When was the last time you took a critical look inside your Makeup bag? Be honest. We often skip over taking a quick minute to unveil the horror of month-old cotton buds amidst the cloud of loose powder residue. While hoarding our beloved beauty products past the recommended usage date may not be life threatening, we should still be aware of how old a product is, especially when it come to water-based products like foundations, creams, mascaras and even cream blushers.

Here is a list to help you Spring Clean your Makeup bag so you don’t have to ask yourself the question, “How long is too long?”.

Lipsticks – While lipsticks are not water based, it is the lip brush you use that can potentially hold a lot of threatening germs. It is recommended to wash your lip brush once a month. Try using Johnson’s baby shampoo as a gentle cleanser for the brush. It is mild and contains antimicrobials. Lip products should be treated the same as a mascara – they are both a NO sharing zone. Typical lifespan of lipstick after opening is 2 years.

Skin Products – Take the time to inspect your favorite foundations and skin products on a regular basis. If it has a different smell or has started to separate it is definitely time to re-stock. Also, consider if you use your hands to apply your skin care products, as dirty hands can result in dirty products. We recommend investing in a foundation brush to help keep your products hygienic. Typical lifespan after opening is 12 months.

Eye Products – In this cosmetic area it is especially vital to stay on top of how long you are using your products and in what circumstances. Mascaras should not be kept for longer than two months due to the bacteria breeding ground that is on the wand. For eyeliners we recommend switching to gel based eyeliners to help avoid eye bacteria from spreading throughout an eye pencil and making consistent contact with your eyes. If an eye pencil is preferred then make sure you sharpen it prior to each use. Mascara life span after opening is 3 months. Eye pencil life span after opening is 2 years. Eye shadow life span after opening is 2 years.

Brushes – The constant use of Makeup brushes can cause Makeup residue, dust and debris to build up and form a layer of bacteria on your brushes. That layer of bacteria is constantly being transferred between your face, brush and products. It is important to regularly clean your brushes. Consistent cleaning can also increase the longevity of your Makeup brushes. Try using Johnson’s baby shampoo once a month on your brushes. 

Makeup Bag – Aim to clean your Makeup bag every 3-6 months. Remember, bacteria thrives in warm conditions, making your Makeup bag a perfect hideaway. Try to opt for a fabric bag that can be easily thrown in the washing machine. Or look for a Makeup bag that can be wiped out carefully with an antibacterial wipe.