUS
– How often should I replace…
Nail polish: Every year! Nail polish separates and starts to break down around the one-year mark.
– How often do I need to clean…
Makeup Bag: Periodically. If possible, turn the bag inside out and clean all over with baby wipes. If your bag is not washable, invest in one that is!
Makeup Brushes: Every two weeks! You can use your regular shampoo or conditioner to clean your brushes, then rinse with warm water and lay brushes flat to dry on a towel. Natural hair brushes can last for years with regular cleaning. Synthetic brushes last only about one year and should also be cleaned twice a week with an alcohol-based cleaner.
GENERAL TIPS
1. Give the Smell Test: Smelling your makeup, even your mascara, can clue you in to bacteria growth. If it smells funky, toss it!
2. Storage: Always make sure your products are closed tightly and stored out of direct sunlight. Sunlight actually destroys the preservatives in most makeup.
3. Watch for changes: If you notice any changes in color and/or texture of your makeup, get rid of it asap!
4. Be smart: If you’re sick, don’t wear makeup! Especially if you have an eye infection or mouth/throat infection. If you can’t forgo your normal routine, you should be willing to pay the price (and replace your products) once you’re better!
Happy Spring Cleaning!
xoxo Lucy