THE DIRTY TRUTH
WHY IT’S TIME TO CLEAN (AND REPLACE) YOUR MAKEUP
Let’s be honest: unless you're a professional makeup artist, you're probably not cleaning your brushes as often as you should—or keeping track of how long that mascara has been hanging out in your makeup bag. You're not alone. Over the past few years, more people have extended the life of their makeup way beyond its prime, and hygiene is taking a backseat to convenience. But dirty brushes and expired products can lead to breakouts, irritation, and even infections—yikes.
Why We Skip the Clean-Up
Life gets busy. The idea of scrubbing brushes or tossing out that barely-used eyeliner feels wasteful and time-consuming. Plus, with makeup becoming more expensive, many of us are hesitant to throw things away unless they look really off. But unlike food, makeup doesn't always give you a clear sign it's gone bad. That’s why it’s important to know the guidelines—and stick to them.
How Often Should You Clean Your Makeup Tools?
If you're applying makeup regularly, here’s a general cleaning schedule to follow:
Foundation/Concealer Brushes & Sponges: Clean once a week. These tools build up product and bacteria fast.
Eyeshadow Brushes: Clean every 1-2 weeks.
Eyelash Curlers: Wipe down at least once a week.
Lip Brushes: Clean once a week, especially if you use them with multiple shades.
Quick tip: If you're breaking out in the same spots on your face, your dirty tools could be the culprit.
Makeup Cleaner Must-Haves
Here are a few products that make cleaning easier and more effective:
Cinema Secrets Makeup Brush Cleaner: A favorite among artists. Fast-drying, antimicrobial, and smells like vanilla.
Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap: Gentle and eco-friendly. Great when mixed with olive oil for conditioning natural bristles.
Beautyblender Solid Cleanser: Perfect for sponges and travel.
Isopropyl Alcohol (70% or above): For sanitizing metal tools like eyelash curlers and tweezers.
Microfiber Towels or Brush Drying Racks: To air dry your tools without damaging their shape.
Makeup Expiration Dates: When to Toss It
Makeup doesn’t last forever. Here’s a general rule of thumb for when to part ways:
Mascara: 3 months
Liquid Eyeliner: 3–4 months
Foundation/Concealer (liquid): 6–12 months
Lipstick/Lip Gloss: 1–2 years
Powder products (blush, eyeshadow, bronzer): 1–2 years
Pencil Eyeliners and Lip Liners: 1–2 years (sharpen regularly)
Keep in mind: if it smells weird, looks separated, or feels different—toss it.
Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Makeup: Does It Matter?
Whether your makeup is vegan or non-vegan, the rules around hygiene and expiration still apply. However, vegan formulas—especially those without synthetic preservatives—can sometimes have shorter shelf lives. Natural ingredients are great for your skin, but they can spoil faster, especially if not stored properly.
Pro Tip: Always check the packaging for the "Period After Opening" (PAO) symbol—it looks like a little jar with a number like "12M" or "6M" (which stands for how many months it's good for after you open it).
Let’s be clear, you wouldn’t eat food that’s been sitting in the fridge for months, so why put expired or bacteria-laden products on your skin? A clean kit = a healthy glow. Set a reminder to wash your tools, make a habit of checking expiration dates, and don’t be afraid to let go of that decade-old lipstick.
Your skin will thank you—and so will your makeup bag.
Disclaimer: this article is specific to makeup and supplies that you use on yourself ONLY!
