We all cringe at the thought of acne breakouts as skin issues typically impact self-confidence, even though most experience skin troubles at one point or another. Breakouts are often the result of incorrect makeup application, and some ingredients in makeup are known as acne culprits. More often than not, neglecting product and tool cleanliness is at the core of breakouts. Unfortunately, acne clearing solutions can only do so much if you’re constantly dabbing germs into your skin.
While it’s pretty important to follow a particular set of steps before applying makeup to keep acne breakouts at bay, it’s also essential to keep your products and tools in a clean condition.
So, to help you keep your skin flawless, we’ve detailed the steps you need to take to keep each makeup product and tool clean and germ-free.
Eye Shadow Palettes
Because eyeshadow pallets are a bit tricky to clean without damaging the product, it’s a pretty common misconception that these makeup products don’t need regular cleaning. However, you can clean this product without disrupting product quality.
To keep your eye shadow palettes clean, use micellar water and cotton swabs to wipe away any smudges and spills. Once your palette has a neat appearance, you’ll need to sanitize the packaging and the actual product. You can do this by spraying a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution and allowing it dry.
With this method, you can repair damaged eyeshadow palettes by first cleaning the palette and then breaking up the product using a sterile scraper tool. Next, pack the product back neatly, spritz alcohol and press the product back into place.
Foundation Applicators
Foundation applicators, such as blender sponges and brushes, are the biggest germ concern in the typical makeup bag. Unfortunately, these tools endure the most in terms of use, and they’re pretty difficult to store without creating a substantial foundation mess.
When it comes to keeping them clean, it’s essential to build a routine around cleaning directly after use. Unfortunately, germs will fester pretty quickly otherwise. You can clean your beauty blenders by adding cleaning solution, water, and the blender in a bowl and then microwaving it for a few minutes before squashing all the soap out and rinsing the blender thoroughly. That said, you must replace beauty blenders every three months.
Foundation
For some makeup wearers, a bottle of foundation can last years, while for others, it will only last a few months. However, even though you can make a bottle last seemingly forever, these products must be replaced every twelve months. Keeping the product any longer means exposing your skin to growing bacteria and an expired product.
Furthermore, you can use fresh cotton pads and cotton swabs to remove mess with rubbing alcohol when keeping this product clean.
Eyeliner
Keeping eyeliner pens clean is relatively easy, as the pen’s body only needs a good wipe down while the tip can be maintained and kept clean with regular sharpening. With regular cleaning, eyeliner pens can last about two years.
However, when it comes to liquid eyeliners, you will need to replace the product every three months to prevent exposure to germs.
Mascara
Mascara is widely considered a must-have makeup product for most of us. This lash-extending product is the best way to define your lashes and enhance your eyes. Fortunately, there is not much maintenance involved in this product.
You will only need to keep the product’s exterior clean and prevent pumping the wand as this causes clumping. Beyond that, you must also replace your mascara products every three months as well. After this period, the product will likely expire and become clumpy while germs fester.
Storage
How your store your makeup is just as important as keeping all your products clean. But beyond that, most of us already know that incorrect storage will damage products and make one big mess as well.
So, while you should invest in makeup bags and containers that are designed to hold these products, you must also clean your storage solutions once a week, at the very least. You can wipe down the bags and containers with rubbing alcohol to clean and disinfect them at the same time.
Whether you wear makeup to enhance your natural beauty or enjoy flaunting vibrant and creative looks, keeping your products clean is vital for skin health. Furthermore, you must also adopt a skincare routine that prepares your skin. In addition, to prevent acne breakouts while wearing a mask, you must opt for quality fabric, minimize foundation use, and replace or wash masks routinely.
