Cleaning Your Makeup Bag

Even the highest quality of makeup has a limited shelf life. Using your makeup after the expiration date can be dangerous. Hidden bacteria can cause damage to your skin and eyes. Throw liquid eyeliner and mascara after three months, however most of the rest of your makeup has a shelf life of one year or more. Carefully look at every item in your makeup bag, and consider how long it has been there. If you are not sure, or cannot remember, throw it out. Your health is more important than whatever you paid for it. Replace whatever necessary, and consider using a small piece of masking tape on the bottom of the container. Mark the date you bought the item and the expiration date clearly. This will avoid any confusion and prevent you from using old expired makeup.

Always check your makeup for signs that it is ready to be replaced throughout the year. Look for changes in consistency or an unusual or unpleasant odor. This could mean bacteria have set in, and the makeup item is no longer safe to use. Cleaning your makeup bag does not stop with the makeup items. While your brushes should be cleaned weekly, now is a good time to carefully inspect your brushes and look for signs of wear. Loose bristles and dents or scratches in the handle are all signs of a worn brush and should be promptly replaced. Heavy scratches in the handle of your brush are a sure sign of wear and tear. Using any of your makeup brushes when it is old and worn down will result in uneven coverage when applying your makeup.

A part to cleaning your makeup bag is cleaning the bag itself. While you have it empty to inspect the contents, use a clean cotton cloth, and a mild vinegar and water solution to gently wipe both the inside and outside of the bag. Vinegar will remove any bacteria hiding in the bag, and will not leave a residue or odor behind when it is dry. Alcohol and bleach are not recommended because they can leave an odor behind which could irritate eyes and skin if it permeates your makeup.