Keep it Clean: Tips for a More Hygienic Makeup Routine

There's nothing I hate more than having to throw away makeup! After having been fascinated in makeup for years, I've developed quite the collection. However, I've recently become interested in learning about more hygienic ways to store and apply makeup, and there are hard facts out there that definitely suggest it's not such a good idea to keep makeup for extended periods of time. So how does one know when it's time to bite the bullet and throw out their makeup? And what are some tips to help prolong the life of your favorite cosmetics?

1. Make a list noting the dates of when you buy a new product. This will help you keep a time table of how old your cosmetics are.

2. Clean your makeup brushes! Not only will this improve the quality of your brush, but of your skin as well! If you don't clean your brushes you are transmitting dirt and bacteria from your face and straight into your makeup--thus causing your makeup to expire sooner.

3. Use disposable makeup applicators when applying makeup to friends. This helps eliminate cross- contamination of bacteria from one face to another. These can be bought online or at any drug store.

4. Never store your makeup in your bathroom! The warm and steamy environment is the perfect breading ground for nasty germs and bacteria. Makeup should be kept in a cool, dry place. By avoiding the bathroom you will prolong the shelf life or your makeup and keep yourself from dealing with yucky bacteria that can inflammation, acne, and a slew of other gross things.

5. Your own eyes are your greatest tools! Keep them open to search for lumps in your mascara wand, runny moisturizers, and stale eye shadows. All of these things are vivid indicators of expired makeup. You only get one face, so if you're suspicious of a product, don't chance it!

Now that you know what you can do to help fast-tracking your makeup to expiration, here's a chart to give a brief idea of when it may be a good idea to throw away old makeup. Use this as a rule of thumb, but remember it's okay to dispose of makeup sooner if you feel it has gone bad.

I hope that these tips have helped you in understanding the importance of maintaining an hygienic makeup routine, and have inspired you to make the necessary adjustments to your own ways! I look forward to chatting with you all again very soon.

-Sarah x