Clean makeup products and tools are essential for healthy skin. Bacteria, oil, and old product buildup can cause breakouts, irritation, and even infections.
When to Replace Makeup Products
General Guidelines
- Mascara: 3 months (highest risk of bacteria)
- Liquid liner: 3-6 months
- Liquid foundation: 6-12 months
- Cream products: 6-12 months
- Lipstick: 1-2 years
- Powder products: 2 years
- Pencil liner/lip: 2 years (if sharpened regularly)
Signs Product Has Gone Bad
- Smell has changed
- Color looks different
- Texture has separated or changed
- Product causes irritation
- Mold visible (throw away immediately!)
How to Clean Makeup Brushes
Frequency
- Face brushes: Weekly deep clean
- Eye brushes: After each use (spot clean), weekly deep clean
- Lip brushes: After each use
Deep Cleaning Method
- Wet brush bristles with lukewarm water (don’t soak handle)
- Apply gentle brush cleanser or soap to palm
- Swirl brush in palm in circular motions
- Rinse until water runs clear
- Gently squeeze out excess water
- Reshape bristles
- Lay flat on clean towel to dry (never upright)
Spot Cleaning
For quick cleaning between uses:
- Spray brush cleanser on brush or tissue
- Swirl brush until product is removed
- Let dry before using
Sponge Care
How Often to Clean
After every use is ideal. Minimum: every 2-3 days.
How to Clean
- Wet sponge with warm water
- Apply liquid soap or sponge cleanser
- Squeeze and massage until suds run clear
- Rinse thoroughly
- Squeeze out water
- Air dry in ventilated area
When to Replace
- Every 3 months maximum
- When texture becomes rough or deteriorates
- If stains won’t come out
- If it starts to smell
Keeping Products Clean
Do
- Wash hands before applying makeup
- Use clean tools, never fingers (when possible)
- Close products tightly after use
- Store in cool, dry place
- Keep products out of direct sunlight
- Sharpen pencils before each use
- Use spatulas for jar products
Don’t
- Share mascara or lip products
- Add water to thin out products
- Keep makeup in bathroom (humidity breeds bacteria)
- Leave products uncapped
- Apply makeup to broken or infected skin
- Use expired products
Specific Product Care
Mascara
- Never pump the wand (pushes air and bacteria in)
- Twist wand in tube instead
- Replace every 3 months or sooner
- Never share – highest risk of bacterial transfer
Lipstick
- Wipe top layer with tissue occasionally
- Apply with brush if used on others (MUAs)
- If you’ve been sick, replace or sanitize with alcohol
Foundation
- Pump bottles are more hygienic than jars
- Pour onto back of hand, never dip tools directly
- Keep cap clean
Eyeshadow Palettes
- Spray with alcohol sanitizer occasionally
- Wipe off top layer if sharing
- Keep closed when not in use
Sanitizing Products
What Can Be Sanitized
- Pressed powders, eyeshadows, blush
- Lipsticks (top layer only)
- Pencils (sharpening removes bacteria)
How to Sanitize
- Spray 70% isopropyl alcohol onto product
- Let sit for a few seconds
- Let dry completely before using
What Cannot Be Sanitized
- Mascara (must replace)
- Lip gloss
- Liquid products with applicators
- Cream products in jars (contaminated throughout)
Makeup Bag Hygiene
- Clean inside of bag monthly
- Wipe with antibacterial wipe
- Check for leaks and spills
- Replace bag yearly or when damaged
- Don’t store in car (heat damages products)
When to Throw Away Immediately
- Any product if you’ve had an eye infection
- Products that have changed smell/color/texture
- Anything with visible mold
- Products that caused a reaction
- Makeup used while sick (especially lip products)
Maintaining hygiene protects your skin and extends the life of your products!
