Do You Have 7 Things in Your Makeup Bag?

Do You Have 7 Things in Your Makeup Bag?

1. Mascara

Do you know how often you should be replacing your tube of mascara? Every four months. And how often do you actually replace it? If you're anything like most of the population, once in a blue moon – and before that time comes, you'll probably share it with friends. 

A 2014 survey showed that 70 percent of women use their mascara for way too long, generating a build up of bacteria and putting them at risk of severe eye infections, so you should really ditch the old, grimy wand. "It's the product that has the shortest shelf life. Your eyes are a sensitive area, so not worth the risk," explains Natalie Wright, senior makeup artist at preciousaboutmakeup.com. 

If you do end up with an infection such as conjunctivitis, you should stop replace your mascara immediately afterward to avoid the risk of recontamination. 



2. Lipstick

This is kind of a toughie, because lipsticks appear to last forever if you don't use them everyday, and no one wants to spend $20 just to throw the tube away every 18 months, but that is the official guideline for replacement. 
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Storing your lipsticks in the fridge can slow the break down of the parabens and essential oils that prevent germs, as does "cleaning" your lipstick by wiping off the top layer before use if it's been out of rotation for a while, but even product that's had these preventative measures can retain enough bacteria to cause spots and sores. 

And if your lipstick changes in color or consistency or starts to smell funny, toss it straight in the garbage, favorite shade or not. 



3. Makeup brushes


 
"Makeup brushes carry the most germs as they go all around the face, are often stored in unhygienic conditions, and are only washed on average once every four weeks! If you make one change, then I would advise you to wash your makeup brushes regularly and store them in a case that is also germ-free," says Natalie. 

"Investing in a sanitizing mist is definitely worth it." You should spritz the brush with the spray every time you use it, and wash them weekly, ideally. Not doing so can worsen acne, and exacerbate other skin problems too. 

"Never blow excess powder off brushes!" she adds. "Just think of all the bacteria you are blowing ONTO your brush."

4. Eyeliner 


 
"Your pencils are the easiest to 'clean' — you can just sharpen them and the top layer with any bacteria on it will be instantly removed. You can still spray it with a sanitizing mist as well," Natalie advises. 

However, while it's less hassle to keep on top of your pencil hygiene, they're not immune from risk. Like your mascara, if you're using them on your eyes, they can easily cause and spread infection, and long-term use without regular cleaning can even eventually cause damage to your vision. 

To avoid this, stop applying eyeliner inside the lash line, as this blocks the oil glands that protect your cornea, and replace your pencils at least every 18 months. 



5. Glitter
 

We've got sad news for fans of a sparkly eye. Coarse grains of glitter can be really risky for your peepers. Both through application and wear, glitter particles can fall into your eyes and cause significant irritation, and even cause corneal abrasions, spelling bad news for your sight long-term. 

Unlike many other items of makeup, safety isn't necessarily about keeping your glitter products clean or replacing them more often, so if you have particularly sensitive eyes or wear a lot of glitter on a regular basis, it might be time to kick the habit altogether (or wean yourself off with a metallic eye instead!) 



6. Foundation


"Officially, foundation should last 12 months, but if you are dipping your fingers into the product, it is best to replace it sooner, after six months," says Natalie. "Always wash your hands before you start — obvious, but easy to forget!" 
It's not just liquid foundation that can cause problems either — in terms of mineral foundation, the particle size means it carries a similar risk to glitter if it gets anywhere it shouldn't, and Web MD reports that a small number of women may also be sensitive to bismuth oxychloride, an ingredient that's present in some of these products to give them their pearly finish. 
If your foundation appears to be causing you any type of irritation, you should visit a dermatologist to find out which ingredient might be causing it, and avoid this component in future.



7. Eyelash curlers


Even if you're a pro at washing your brushes, I bet your curlers fall by the wayside from time to time. However, the principle remains the same: leaving them clogged with dirty or old makeup and applying them to your eyes on a daily basis is basically asking for contamination, and the chances are higher if the rubber pads are cracked or stiff.