Time to Give Your Makeup the Spring Cleaning Treatment October 20, 2020

Makeup has become a staple in many of our morning preparation routines. Some of us can’t even leave the house without making sure our handy-dandy makeup bag is by our side. The team at The Salon Professional Academy(TSPA), San Antonio understands the important role that makeup plays in our lives. What many people don’t know is how crucial it is to regularly clean your makeup. Not only is cleaning important, but you should be throwing away makeup that’s expired to ensure that your skin gets the proper care it deserves. Taking care of your makeup arsenal requires time and dedication on your part, but don’t worry! We’ve got your guide on how to make sure your makeup is hygienic, up-to-date, and safe for your skin!

So When is Too Old?

First things first, it’s time to throw out all that makeup you’ve been hoarding over the years. But how can you tell if it’s time to throw out that mascara that’s been your friend for who knows how long? Well, unfortunately, it’s not as simple as you might hope. How long your makeup lasts can be affected by many factors like when the product was opened and how it’s been packaged. There are some products that are bound to get old faster because of their water content and other factors. Here is a general guideline for how long you should wait till you think about throwing it in the trash.

Liquid, Pencil or Powder?

This is something you should immediately ask yourself when trying to decide if something has outlived its usefulness. Liquids and creams will have more water and oil in their content which will drastically reduce how long you can use them. For liquid and cream foundation products it’s recommended you throw them away after six to twelve months.

If instead, you have a foundation that uses powder then it’s going to last you a lot longer. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have an expiration date. Since the dryness of it keeps bacteria away longer than water-based makeup, power makeup can last up to two years. When it comes to pencils as long as you’re sharpening them on a regular basis they can also be used up to two years.

Natural Ingredients

Just like food, makeup with natural ingredients will expire faster than those without. So if you’re someone who makes sure that their makeup is preservative-free, then you should be checking regularly to make sure that your makeup is still performing well and isn’t irritating your skin.

Trust Yourself

If you’re ever doubting whether it’s time to say goodbye to your favorite mascara, then you could always look at it yourself to see if something looks off about it. Discoloration, abnormal texture and a strange smell are just some of the signs you should be watching out for.

If you’ve found that you keep getting dry, irritated skin in the same area, it might be time to look to your makeup as the culprit. It’s important that you’re keeping your makeup in good condition so it doesn’t do more harm than good.

Cleaning What’s Left

So now that you’ve thrown out the old makeup, how do you make sure you get the most out of what’s left in the safest way? Take the time to sanitize and care for them of course! It may seem time-consuming but your skin will thank you for all your hard work. Here are some tips on how to make the most out of your cleaning regimen.

Brushes, Brushes, Brushes

Think about how often you use a brush when applying makeup to your face. Chances are that you’re using one every day, which is why it’s so important that you’re cleaning them. Especially make sure to wash your brushes regularly if they’re coming into close contact with your eyes! Just rinse off your brushes in lukewarm water, put a drop of soap in your hands, and gently scrub your brushes. Then when you’re ready, leave them out to dry by hanging them over the counter so they can keep that nice rounded shape.

Regularly Clean Your Makeup

Cleaning your makeup tools is important but don’t forget to sanitize what you’re actually applying to your face: the makeup itself! Some can be done pretty easily, and the hardest part can be to remember to do it. If you’re using pencil products then all it takes is a quick sharpening and you’re ready to go.

Others may seem more complicated but can actually be done very quickly. Disinfecting your eyeshadow and lipstick can be completed in a few short steps. Simply scrape off the top layer and soak what remains in rubbing alcohol to keep them from getting dirty. It may seem tedious to remember but it will all be worth it.

Don’t Forget Your Bag

So you should be cleaning out your makeup and the tools to apply it but what about your bag you keep it all in. You don’t want to throw all your hard work into a makeup bag that still has last year’s mascara marks all over it. It’s a simple process but many of us don’t think about it.

At least once or twice a month you should be removing your makeup from its bags and cases and giving them a good scrub. Antibacterial wipes are a quick and easy way to clean them.