Makeup brushes, sponges, and other tools are often used on different clients, which makes them susceptible to cross-contamination. In addition, makeup products themselves can harbor bacteria, which can transfer to the tools used to apply them.
Professional, sanitary makeup artists clean their cosmetics before after each use; it's a practice everyone else should adopt as well. Solutions of at least 70% isopropyl alcohol should be used to effectively kill bacteria on contact for all cosmetics, including cream palettes, lipsticks, and powders.
DON'T: Do not give anyone anything that touched your eye or mouth, especially if the product has a foot applicator. Ex: Liquid lipstick, mascara, eyeliner, concealer or lip gloss with a doe foot applicator. Avoid giving people products in a jar, especially if it's skin care.
"Depending on the bacteria or virus and depending on the type of product and its ingredients, beauty products can remain contaminated from a range of a few hours or days to much longer," said Dr. David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist and the CEO and founder of Curology.
I'm talking specifically about the extract from one little critter called a Cochineal beetle. This beetle extract is used in both traditional (petroleum-based) and natural makeup for the brilliant, cool-toned pinks and reds it imparts. This buggy dye is generally referred to as “CARMINE” in cosmetics, makeup, and food.
Some types of makeup frequently used in the United States and other parts of the world contain toxic chemicals, such as lead, phthalates, mercury, and formaldehyde. These chemicals are known to be connected to personal health harms, such as neurological issues, reproductive system damage, and cancer.
Can makeup make you sick? You wash your hands after using the restroom and before you eat, but if you're using four-year-old eye shadow, your hygiene habits may not be enough. Contaminated or old cosmetics can contain germs that lead to acne, rashes, pink eye, staph infections and even herpes.
Here are my general guidelines, as a trained aesthetician, for the average shelf life of most cosmetics: Powder based products (e.g., mineral foundation, eye shadows, blushes): 2-3 years. Liquid foundation: up to 1 year. Lipstick/gloss/liner: 2 years max for lipstick.
Meat, poultry, and fish can be big culprits in cross-contamination, especially when stored with ready-to-eat foods. These raw items carry bacteria that can easily transfer to foods that you won't be cooking again.
Use Disposable Tools:
Disposable tools, such as mascara wands, lip brushes, and applicators, can be used to prevent cross-contamination. They should be discarded after every use, and new ones should be used for each client.
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.
All brushes and tools should be properly sanitized
"Getting your makeup done can be such a fun experience, but the artist is dealing with very sensitive parts of your body, such as your eyes and mouth," McGinley said. "It's their job to ensure you're protected from infection and irritation."
When do eyeshadows expire? Luckily, you can hang on to your eyeshadows for a bit longer. The time from opening to when eyeshadows expire is 12 months but if left unopened, you have a full three years to hang onto them. This is because eyeshadow palettes are generally made with powder formulas.
Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil has bactericidal properties that decrease bacterial growth, making it effective for treating staph infections.
Check out EWG's Skin Deep Database to find safer products and check ratings for items you already use. Note: The FDA does not regulate the word “natural,” so if you find a product that claims to be all-natural, you still need to read the ingredients label.
You'd never guess by their whitish-grey outsides, but the bodies of these little critters, called cochineal insects, are a deep purpley red, and once crushed up they are a main ingredient in a bright red natural coloring that is prized by food and drink makers as a cheap alternative to synthetic red dye.
If you're using makeup that has 'carmine' in the ingredient list, that means its color is derived from cochineal beetles. These insects are native to Mexico and are crushed to release their vibrant red dye.