The right way to share Levy recommends spraying a coat of 70 percent isopropyl alcohol over the product, and then gently wiping off the first layer to sanitize it. (We also love BeautySoClean makeup sanitizers.)
Sanitizing product: The best way to make sure bacteria is cleaned off of your makeup products is to spray 70% isopropyl alcohol from a few inches away and then keep the container open until it drys fully.
Using another person's makeup products or sharing makeup that you own could spread acne-causing germs. Essentially, your face is coming into contact with someone else's pimples and germs. There's no way this can be good for our skin.
A responsible cosmetologist sanitizes all equipment often and frequently. Usually it's done with spraying alcohol but soap and water or barbicide is common too.
Cleanliness is Key
Always start with clean hands and a clean face. Wash your hands before applying makeup to prevent transferring bacteria or other pathogens and irritants to your eyes. Ensure your brushes and applicators are clean, washing them regularly with mild soap and water.
Washing your hands is important not only before and after applying your foundation but also during (or in between) application steps. Clean hands avoid spreading bacteria onto your skin and prevent cross-contamination with products.
Never use products straight from the tube (a wand, squeeze, or tube) - put on palette and work from there, for mascara and lip use disposables (but never double dip). One and done. For lotions, primers, etc. - always put on metal palette and not directly on to your hands.
However, dermatologists caution, you should never share your makeup. Simply put -- swapping cosmetics can mean trading germs. Makeup brushes and applicators can easily carry bacteria from one person to another, and moist, dark containers allow such germs to thrive.
Do not be lazy and periodically wipe and sanitize all the tubes, jars, caps of foundation, etc. Before starting work, be sure to wash your hands and wipe with a special disinfectant (hand sanitizer to have on hand is great), before each touch on the skin, lips, also wipe your hands with a disenfectant.
Our makeup that we use every single day should be sanitized every few weeks, especially if we've been traveling or sick. If someone else has used your makeup for whatever reason, like forgetting their own makeup or simply wanting to experiment, it's best to clean immediately after each use.
Protect yourself from infection-causing germs
Thoroughly wash and dry your hands with a clean towel before applying skincare products and makeup. Never share makeup, particularly mascara, eyeliner and eye shadow. Wash your makeup brushes and sponges weekly, or purchase disposable applicators.
Of all the lip products to share, including lipsticks, balms and liners, lip gloss is among the most likely to transmit infections because of its gooey, watery consistency — viruses thrive in moist environments, Dr. Bhutani said.
Mascara: Mascara wands come into direct contact with the eyes and can quickly transfer bacteria, viruses, or fungi potentially leading to eye infections. Sharing mascara increases the risk of spreading these pathogens, so it's best to use and replace your own mascara regularly.
How to Sanitize Cream Makeup. Like other products, you can also sanitize cream products with isopropyl alcohol. Simply spray your cream products with alcohol and wait just over a minute for them to dry. Remember also to clean your products' containers with a sanitizing wipe.
Mold is another common issue with old cosmetics because moisture builds up inside containers over time, leading to mold growth. This mold growth can trigger breakouts or other irritations. Another risk of using expired makeup is a change in the color of the product over time.
Carefully remove the top layer of the powder product using a clean paper towel. Then, spray your alcohol sanitizer over the powder palette to saturate it thoroughly. Let it evaporate and dry completely before using it again.
However, simply spray 70% isopropyl alcohol over every single one of your powder products (e.g. eyeshadow palettes, face powders, blushers, bronzers, etc) and ensure you thoroughly saturate. Finally, leave to evaporate and dry! We promise, they'll be OK!
It may sound rude to say no to sharing makeup, but it can lead to serious facial conditions that might look harmless at the moment. Just like one should never share or try makeup testers kept in the stores, you should never share some makeup products and skincare that could lead to a disaster.
Twist out the lipstick and dip it (not the entire tube, just the product within ) in 70% or higher rubbing alcohol for a few seconds. Remove and let dry.
Skin infection is the biggest problem. Over time, bacteria and mold often contaminate makeup. These germs can cause an eye infection or a common skin infection like impetigo or folliculitis. Instead of having the desired effect, old makeup may irritate your skin.
I use 70% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle on my palettes and pressed powers, blushes and bronzers after I use them. Sometimes I've gone overboard with spraying but it has not affected the formulas in anyway. I spray my lipsticks, liners and eyeliners too. Once the spray dries up, ready for use again!