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Party season means our make-up bags may be getting more use than usual.
While you may know to check the expiration dates on your products, knowing how often to clean them is less common knowledge.
Beauty experts reveal what’s really mingling with your make-up – and how to get rid of it.
What’s actually lurking in your make-up bag?
Your cosmetic kit is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, from spilt products to oily brushes, an array of germs could be lurking among your make-up.
“A neglected make-up bag can become a breeding ground for bacteria like Staphylococcus and E. coli, and even mould,” says beauty expert and deputy editor of Beauty Answers, Katie Walker.
“These can lead to skin issues, including acne, irritation or infections. Regular cleaning not only protects your skin but also keeps your products performing at their best.”
Something that could make matters worse is keeping your cosmetics bag in damp environments – such as under the sink or near the shower.
“The material of a make-up bag makes it easy for dirt and bacteria to latch onto,” explains Justmylook‘s resident make-up artist, Hayley Walker, “so regular sanitising is key to avoiding this and ensuring you’re safe from harmful bacteria.”
How often should you clean your products?
While you can get away with a monthly deep clean, the experts suggest little and often is the best approach for keeping unwanted germs at bay.
“If you use [your make-up bag] daily, consider fortnightly cleaning,” advises Katie. “Regular maintenance prevents bacteria and dirt from building up and transferring to your skin.”
Topping up with a weekly spritz of antibacterial spray will ensure the interior of your beauty bag stays hygienic.
ISOCLEAN Makeup Brush Cleaner with Spray Top, £17
How to clean your make-up
Depending on the product, some make-up is harder to clean than others, and requires more frequent cleaning.
“For powders like blushes and eyeshadows, lightly wiping the surface with a clean tissue or a cotton pad sprayed with cosmetic-grade isopropyl alcohol helps to remove bacteria without damaging the product,” Katie continues.
Creams and liquids require some extra cleaning surrounding their pump nozzles.
“Eye products, especially mascara and eyeliners, carry the biggest bacterial risk due to their contact with the eyes,” explains Hayley. “This increases the chances of eye infections and related problems such as conjunctivitis.”
When it comes to pencils, Katie suggests sharpening the product before each use to remove the outer layer that has acquired bacteria.
“Household items, such as a mixture of warm water and a small amount of white vinegar can be effective for cleaning,” she adds. “But it’s important to use cosmetic-safe alcohol for proper disinfection to ensure maximum hygiene.”
When washing your sponge, soak it in warm water with a mild cleanser and rinse until the water runs clear.
“For a deeper clean, you can microwave a damp sponge for 30 seconds to kill bacteria, provided it is microwave-safe,” Katie continues.
And for brushes, all you need is some trusty shampoo. “Swirl the bristles in the solution before rinsing under lukewarm water,” she says. “Once clean, reshape the bristles and leave the brushes to air dry with the bristles pointing downward to prevent water from damaging the glue in the ferrule.”
StylPro Spin and Squeeze Makeup Brush and Beauty Sponge Cleaner, £39.99, Look Fantastic
Zoeva Brush Shampoo Bar, £11.50
Signs you need to get rid
Checking the expiration date is the first crucial step when weighing up whether to depart with your beloved make-up.
Over time, products with active ingredients such as sunscreens and anti-ageing creams lose their effectiveness as they become less active.
“This leads to the product losing its ability to provide the desired results. This can be dangerous, especially for the use of SPF, as it increases the risk of sunburn and sun damage,” says Hayley.
For some products, their poor hygiene means they’re beyond the point of no return.
Katie says: “Tools that remain discoloured, have a persistent smell, or feel stiff even after cleaning are signs it’s time to replace them.”
While Hayley adds: “If any of your products are showing signs of being out of date, such as an unusual smell, colour change, or altered texture, it’s advisable not to use them as this could be costly in the long run trying to reverse the damage.”
