GERMS!!! Yep, that’s right! Makeup bags are petri dishes for germs and bacteria! Gross….I know! Did you know that makeup expires? Did you know that using old makeups can cause infections? Check out these wonderful tips I learned from the Tyra Show about makeup bags and keeping them and your makeup germ free and clean.
~ Concealer: Has a life of about 18 months due to the ingredients separating. You should remember you’re most often using concealer to cover blemishes, which can be more sensitive and prone to infection than other parts of your face.
~ Mascara: Mascara lasts about 3-6 months and is the most prone of all makeup to harbor bacteria because the wand is constantly being dipped. A general rule is anything that is a liquid has a shorter life.
~ Liquid Foundation: You should never use liquid foundation after more than one year. Always use a sponge, and not your germ-laden fingers! If the foundation separates or smells bad, throw it out.
~ Eye Shadow: Lasts 12-18 months if it is a cream, 2 years if it’s a powder.
~ Lip Pencil: Can last 3 years due to the wood and wax. Remember to sharpen and cover between uses.
~ Lipstick: Can hold up for 2-3 years, but if there is a color change or rancid smell, throw it out.
~ Lip gloss: Don’t keep more than 18 months due to a different formulation chemical composition and the same dipping problem as mascara.
You should wash your brushes weekly with a mild dish detergent or a specially formulated cleanser. And make sure they’re dry before putting them away. Use one-use items like Q-tips or disposable sponges. Store makeup in a cool dry spot away from sunlight.
Makeup bags are full of products that are used (if you’re like me) daily. And after a while just become a petri dish full of germs and bacteria. GROSS! Dermatologists say that a dirty, messy makeup bag can cause infections, allergic reactions and even acne. Make sure your makeup and your makeup tools are always clean to steer clear of acne. And don’t forget about your pillow cases. Even they can cause clogged pores. Changing your pillow case every other day can help from you rubbing your face against a dirty, makeup covered cloth every night!
And what’s the first rule your mom taught you when you started wearing makeup? ‘DON”T share your makeup, especially lipstick, eyeliner and mascara with ANYONE!‘ Oh so so true! Sharing makeup is sharing germs! I’m a germ FREAK so that’s something I’m very anal careful about! And I’ve been teaching my daughter the same thing. No, she doesn’t wear makeup yet…she’s only 8, but she does wear some lip gloss on occasion and loves chap-stick! But sharing lipstick can spread herpes and sharing mascara and eyeliner can spread pink eye! Did you know that some of the bacterias found in used makeup are staph, yeast and fungal infections?
Oh and one good tip that I learned from a friend a long time ago is that keeping your nail polish in the fridge will make it last longer. I always thought it was crazy when I’d grab a soda out of her fridge and see her nail polish in there…until I learned why! lol
So ladies, remember when the expiration date is near or gone then it’s time to trash the old and get some new. Just remember too that you should never buy too much. Buy what you need so that you don’t end up wasting your money and having to throw it away before you get to use it. Infections are not worth the risk! Have you checked out your makeup bag lately? I haven’t but I’m going to now! I KNOW I have some really old makeup in there. I would share a pic but I can assure you that you don’t want to see what’s in mine! Plus the fact that it’s just dirty! Guess it’s time for me to put it in the washer and throw out the old! And hey, it gives me an excuse to buy some new makeup! 
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About Stefanie
Very good tips. I have to be honest, the only makeup I have ever trashed was old and/or empty lipstick and mascara. And, I only threw them away because they were dried out or empty. I am so bad about not throwing away makeup. I can honestly say, though, nothing bad has ever happened.
)
Ok, so in fact I may be walking around with an incredibly germie face! =)
I think I am going to give my face an extra scrub tonight before heading to bed.
Thanks for sharing all this information. It is good to have it all compiled in one spot. Guess I’ll have to hit the store and buy some new, well – everything!
I should know better about keeping cosmetics for too long but I am HORRIBLE at actually throwing things away. Some of the money I put into that stuff, I hate to see it go to waste!
And, I am also horrible at washing my face at night. OOPS!
LOL I hear ya about watch washing your face! I only wash mine in the shower b/c if I use soap or anything I break out. If I only use water in the shower or sink then my skin is perfect! lol
Those are great tips! I just went through my makeup today. I’m always sad to throw any away, but I know the icky germs aren’t worth keeping forever.
I did just start using Clean and Clear makeup removal cloths, and I love them! They are the only thing I’ve found, besides water, that won’t irritate my skin.
great tips! I give myself a 85% I used to get a big fat 0 but I have gotten so much better! I have now thrown everything out that isn’t either organic or really natural (opposed to the stuff that says it is but really isn’t)
those actually have a shorter shelf life! augh!