Many of us think about what we’re putting into our mouths – for our health and well-being and most certainly for our skin.
But we often tend to overlook what we’re putting directly on our faces.
Make-up gets as much face-time as expensive moisturisers and serums, but few of us consider their role in overall skincare.
The dirty truth about cosmetics and their applicators is that they’re a breeding ground for dust, dirt and bacteria.
So the next time you’re about to stick your fingers into that concealer or reach for a trusty old sponge to blend your foundation stop and consider what you’re smearing on to your face. It could just be what’s aggravating an eye infection or acne.
If you’re conscientious enough to wipe down your cellphone and change your pillowcase often, then you should realise that make-up applicators need to be cleaned as well. Here is a breakdown of what you need to do:
Eyeshadow palettes and lipstick
These generally require alcohol. I use methylated spirits. Pour some into a spray bottle and spray over the eyeshadow palettes. Leave to dry for a few minutes. You can use methylated spirits on your lipsticks as well, or simply use a baby wipe.
Liquid foundation and concealer
These last for about six to 12 months. If the colour has lightened, or you see it separating into two layers, get rid of it.
Lip gloss and lipstick
Gloss can be kept for one year, max, as it often has a wand and spoils when it comes into contact with air. Lipsticks should last two years. If your gloss becomes extra sticky and your lippie becomes dry, toss it out.
Powder, eyeshadow and blush
Once you notice it becoming dry and flaky, throw it out.
Mascara
* Mascara has a shelf life of two or three months. Throw it away when it has a strange smell or when you notice it gets clumpy. If it does get clumpy and is within its expiry date, you can place the tube in a cup of hot water to melt the clumps before use.
* When using mascara, do coat both sides of your lashes. Do wiggle the brush/move it in a zigzag motion starting from the roots then pull the wand straight through.
* Do use a mascara that offers lengthening and thickening, for that false eyelash look. You can even use a few different mascaras, this is called “mascara cocktailing”.
* Do not wipe off mascara if you accidentally get some on your face, wait for it to dry use a cotton bud to flick it off.
* Do not pump your mascara, it forces air into the tube which dries out the mascara.
* Do not load too much mascara on the lash tip, focus on the roots and pull outwards.
* Do not use waterproof mascara every day, it will damage your lashes. It is not meant for everyday use.
Do’s and don’ts
* Do not leave your make-up in the sun and don’t share it with other people. These are quick ways to gather bacteria and spread germs. Heat can make bacteria grow on products.
* Try to avoid creams and foundations in tubs, instead go for products with a pump or hygienic squeeze tube. If you do have a tub with concealer or foundation, use a make-up spatula to take some out when you use it. Make sure your hands are clean if you don’t use the spatula.
* Do not use a sponge for a long period of time (one or two weeks max), they need to be thrown out. Or you can wash and reuse them. I love my sponges, but I also have my favourite 130 short duo fibre brush which I use to contour my cheekbones.
You can use a sponge damp or dry. A damp one will give you a more natural, dewy look, whereas a dry sponge will give you more coverage.
Sponges are easy to use and inexpensive.
To puff or brush
Powder puffs, used correctly, ensure good coverage. I use a puff or sponge and a brush. First, dust some powder on to the puff, or press the puff into the powder, fold it in half making sure to rub the powder into the puff, tap the puff on to your face and press the powder into the make-up/foundation on your face (do not rub on to the skin as this removes the foundation, rather press and roll the puff on the skin).
I usually use this method under the eye area and a brush on the rest of the face because I prefer a natural glow.
Be careful when using a brush, ensure you aren’t rubbing or moving the foundation that you have just put on to your skin. Dust the powder on very lightly.
How do I know if my make-up has expired?
Oil-based products like lipsticks, and those that you touch with your fingers (such as concealer and foundation) are the first to go bad.
These are exposed to germs and bacteria and should be checked regularly to avoid clogging pores and ruining your complexion. Also quick to spoil is anything that has a wand (that pumps air in) like lipgloss and mascara. Check the product by simply considering how it smells. Consider whether the colour has changed. Also take notice of whether it feels or goes on differently.
Brushes
Cleaning your brushes is quick and easy. It may seem daunting at first, but once you get started, it doesn’t take long.
It’s well worth having a brush cleaner to spritz your brushes after use every day, but a good deep clean is necessary at least once a week.
You will need:
* A shallow bowl.
* Gentle clarifying shampoo or baby shampoo (baby shampoo is more gentle on the bristles).
* A sink and a clean cloth.
Instructions:
* Pour the baby shampoo into the palm of your hand and mix with water.
* Use a bowl or your hand as a cup for the warm, soapy water and swirl brushes in your palm until they are clean. Focus on the bristles while avoiding the part of the brush where handle meets the head, as this can loosen the glue over time.
* Rinse the brush tip under running water. Repeat steps two and three until the water runs clean.
* Use a cloth to wipe your brush, reshaping the bristles as you go.
* Lay your brushes flat on a cloth to dry.
Remember make-up does not cause bad skin, going to bed with make-up on does.
It clogs the pores and leaves oil trapped inside at night. This is what leads to a build-up of bacteria, break-outs and enlarged pores, which are many of the reasons why women wear make-up in the first place.
Pollution from each day accumulates on the skin, mixing with dirt, oil and make-up, and this causes premature ageing.
Our skin needs to renew itself at night and sleeping with make-up on interferes with the natural healing process.
* Jackie Jet is the member of the Style Collective SA