Spring is finally here and that means out with the old and in with the new.When it comes to clothing, we’re generally pretty good at getting rid of anything that’s no longer in season, showing signs of wear and tear or just no longer fits. But this should also apply to our makeup, and spring-cleaning your makeup bag not clears it of clutter but also ensures that it’s not a breeding ground for bacteria.
Here are a few tips to prep your collection for spring:
- Deep clean your beauty tools
Brushes can last you a lifetime if you look after them well. They should be deep cleaned at least once a month with a mild soap or baby shampoo and air dried completely before use. Damp makeup sponges in particular can harbour bacteria so it’s important to deep clean them after every use.
In between deep cleans, it’s also important to spot clean your brushes with a spray cleaner such as Parian Spirit. Just give the brush a quick spritz, dry it on a towel and it will be ready to use in seconds. Although convenient, spot cleaners don’t always remove all traces of makeup, which is why a monthly deep clean is necessary.
Parian Spirit Brush Cleaner
2. Check expiry dates
Although many makeup products don’t come with expiry dates here’s a rough guide to how long you should be holding onto each product for:
Mascara & Liquid Liners – 3 months
Each time you dip the applicator back in, you’re letting in more bacteria. These guys have the shortest shelf life, and since they are applied to the eye, it’s best to be safe than sorry.
Pencil Eyeliners – 1 to 2 years
Pencil liners have a longer shelf life, and if they can be sharpened you can hold on to them for up to 2 years. However, if they are the twist up kind, then you should toss them in a year.
Liquid foundations and cream products– 1 year
To prolong your liquid foundation or cream compact, make sure you always use a brush or sponge rather than dipping your fingers into the product.
Lipgloss & lipstick – 1 to 2 years
Lip products don’t grow bacteria as quickly as other liquid products, and can last for up to two years. But if you’ve used the product while having an infection like strep throat, throw it away to avoid getting sick again.
Powders – 2 years
As long as there isn’t a change in texture or smell, powders can be kept for up to two years.
- Swatch and smell
Although your products might be well within the expiry dates, it’s important to keep an eye out for any change in texture, colour or scent. When it doubt, throw it out! To prolong the life of your products, store them in a cool spot away from direct sunlight.
- Sanitize!
For all the makeup hoarders out there who can’t bear to get rid of that limited edition palette or discontinued perfect nude lipstick, lightly spray your makeup with isopropyl alcohol like Beauty So Clean to disinfect it. However, do not over-do it as too much alcohol can change the texture of the product.
Beauty So Clean
Hopefully these tips have helped you de-clutter and disinfect your collection so you can give yourself a fresh start for Spring!
Leave a Reply