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.
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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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When it comes to tossing out your makeup, you should always look out for telltale signs for when these products have reached their expiration dates or if they’ve been infected by bacteria — causing more harm than help to your complexion. Some of these straightforward signs include:
COLOUR:
Colour inconsistencies are a tell-tale sign. Bobbie says: “When a product loses its pigment, like when you dip a brush into a product and colour doesn’t get picked up, it’s a sign that the product has gone bad.”
SMELL:
Lipsticks, foundations and lip glosses are most prone to changes in smells. So once you detect a change, the product has also been compromised.
TEXTURE:
When you use a product and realise that the texture has changed, like if pressed powders don’t seem as smooth or worse, liquid formulations have started to separate, discard them immediately.
The experts agree that cleaning your makeup tools (brushes, sponges, puffs and Q-tips) is important to stave off the germs. Brushes – Bobbie says if you use makeup daily, washing your brushes every seven to 10 days is the gold standard. “Wash the brushes with shampoo and lay them flat on a towel to dry,” she adds. She recommends baby shampoo instead of “the super nourishing ones” that add nutrients to natural fibres, instead of stripping them clean. Sponges/Blenders – Makeup artist Beno Lim prefers to use disposable ones. “This is safer and less likely to get contaminated after multiple uses.” Bobbie has another solution: Wash them after each use, then air dry completely. Powder Puffs – Beno says: “For loose powder puff, you may wash it once or twice. After that, it’s best to replace with a new one. Pressed powder puffs don’t hold their shape after washing and can also harbour germs in a closed compact. Get a new one instead.”
While you can keep your products as clean as possible, there are also small bad habits that need to go. Dr Uma Alagappan advises keeping makeup out of the sun and bathroom: “Though it’s convenient, you should actually avoid keeping your makeup in the bathroom or next to the window. Humidity in bathrooms can promote bacterial growth, while direct sun exposure can affect the chemical composition in makeup and cause skin problems.” Old habits like pumping the mascara brush into the tube also allow air and bacteria to get into the product. Beno warns: “When air is trapped inside the product, it shortens the lifespan of mascara.” Instead, swirl the brush around the tube before drawing it out, and wipe the bristles down with a clean tissue before putting it back in. If all else fails, enlist the help of technology. Bobbie divulges her tip: Buy a UV sanitiser for home use. Turn it on to help sanitise your makeup, tools and brushes in between cleaning days.
LIQUID AND CREAM FORMULATIONS — Up to 12 months
Pump packaging for liquid foundation is the most hygienic as it will pump out just the quantity needed. You can also clean the nozzle with alcohol wipes.
POWDERS — Up to 2 years
Never use your fingers to apply any powder onto your face – instead, use a clean brush. For pressed powders, replace your powder puff regularly to reduce bacteria build-up.
EYELINER AND BROW PENCIL — Up to 1 year
Sharpen them often to keep infected tips away.
MASCARA — Up to 3 months
As it is used so close to the eyes, replacing mascara regularly helps to prevent eye infections. Do not share mascara, ever. It can spread bacteria from person to person.
LIQUID EYE MAKEUP — Up to 4 months
Do not use eyeliners and other liquid eye products beyond six months. They are used very close to the eyes, which can cause eye infections.
EYESHADOW — Up to 18 months
However, keep a lookout after six months as it can cause reactions on the delicate skin around the eyes.
This article originally appeared in Her World