We use makeup
to highlight our beauty, but did you know that you could actually harm yourself
with your own makeup? It’s not because of the chemicals in the cosmetics, as today
there are plenty of organic products that are completely safe and can even
provide you with some measure of protection from the environment.
It’s the abundance of germs and bacteria around and how often you clean your makeup bag that can lead to trouble. Many of us are so caught up in using our favorite cosmetic products economically to make them last longer that we thoroughly forget they have a predetermined expiration date.
Follow our simple makeup bag spring-cleaning tips to help ensure that no harmful bacteria or toxins affect your skin through makeup.
1. Wash all your makeup brushes, sponges and
applicators every weak.
Imagine how much bacteria accumulates on your makeup brushes because they
collect dust, old makeup and sebum. This turns the tools of your art into
perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. Using these contaminated brushes can
cause allergy or even more serious disorders, like acne.
It is highly recommended to wash all the brushes and other makeup application
tools you use at least once a week. Use natural and gentle soap with warm water
for cleaning them. Be sure to dry them properly.
2. Clean the bag itself.
Dirt and bacteria also breed directly inside your makeup bag. From there, they
can spread onto brushes, cosmetics, and your hands.
A cloth bag should be washed every two weeks at the very least. If you use
plastic makeup storage containers, dust them every week and swipe the inner
surfaces with rubbing alcohol several times per month.
3. Throw out the products you don’t need.
Assess the contents of your makeup bag critically and remove all the items you
haven’t used in a month. You don’t really need them, and there is no point in
them lying around. These tubes and boxes only create unnecessary clutter and
make it difficult to find the things you really need.
4. Make an expiration dates chart.
When you add a new product to your bag, write down its expiration date on a
piece of paper and store it with your cosmetics. You can arrange the dates into
a chart to make it easier to keep track of them. Nowadays you can even use your
Smartphone to set up a reminder that will tell you it’s time for some of the
products to go.
Remember, cosmetic products, especially the ones that are organic, don’t
contain preservatives. Therefore, they turn toxic after expiration.
5. Buy wisely.
Consider your purchases carefully when shopping for makeup. It can be hard to
pass up an opportunity to buy something beautiful and sparkling, but do you
really need it? Think of what kind of makeup is suitable for your everyday look
and then decide how many various more “flashy” products you need to doll up for
a party. Remember that cosmetic products can be stored only for a few months
after you open them. Do you really want to waste your money buying an eye
shadow kit you will use three times before you need to throw it away?
Take these considerations into account and buy a collection of products that
you would actually use.
