We all aspire to an immaculately curated makeup bag but reality for most is a scruffy mess filled with half used mistakes (emerald eyeshadow for work?), pencil stubs and semi fossilised sponges.
Unsurprisingly make-up hygiene (or lack thereof) is a huge factor in the appearance of skin. So here’s a quick primer.
- Wash your hands before you handle makeup or skincare products.
- Ensure that makeup is non-comedogenic (does not block pores).
- Communal make-up is a mortal sin – even on that hen weekend when you forgot your own supply. There is no excuse given the proliferation of fantastic affordable makeup ranges available.
- The lure of the beauty counter makeover is a potent one but don’t be shy about insisting that sales assistants use disposable applicators and antibacterial sprays. You may emerge looking like Elvira – mistress of the dark but at least you won’t contract conjunctivitis.
- Make-up should be kept in a cool dry area – if your bathroom resembles an Amazonian rainforest for humidity store it elsewhere.
- Brushes should be disinfected with alcohol spray after every use – and washed once a week. ELF produce an affordable spray and I use Baby shampoo as a brush cleaner.
- I do not use sponges as they are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. If you must, wash after every use (I do not possess the self discipline).
- Sharpen eye/lip pencils before every use to remove any adherent bacteria.
- Adhere to recommendations for make-up expiry dates. In general that means 3 months for mascara, 6 months for liquid eyeliner, 2 years for dry powders, 6 months for creme shadows and 6-12 months for liquid foundations.