Time to Clean Your Makeup Brushes!
Are you like me and see January as the real “spring cleaning time”? This January 1st, I decided it was time to clean and sanitize both my personal- use and client makeup and brushes for the new year!
After years of trying different soaps and marketed products for cleaning your brushes, I have found the best, most affordable, and readily available product for cleaning your makeup brushes and sponges: baby shampoo and a rubber texture mat!
How do I clean and sanitize my makeup brushes?
Get out my rubber texture pad and place it in the sink.
Turn on the warm water and lightly wet your brushes.
Place baby shampoo on the texture pad, then swirl the brushes in the soap-and-water mixture.
Rinse and squeeze each bush until the water becomes clean
Place the bush lying down on a paper or cloth towel/ or upside down in a cup.
Try to avoid drying them upright, as the water can dissolve the glue holding the bush together.
Once the bushes are dry, I always give them a quick spray of 70% proof rubbing alcohol to 100% kill any remaining bacteria. As a professional makeup artist, this is an important step for proper sanitation.
How long should you keep your makeup? Does makeup really expire?
Yes, makeup really does expire, especially liquid products! I pay special attention to any product, such as eyeliner and mascara, that regularly comes into contact with the eyes. Real Simple Magazine wrote a great, simple-to-read article on how long makeup should be kept. https://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/makeup-expiration-dates-guide
The products to keep special attention to the expiration dates:
Foundation: One Year
Concealer: One Year
Eyeliner: Three Months
Eyeliner Pencil: Two Years
Liquid Eyeliner: Three Months
Mascara: Three Months
If any product smells, the texture is off, or it separates, throw it out! Better safe than a breakout or skin irritation.
~ A clean makeup bag is only the first step—using the right products and techniques for your skin makes all the difference. If you want help refining your everyday soft-glam look or editing your current makeup collection, contact me to schedule a personalized session. ~ EMILY HOPE