Are you unknowingly harbouring a bacterial breeding ground in your makeup collection?
Saffron Hughes, Makeup Artist at FalseEyelashes.co.uk, reveals a shocking truth about makeup storage that could be putting your health at risk.
Hughes warns, “Many people believe that using a makeup bag is a safe way to store their cosmetics, but it’s actually a hygiene disaster. Dead skin cells and bacteria from your brushes transfer to your makeup bag after every application. Shockingly, a study uncovered that 90% of makeup bags are contaminated with superbugs like E. coli due to improper cleaning.
Using expired or improperly stored makeup can lead to serious skin problems. Bacteria like E. coli and staphylococcus can cause skin infections, breakouts, and even premature ageing. When you don’t clean your makeup products and storage areas, you’re essentially creating a breeding ground for harmful microorganisms that can cause significant damage to your skin.
- Store your makeup in bacteria-ridden makeup bags and humid bathrooms
“Instead of using makeup bags, store your makeup in drawers or on a dressing table, where the surfaces are easier to clean and less likely to harbour germs. It’s also important to store your makeup in your bedroom not your bathroom, as a humid room can cause items to expire faster, and for mould to grow more quickly.
- Neglecting to clean your makeup storage areas
“If you don’t clean your drawers or storage areas, you’re placing clean products into potentially germ-infested spaces. Cleaning your makeup storage area is super simple; just use a hair dryer to blow away loose dirt and dust, and then apply a mild soap solution with a microfibre towel to wipe everything down. Make sure you properly dry the area to prevent mould growth.”
- Leaving makeup lids open and inviting bacteria growth
“Leaving lids open may seem harmless, but it’s actually a silent invitation to bacteria. When you use a product, always double-check that the lid is tightly shut. This simple step prevents moist air from entering the product and creates the perfect humid conditions for bacterial growth, which can lead to skin problems.
- Ignoring product contamination and bacterial build-up
“While most people understand the importance of cleaning their brushes regularly, they often overlook the products themselves. Dust, dead skin cells, and product build-up can accumulate on your beauty products. Previous studies have shown that E. coli, fungus, and staphylococcus aureus can be found on these products—bacteria that can cause serious skin infections if not addressed.
“Every two weeks, you should, therefore, use antibacterial wipes to clean down the packaging on each product, and then use a makeup sanitiser spray on powder products.”
- Not cleaning your beauty blender after each use, therefore, harbouring mould
“Beauty blenders and other makeup sponges can harbour mould if they aren’t cleaned after each use. Their porous structure allows them to absorb dirt, oils, and leftover makeup residue, creating an environment where mould thrives if not cleaned regularly. This can lead to breakouts and other skin irritations.”
- Overlooking makeup expiration dates
“Before opening any new beauty product, always check the label for the expiration date indicated by a small jar symbol with a number followed by ‘M.’ After this timeframe, products decline in quality and can become breeding grounds for bacteria. If you’re using a product that you’re unlikely to finish in time, make sure to note when you opened it.”
- Ignoring changes in product texture and smell
“One of the easiest ways to tell if your product has expired is by its smell or texture. If it develops a new distinctive odour or if liquid products have thickened or become clumpy, it’s time for them to go.
What’s more, cosmetics oxidize when exposed to air; if your makeup looks more orange than usual, it’s likely past its prime.