An important part of skin care is following makeup hygiene. So here’s all you need to know about makeup hygiene.

Does your makeup have a shelf life?

Makeup hygiene is the best way to keep unpleasant skin infections away. No amount of cleansing, toning and moisturising will help keeping your skin clear if you don’t practice makeup hygiene.

Tips for makeup hygiene

Don’t leave your makeup container open

Ensure you close your makeup containers tightly after using them. This way, dust and germs from the surroundings won’t get into your cosmetics and they will remain in a good condition for longer. Cosmetics do contain certain preservatives to inhibit growth of bacteria, but if you don’t store them correctly, germs are likely to make it their home.

Always, store your makeup and cosmetics in room temperature — best — inside a cupboard. Putting them someplace too hot, where there is direct sunlight would mean providing germs a safe haven to thrive. Anything above 29 degree Celsius becomes dangerous for makeup storage.

Do not add water or saliva to your makeup!

Do not add water to makeup. Water can wash off the effects of any preservatives added to the makeup, making it more vulnerable to bacteria growth. And there’s nothing worse you can do than add saliva. Saliva can open a gateway for germs. It can spread bacteria from your mouth (where it might be harmless) to your eyes, which are very sensitive.

Do not share your makeup with anybody, and most importantly with strangers.

Sharing makeup with anybody can spread germs, which is why, it’s a big NO.

Do not share makeup with strangers, and by this we are referring to trying on the latest lipstick or eye-pencil at a store’s makeup counter. If you must try something out, insist on a disposable applicator, read-up on cleaning procedures (check if they follow them) or request for a new tester product, if necessary.

Toss out your makeup at regular intervals:

Most cosmetics don’t mention an expiry date. And the problem is that there are some makeup products that can expire faster than normal if not stored properly. All this means you have to decide when it’s time to toss your makeup products.

Since eyes constitute one of the most sensitive areas of the body susceptible to disease, you must be extra careful about how long you use your mascara, eyeliner or cream-based kajal. The closed container creates a dark environment, which can be a breeding ground for germs.

It’s best to throw out your eye makeup after three months. If you have exposed it to drastic temperature changes, or it smells odd throw it out sooner. If you have had an eye infection, then no matter how short a period of time you’ve had those eye makeup products, replace them all immediately.

Coming to liquid products like liquid concealer, foundation, creamy-formula eye shadow and blush, throw them out after three months.

When it comes to powder-based products, which contain a little water, you can keep them for up to two years. These include, powder eye shadow, eye pencil, lip liner, compact powder, blush and bronze etc. However, if the colour of the cosmetic changes or it starts to smell, throw it out immediately.

Once every week or two, clean your makeup brushes

Makeup brushes can be a fertile breeding ground for germs. First, make sure you wipe them with a tissue after use. And every week or two, clean them with soap and water, this is how:

Take a mug of warm water, and mix in a mild cleanser. You can also use your shampoo or body wash to do this.  Place your makeup brush in. Leave for a couple of minutes, then gently twirl it around. Then dip it in an antiseptic solution. Rinse under running water, and allow it to air dry. Make sure you wash your brushes individually.

Wash your makeup sponges every week and replace them at regular intervals

Makeup sponges with their large surface area can be a safe haven for bacteria growth. When your sponge starts to wear out due to regular washing, it’s time for you to replace it. Also, after a while no amount of washing is going to leave your sponge sparkling clean… so then chuck it out and buy a new one.  For washing, follow the same procedure mentioned above.

BDST: 1312 HRS, FEB 07, 2015