Sanitary Practices: How to Keep Your Cosmetics Clean

Many people think that even personal cosmetics don't need to be cleaned and sanitized. They reason that because the makeup is only being used on themselves, they don't need to worry about germs or bacteria contaminating their cosmetics.

FALSE.

Even if your makeup is soley for personal use, it still runs the risk of becoming contaminated. The air we breathe is filled with germs, and it only takes one of those little buggers to multiply and contaminate your products. Sanitation and cleanliness are especially important if you have acne-prone skin - the bacteria that cause your breakouts can get in your makeup and cause further breakouts when you reapply.

Here's a quick rundown of how to clean all your makeup and tools, as well as three essentials that you should keep near your vanity or in your kit at all times.

How to Clean Cosmetics and Tools

Powders: Powders, like eyeshadows and powder foundations should be cleaned at least once a week. To clean them, simply take a tissue or a paper towel and wipe off the top layer of the product. For extra sanitation, you can lightly spray them down with either 90% isopropyl alcohol, or a beauty sanitation spray like Beauty So Clean. If you go the alcohol route, make sure that it's at least a 90% solution and not the more traditional 70% solution - the 70% solution has more water and impurities in it that will make your powders glaze and ultimately ruin the product. 

Creams in Pans: Like powders, pan concealers and foundations should be wiped off and then sprayed with alcohol about once a week. 

Lip Glosses and Mascara: Unless you're using disposable wands every time you use your product, there is really no way to keep cosmetics that come in a tube sanitary. Lip glosses, tube concealers, mascaras, and any other product that comes in a tube with an applicator wand should be replaced every three months. I know this sounds like a daunting task, but do you really want to run the risk of sties and other skin infections?

Pencils: Pencils should really be cleaned between every use. Simply sharpen the pencil and then wipe them down with an alcohol wipe, or dip them in alcohol and let them dry. 

Lipsticks: At least once a week, dip the lipstick in alcohol, and wipe off the outer layer of the product.

Brushes: This is probably the most important way to keep your makeup sanitary and fresh. Make sure that you are spot-cleaning your brushes in between each use, and give them a thorough wash every one to two weeks. Use a product like MAC's Brush Cleanser to disinfect as well as condition your brushes. 

Three Essential Makeup Sanitation Products

1. 90% Isopropyl Alcohol. Not only is this essential for sanitizing your makeup, but it's also good for keeping your workstation clean and free of germs. Simply wipe down your makeup counter with a bit of alcohol and you're good to go.
2. Paper Towels or Tissues. These are important for wiping off products, and are also useful for keeping your workstation clean, as well as making cleanup easy. After cleaning your work station, lay down a paper towel or tissue to work on top of. After you're done, simply fold up the paper towel with all your pencil shavings and remnant powder, and toss it!
3. Hand Sanitizer. Hand sanitizer is a makeup artist's best friend. Before application, hand sanitizer should be used to kill all those pesky germs on your hands so they don't transfer to your face. 

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