When to Break Up with Your Makeup
Regency Beauty Institute blog: August 2016
You love makeup. But like a hot summer romance that cools as the temperature drops, this relationship isn't meant to last forever.
Yep. There comes a time when you gotta break up with your makeup.
The reason? Bacteria, fungi — all sorts of microorganisms live on our skin. Before you run screaming to the shower know this: Healthy skin is amazing at keeping these things in check, so it’s no big deal.
Same can’t be said of the stuff we put on our skin, though.
Every time you touch your makeup you transfer germs to it. This is true of what you use to apply your makeup, as well. Sponges, brushes and wands all transfer bacteria and contaminate your cosmetics. Why professional makeup artists always disinfect their brushes and never double-dip or reuse disposable applicators.
Cosmetics generally contain preservatives or other ingredients to control bacterial growth. But they lose their power over time. And when that’s the case, itty-bitty bugs are hitching a ride to paradise — the perfect place to party.
So, when’s the right time to give your makeup the kiss off?
MASCARA AND LIQUID EYELINER: 3 MONTHS
Mascara and liquid eyeliner tubes are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria because of their dark, moist environment. When bacteria grow out of control in these cosmetics they cause redness and irritation — even pinkeye and sties, painful infections on the eyelid. Never share your mascara or eyeliner — or use anyone else’s. And if you develop symptoms don’t risk it. Pitch it.
EYE SHADOW: 3 TO 6 MONTHS
Creams can more quickly cause problems than powers, but all shadows come into contact with a highly sensitive area. The eye crease is especially at risk for irritation because the skin folds onto itself. Using a clean brush or other type of sanitary applicator will extend their stay. But for safety, shadows should have short shelf life.
BROW PENCIL AND EYELINER: 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR
Pencils last longer than liquids, so long as you regularly sharpen them — and clean your sharpener with rubbing alcohol between each use. But if your pencils develop a white film that can’t be sharpened off the tip, they’re toast.
FOUNDATION AND LIQUID CONCEALER: 6 MONTHS TO A YEAR
Water-based foundation and liquid concealer have a blemished reputation for causing blemishes. But more likely to blame is bacteria growing in them, because germs absolutely love the stuff. Dipping in your finger — or reusing disposable sponges — increases the odds of breakouts and irritation You can reduce contamination by applying with a clean brush or using throwaways twice — once on either side — before tossing in the trash. But it’s best to pick the right formula for your skin type and accept you’ll either use it or lose it within a year.
LIPSTICK AND LINER: 1 TO 2 YEARS
Our mouths are filthy — and not just because of words that sometimes spill out. A Harvard University researcher found that most mouths are home to more bacteria than the number of people on Earth. That tops 6 billion. In numbers it looks like this: 6,000,000,000. So that lipstick that gives you the perfect pink pout? Don’t use it while sick, and ditch it sooner than later.
PRESSED POWDER AND POWDER BLUSH: 2 YEARS
Powder is the desert of every makeup bag: They’re dry, so not much can thrive there. Some powers contain botanicals, however, and can grow bacteria if moistened. Most of us keep our makeup in the bathroom. Better is a cool, dry place — like your bedroom or a cabinet away from steamy showers. And to throw away everything in two years.
DON’T GIVE YOUR BRUSHES THE BRUSH-OFF!
Some relationships are meant to last! Brushes with quality bristles are worth investing in — and can last for years. But that doesn’t mean they don’t require attention. To keep your bushes in tip-top shape, wipe clean after each use and store upright in a container so air can circulate around the bristles. Every two weeks gently clean with shampoo and squeeze out excess water as you reshape them. Replace when they begin to shed bristles or the bristles begin to break off.