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June 16, 2020

10 Easy Ways to Sanitize & Care for Beauty Products.

We often talk about caring for our skin, but how often do we discuss caring for the products and tools we use on our skin?

We also might prefer certain brands over others because we don’t want to risk damaging our beautiful skin. However, did you know that if we use our products the wrong way or do not take proper care of them, they become harmful to us? Harmful beauty products not only damage our skin, but can also leave us with serious health issues.

And what is the point of using brand name beauty products when we are unable to take full advantage of them through their proper use and care?

In this article, I would like to share some of my own tips and tricks for proper beauty product care, including how to properly cleanse, sanitize, open, and close beauty products. I would also like to share the disadvantages of sharing products and using expired products.

These tips are both easy and cost-effective ways that you only need to remember—there is no need to buy anything extra.

Let’s jump into these tips now:

1. Makeup Brushes.

The frequency for washing makeup brushes is different for every brush.

The general rule for washing your foundation and concealer brushes is once per week. You could reduce this time according to the need.

Eye brushes should be cleaned twice per month. Personally, I prefer to wash my eye brushes frequently, as the cleansing process keeps my eyes infection free.

To disinfect your makeup brushes, use a mild baby shampoo, face wash, makeup brush cleanser, or hand soap to wash your brushes. Leave the brushes in a mixture of lukewarm water and the cleanser of your choice for 30 minutes. Rinse with water afterward.

If you want to be able to use the brushes immediately after cleansing, disinfect your brushes with a hand sanitizer instead of water.

To do this, pour hand sanitizer onto tissue paper and rub the brush on this in a circular motion. Let the brush air dry for a few minutes and it should be ready to use. May I suggest though, please don’t clean your eye brushes in a hurry.

2. Foundation, Liquids.

The important thing to remember here is to avoid dipping your fingers directly in the product. The product should be removed from its container before applying.

Consider pouring the product onto your hands or using a beauty blender.

3. Lipstick, Blush, Bronzer, Eyeshadow, Powder.

One tip to share with you about lipstick is to not push up the whole product at once—slowly twist up your lipstick over time to avoid attracting unnecessary germs and infections.

It’s also important to mention that we shouldn’t share lipstick, as mouths carry bacteria, which could cause blisters, irritation, and itchiness around the lips. If you ever do choose to share your lip shade with someone, remove the top layer with a tissue in a light manner.

Skimming the first layer with a tissue is also effective for quick removal of dirt and germs on eyeshadow, powder, blush, and bronzer. Of course, always remember to close your products when you’re not using them.

4. Eyelash Curlers.

Metal tools like eyelash curlers should not be cleansed with water. Instead, use a strong alcohol like Dettol, a powerful antiseptic that can be found at any drugstore.

To disinfect, dip a cotton pad in your antiseptic and rotate the dipped cotton throughout the curler to clean it completely. Next, rinse the product with water. Finally, let it air dry or pat with a towel.

If there is still gunk or dirt remaining on the curler, you should heat it up for a few seconds to melt the residue. After heating, use a Q-tip or washcloth to finish cleaning it.

5. Eye Products.

All eye products, like mascara and eyeliner, are used quite close to our eyes, so keeping them germ-free is our utmost responsibility. Mascara tends to grow bacteria after the brush is inserted into the tube two or three times.

To keep mascara and eye shadows sanitary, consider replacing them every two to three months—or, every month if at all possible. Older eye products lead to a higher level of infection.

You can also clean your mascara band from time to time until you buy a new one.

6. Pencils.

There are a variety of makeup pencils we may use.

For lip and eye pencils that require sharpening, the cleansing process is super easy. You only need to sharpen the pencil by skimming the top layer of it after you use it.

You don’t need to waste the product by removing many layers from it—skimming one layer is enough.

For pencils that do not require sharpening, just spray water on the product and wipe with a clean cloth or tissue. Always remember to keep the lids on these kinds of pencils.

7. Waterproof Products.

Waterproof products tend to be sticky and can be trickier to clean. The best way to sanitize your waterproof products is to use makeup remover. This works especially well for cleaning waterproof mascara brushes.

8. Razors.

Razors tend to produce gunk when we leave them in the bathroom or shower. This gunk ultimately produces bacteria, which then can cause rashes.

After using your razor, remove all hair with a toothbrush or normal water. After rinsing and cleaning properly, keep the razor in a dry place.

Ditch your razor when the blade is no longer sharp. Use a fresh razor regularly to avoid risking razor bumps, itchiness, and redness.

9. Loofahs.

Like a razor, loofahs are also meant to be used in water and so similarly, they also need to be kept in a dry place to avoid growing bacteria.

Wet loofahs can result in acne on your back and elsewhere on your body.

To properly care for your loofah, always let it dry after you use it. Like razors, be sure to replace loofahs frequently, especially if you notice discoloration.

10. Nail Products.

Nail clippers, nail files, and nail polishes help us clean our nails and make them beautiful. Keeping them infection-free does not need to be tough task though.

Nail clippers should be cleaned regularly. One of the best ways to do this is to use a toothbrush dipped in boiling water.

To keep your nail polish fresh, clean the mouth and overall container with a wet cloth after each use. Don’t forget to screw the lid on tightly when you are done.

Also keep in mind that bacterial and fungal infections can result from expired nail polishes. If you see the signs of spoilage or separation, you should replace nail polish.

To conclude, may these easy tips be of benefit and help readers keep their personal makeup and hygiene products—and skin—sanitary and safe.

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