You might think that once your make up is on, you are done and ready to go, but the truth is if you don’t keep things clean, you could be heading for beauty disaster.
We have looked some of the most common questions please ask about beauty first aid and hope it helps your keep your products clean and fresh .
How long should you keep your products?
The majority of liquids have a 12 month shelf life and for powders it’s 24 months. Mascara, doesn’t keep for as long so we would suggest replacing it every 3 months and if you have any eye infections, throw products away and don’t use new ones until you are 100% better.
Do I need to clean my brushes?
It is vital to keep your brushes and sponges clean as they are the perfect breeding ground for germs and bugs which you don’t want spreading on your skin. Spray clean brushes after each use and once a week, deep clean them using a mild baby shampoo and warm water, leaving them to dry overnight. Do remember brushes with wooden bases need to dry on an angle so they do not soak up the water and become deformed.
What about sponges?
You do need to keep sponges and powder puffs clean and the easiest way to do this is to pop them into your washing machine along with polishing cloths and flannels, which can also be home to bacteria.
How often should I clean my make-up bag?
Let’s be honest, make up bags can get really messy, so give them a good clean with an anti-bac wipe once a week, pop them in the washing machine once a month and every year, treat yourself to a new one.
Where should I keep my make-up bag?
We suggest having one bag you use for essentials during the day, but it is a good idea to keep your main make up stash in a cool, dark place. Direct sunlight not only changes the colour of foundations but warm conditions encourage bacteria to breed, so radiators are a no no for make up bags.
Is it true that sharing make-up isn’t a good idea?
In a word, yes. Bacteria can easily spread from person to person so only use your products and brushes and don’t share with friends or borrow items from other people.
How do I keep my lipstick hygienic?
Our mouths carry bacteria, and lids do fall off, so cleaning your lipstick every so often isn’t a bad idea. To do this, simply wind your lipstick tube up slightly, and wipe off the top layer with a clean tissue. Next, pour a little rubbing alcohol or vodka into a shot glass and dip the exposed lipstick into the liquid for 30 seconds. Then, gently dab the alcohol off and allow to dry. This is harmless to the lipstick but will keep it clean and in good shape.
Do I need to clean my eyelash curler?
Yes is the answer to this question. Eyelash curlers will get covered in mascara, eye shadow and foundation so you need to keep them really clean. Don’t let dirt build up and instead clean the device each time you use it with cotton wool and eye make up remover or baby oil. Rinse once clean and leave to dry. Again, we don’t recommend sharing curlers as this is how infections can spread.
If you have any questions, do get in touch and we will do our best to help.