Do you know what extra friends share your make up bag?

I wanted to touch base (pardon the pun) on this subject because I think this is something that we all could do with a reality check on. Following such simple steps will help to keep those bugs and nasty germs at bay. With light of the recent Norovirus, Following basic hygiene is something that we should all be aware to follow on a daily basis.
There are several common places were germs are more likely to grow and breed. One place that we probably don't think too much about is our make up bags......

Next time you dig out your favourite blusher or lippy, you may want to think twice. Hidden threats could be in your make up bag that can be hazardous to health and cause illnesses. Besides contamination from germs and daily grime, you should also think about potential allergens too. Whilst applying your fav lippy, not only are you getting your fav product, but it could come with a few bacteria and germ friends too!

How often do you honestly throw old make up away?

Once opened make up should really have a shelf life of only 6-12 months depending on what it is. If its smelling a bit musty, its more than likely gone off and needs throwing out. Make a point of having a make up clear every 6-12 months. We are all guilty of keeping that eyeshadow that is a gorgeous colour. But truthfully we will never wear again.

Easy Steps to follow:

Try were possible to use disposable applicators for a safe assured way of knowing there will be no cross contamination. Make up sponges ideally should be washed every week if not thrown away and replaced. Make up brushes should definitely be washed weekly. This can be done simply, and effectively by using either baby shampoo (because its gentle) or antibacterial hand soap. Be careful to only wet and wash the bristles of the brushes and not the handles. Rinse off once soap has been used until water runs clear and then squeeze assess water out and leave to air dry flat NOT standing on their bristles. A good make up brush is like a an artists brush. Looked after, they should last a lifetime.

The make up bag itself ideally should be clear and plastic. Cloth bags have nooks and cranny's and whilst you can buy some real pretty ones. Dark, and warm with nice hidden spaces = ideal home to grow bacteria. A plain old clear zip food bag is the best as it allows light in to stop bacteria growing. Clear Make up bags can be easily wiped clean using an antibacterial wipe and easy to notice when they get a little grubby looking.
Once a month pop your entire make up bag into the freezer for half an hour or so. This will stop any unwanted germs from breeding and multiplying. Whilst the first use after taking it out of the freezer, may be a bit cold. I know I would prefer that, to any unwanted germs growing on my brushes or face for that matter!
Three really important points to remember to do to your make up. The Triple "S": Scrape. Scoop. Sharpen
Make up bag buddy's:

Scrape: Blushers, eye-shadows, lipsticks or powders, once a month scrape the top layer off to remove any signs of growing bacteria or germs that may have made their home onto of your favourite bronzing powder. 

Scoop: The top layer of any liquids such as foundations or liquid blushers or balms off again to remove any unwanted friends.

Sharpen: eyeliners, or lip liners before you use them. The eye area can develop some pretty awful eye conditions from cross contamination of germs and result in things like conjunctivitis, a highly contagious eye condition. 

Mascaras are possibly one make up item that we all love to use. But one that probably shares a lot of bacteria. How many of you pump your mascara wand before applying it? By doing this you are pumping air into the bottle, which in turn dries it out. Once this occurs, its time to throw it away and renew your product.

NEVER share your make up. Whilst its a lovely idea to offer your friend your lip gloss to try or a bit of blusher. This is just asking for germs and bacteria to spread from one product to another and then onto your face.

Of course it goes without saying that before all these steps can be proven to work. Simply washing your hands before touching make up and your skin would be the first steps to stopping cross contamination. Good hand hygiene is something that still shocks me in this day and age that some people still do not follow.

When you next open your make up bag give a wave and hello to these guys...some of the bacteria and germs that could well be sharing your favourite lipstick or blusher. You can be spreading these onto your brushes and sponges and then smothering them onto your face.....now that's a nice thought to leave you all with!

So if you see more spots appearing on your face, along your cheeks or in areas you don't usually get them. They could be down to simple hygiene and ensuring you keep your make up bag and its unwanted family at bay by following these rules and sparing a small amount of time weekly or monthly. Perhaps once every 6 months having a make up bag clear out.
Till next time.....make up buddies. Strike a pose.
Caroline King Beauty Geek xx