After almost two years of alcohol sanitisers (read: COVID-19), it’s time to come out and face the world. But while you’re at it, you might want to give some thought to your favourite makeup essentials that have been sitting on your vanity over the last few months (or years). Have they languished after being forgotten in your makeup drawers for much of 2021? How about your brushes and blenders? Were they neglected too? Left alone for too long, makeup and its tools could be causing you skin issues.
Dermatologist at Dermatology & Surgery Clinic Dr Uma Alagappan says unclean makeup can cause many skin problems. Comedones and inflammatory acne are most common, leading to breakouts, scarring and pigmentation. Another issue is irritant contact dermatitis, a skin reaction that occurs when a substance comes into contact with and damages the skin’s topmost protective layer. Some people can react to strong irritants after a single exposure, while others may develop symptoms after repeated exposure, causing aggravation.
Makeup is often the main cause. Many of us buy and use our liquid foundations, creams and powders till we scrape the bottom of the pan. While you can’t really sanitise every makeup product, you can check the general guidelines of product shelf life. Bobbie Ng, makeup artist at The Makeup Room, says: “Shelf life starts the day you open the product. Often, a symbol of how long you can use a product is indicated on it with a symbol of an opened jar and the relevant number of months it can last for.”
If you’re wondering when you should toss out your makeup and explore more ways to extend its longevity, we’ve interviewed professional makeup artist, Beno Lim for some useful tips that are sure to come in handy while you’re decluttering your vanity.
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