Makeup Clean Up

by Angela Smith

Beauty routines typically bring relaxation, confidence and a renewed energy to our day. For many women, this may be the one time a day they get to be alone in the quiet with their thoughts. For some, it is similar to putting on their game face in preparation to take on the world. Of course, for some it is a chore.


Regardless of what this routine means to you, one thing is for sure: dirty makeup bags and applicators can ruin it for you. A dirty makeup bag or applicator is more than just ugly, it can be harmful to your skin.


To prevent turning a relaxing and empowering part of your day from turning into a headache, here are a few steps.

  • Dump it. Make a big huge pile of makeup (do it on a surface that is easy to clean; it’s gonna get messy!). Dump your makeup bag, your purses, your desk drawers, dump everything.
  • Sort it. Lipsticks in one smaller pile, eyeshadows in another.
  • Check it. Open them all. How is the consistency? Is it expired(see below for guidelines)? Do you use it? Old makeup will not go on as smoothly, will not look as good and will not be as good for your skin as the fresher products because bacteria can grow on them. Ew. Toss ‘em.
  • Clean it. Clean your makeup bag, makeup counter, makeup drawer. All those places that you store your makeup and that get a bit grimy.  Cleaning your makeup bag is fairly easy. If it is cloth, hand wash it with some gentle dishwashing detergent. If it is sturdy, use a garment bag and toss it in the washer. If it is plastic or plastic-like, wipe it down with your makeup remover (duh, right!).
  • Wipe it. After you have cleaned it, give it a nice alcohol wipe down to make sure it is disinfected.

How Do I Know When Makeup is Expired

Here are some general guidelines to follow.

  • Mascara and eyeliner (liquid or pens):3-6 months. 
  • Cream-based products like foundations and concealers: Up to a year
  • Powder-based products, including eyeshadow:2-3 years
  • Lip-stick, lip-liner, lip gloss: 2-3 years
  • Lip balm: 1 year 
  • Makeup that has a change in smell or consistency: 0 days.

Should I Clean My Makeup Brushes?

Yes. But not because of acne causing bacteria (it can’t live on brushes) and not every day (unless you are a professional makeup artist). 

Clean your brushes once a month to get rid of oils and build up that will prevent a smooth application.

And here is the best part: just use your non-conditioning shampoo. Good enough for your hair, right?

Makeup maintenance does not have to be a massive chore, especially if done regularly.

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