6 common makeup mistakes that irritate the skin and their professional solutions

Six Common Makeup Mistakes That Irritate the Skin

Sudden skin breakouts can occur for various reasons, whether it’s skincare, hormonal fluctuations, or diet. However, the culprit may often be a commonly overlooked element: your makeup.

Professional makeup artist Saffron Hughes highlights an alarming fact: “Common hygiene mistakes in makeup routines could promote the proliferation of bacteria, pimples, and other skin issues.

” Most people know that it’s necessary to periodically clean their makeup brushes and sponges, but if problems persist despite diligent cleaning of your accessories, it’s time to question what lurks in your makeup bag.

We asked Hughes to shed light on common makeup mistakes that could worsen your skin’s condition.

Common Makeup Mistake #1: Storing Your Makeup in a Bag

Makeup bags are often used to store all our products, but according to Hughes, they can be a breeding ground for microbes.

Research conducted in England revealed that nine out of ten bags contain potentially dangerous germs such as E. coli, mainly because we don’t clean them properly or at all.

“Dead skin cells and bacteria from your brushes transfer to your bag with each use, then end up on your skin,” explains Hughes.

She recommends instead storing your makeup in drawers or on a vanity where materials are easier to clean than a fabric bag.

If using a bag is necessary, make sure to deep clean it every 1 to 2 months and immediately remove any spilled products to prevent bacteria buildup.

Here are Hughes’ tips to keep your makeup bag free of germs:

• Empty the bag: Remove all makeup products, brushes, and accessories.
• Get rid of debris: Turn the bag upside down and shake it to remove residue and dust.
• Clean stains: For visible stains, use a mild detergent or a stain remover suitable for the bag’s material. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge with the cleaning solution and gently dab until the stains disappear.
• Wash the bag: Depending on the material, you can hand wash or machine wash it. Fill your sink with warm water and add a bit of mild detergent. Immerse the bag, agitate gently, then scrub with a soft brush or sponge on tough areas. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry.
• Clean the interior: Use a damp cloth, baby wipe, or disinfecting wipe to remove residue.
• Disinfect brushes and tools: Take the opportunity to clean your makeup brushes and tools. Wash them with water and mild soap or a specific cleanser, then let them dry flat on a clean towel. Clippers and scissors can be wiped with a cloth soaked in alcohol.
• Reorganize and refill: Once the bag is clean and dry, neatly arrange your products, brushes, and accessories in it. Discard any expired or unused products and replace as needed.

Even if your cosmetics are stored in a drawer, it also requires occasional cleaning. “Use a hairdryer to remove dust and dirt.

Then clean with a mild soap and water solution applied with a microfiber towel. Rub the marks until they disappear and rinse well. Dry with a towel until the drawer is completely dry,” advises Hughes.

Common Makeup Mistake #2: Not Closing Products Properly

In the morning rush, the temptation to leave the foundation bottle open or the powder lid slightly ajar can be great to save time.

However, Hughes insists that this is a practice to avoid. “Accidentally leaving makeup products open is a silent invitation to bacterial growth.

Make sure to tightly close the lid to prevent moist air from entering the product and creating ideal humid conditions for bacteria. Moist areas, such as bathrooms, should also be avoided for makeup storage for similar reasons,” she recommends.

It is essential to take the time to check that all products are properly closed after use. This helps maintain the quality and safety of your cosmetics by preventing moisture and germs from compromising their integrity. Here are some simple steps to ensure that your makeup products remain well-protected:

• After each use, check that the lids of all products are properly closed.
• Store makeup in a dry place, away from steam and humidity which can promote bacteria growth.
• Consider storing your cosmetics in airtight containers or dedicated storage spaces for additional protection.
• Avoid leaving your makeup in the bathroom, where humidity is often higher.

By adopting these habits, you will not only contribute to the longevity of your beauty products but also to maintaining healthy skin.

Common Makeup Mistake #3: Not Cleaning Your Makeup

The importance of hygiene extends to cosmetics themselves. Dust, dead cells, and product buildup can sometimes land on your palettes and bottles.

Hughes alerts us to a often overlooked reality: “Studies have detected bacteria such as E. coli, fungi, and staphylococcus aureus on various cosmetic products, all of which can cause serious skin infections.

” Professional makeup artists are accustomed to cleaning their products between each client to ensure impeccable hygiene, and it is advisable to adopt the same rigor.

For powder products such as eyeshadows, blushes, and compact powders, here’s what to do:

• Use a clean tissue or paper towel to remove the top layer of the product.
• Spray rubbing alcohol (70% or higher) on the surface until it is well dampened and let it air dry before using it again.

As for creamy or liquid products like foundations, concealers, or cream blushes:

• Squeeze a small amount of product onto a tissue or paper towel and then discard it.
• Use a clean spatula or cotton swab to remove the top layer of the product.
• Wipe a disinfectant wipe on the outer packaging and the dispenser mechanism if there is one.
• Seal the packaging tightly to protect it from any contamination.

Regarding makeup pencils like eye and lip pencils:

• Sharpen wooden pencils to remove the outer layer before each use.
• For retractable pencils, clean the exposed product with a disinfectant wipe.
• Regularly disinfect the sharpener by spraying it with rubbing alcohol.

By incorporating these steps into your routine, you will not only preserve the quality of your beauty products but also the health of your skin.

Common Makeup Mistake #4: Not Cleaning Your Makeup Sponge After Use

Makeup sponges, often referred to as beauty blenders, can become hotbeds of bacteria.

Saffron Hughes draws our attention to a concerning phenomenon that has even been illustrated in a viral TikTok video: the proliferation of mold in these accessories is a more common reality than we think.

These sponges, due to their porous structure, easily absorb impurities, excess sebum, and makeup residue, providing an ideal environment for mold growth if they are not regularly and properly cleaned.

The presence of mold combined with dirt can clog the skin’s pores, leading to a variety of dermatological problems such as breakouts, irritations, redness, and other skin conditions.

It is imperative to keep these tools clean and free of mold after each use to prevent these risks.

To clean your makeup sponge, follow these steps:

• Moisten the sponge with warm water.
• Apply a small amount of mild shampoo or brush cleanser on the sponge.
• Gently squeeze and massage the sponge to create a lather.
• Rinse the sponge under running water until the water is clear and all soap residue is gone.
• Squeeze out excess water and let the sponge air dry before using it again.

By ensuring that your makeup sponge stays clean and dry, you contribute to preserving the quality of your products and maintaining healthy skin.

Common Makeup Mistake #5: Ignoring Expiry Dates

Like food products, makeup also has an expiration date. Using expired cosmetics can be the cause of bacteria, fungi, and other harmful microorganisms appearing.

This can lead to skin infections, irritations, or more serious conditions like conjunctivitis.

Hughes emphasizes the importance of the small jar symbol accompanied by a number and the letter M on beauty products’ packaging. This symbol indicates the duration during which the product maintains its optimum quality after opening.

The number preceding the letter M represents the number of months the product is recommended to