6 Ways to Keep Your Makeup Germ-Free

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Let’s face it: we’re all a little bit obsessed with staying clean right now. I think this could be a great time to check in with your makeup collection and audit the hygiene of your products. I mean, it’s something productive to do while in quarantine! Even outside of a pandemic, these are great practices to keep regularly that can keep your makeup germ-free.

As always, please reference the CDC website for the most accurate up-to-date information about protecting yourself against illness.

1. Declutter and Throw Away Expired Makeup

I admit I am guilty of occasionally using expired makeup, but shelf life guidelines exist for a reason. Aside from certain products generally not being effective after a certain amount of time, expiration dates also reflect how long a product lasts before bacteria poses a problem. After a while, the preservatives are no longer a line of defense— and if you’re using natural products without preservatives, you’re looking a quicker expiration.

2. Wash Your Brushes Regularly

We all hate to do it, but it’s a necessary evil for every beauty lover: wash your brushes regularly! Your makeup brushes hold onto dead skin cells, oil, makeup reside and bacteria… think of how many days in a row you’ve used the same brush with that in mind! To make the job easier, you can use a daily cleanse spray right after application that will prevent buildup. Check out my makeup brush deep clean routine in this post. The bristles aren’t the only part of the brush that need cleaning! Don’t forget to wipe the handles down while you’re at it.

3. Wipe Down Your Purse Go-Tos

Anything you use outside of the house should be wiped down before in-home use to avoid cross contamination. If you bring your daily lip color with you to work for reapplication, disinfect the outside before putting it back in your drawer. Remember that you’re most likely touching items in your purse without a thorough hand wash first, so whatever you touched outside can literally be brought home with you in your bag.

4. Don’t Share Products

To be honest, you really shouldn’t be sharing makeup in the first place, especially anything that goes around the mouth or eyes. Especially during a time when we’re supposed to be keeping to ourselves, germs and all, don’t risk passing something on (even if you don’t feel sick!) to a loved one.

5. Start Your Routine with a Clean Face and Hands

Making sure your hands are clean before you start your makeup will keep products cleaner longer, inside and out. While trying to avoid touching your face is always a good idea, I’ll admit there are some products that just look better when applied with the fingers. Just make sure they’re clean fingers! If you’re experiencing severely dry hands from washing too much, check out my favorite hand care products for dry skin!

6. Limit Your Makeup Products If You’re Sick

If you’re not feeling well, it’s probably best to avoid products altogether. However, if you really want to wear makeup, stick to a minimal routine (suggestions here and here) and keep those products away from the rest of your collection.