Do you know what bacteria lurks in your makeup?

Okay, so we know we’re not allowed to hang on to tubes of mascara forever.  They’re supposed to be discarded every 3 months, and believe me– it hurts me to part with them too.  But it’s just the way it goes!  What about the products that haven’t broken down yet?  I’ve got blushes that are about 2 years old and I’m not going to get rid of them until they turn to dust, or I die.  Whichever comes first!   If you’re not going to toss it, at least keep it clean.

Beauty So Clean was developed by makeup artist, Nancy Crossley to keep makeup hygienic at home, in department store tester units, and in the kits of the pros.  Nancy enlisted the help of many industry experts, a cosmetic chemist, and a scientist from the pharmaceutical industry to develop a product that was effective against bacteria without altering the makeup in any way.  The result was Beauty So Clean Conditioning Brush Cleanser, Cosmetic Sanitizer Wipes, and Cosmetic Sanitizer Mist.

“We clean our hands, our clothes, our homes, and our cars, but we never clean the very products we put directly on our faces, our eyes and our lips! All makeup products can and do breed bacteria which can lead to pink eye, cold sores and skin sensitivities”. –Nancy Crossley

My years of working in the cosmetic industry have shown me some pretty nasty stuff.  Despite the beauty of it all– I’ve seen women with open sores on their lips apply lipsticks and glosses directly from the tubes.  I’ve also seen plenty of women pick up the mascara tester and use it directly on their eyes.  Unattended children would pick their noses and then dig their fingers in every eyeshadow pan in the tester unit.  Despite how vigilant employees are, it’s physically impossible to stand constant guard as the tester police.  So while yes, it’s absolutely disgusting and I’m sure you’re grossed out now, make a mental note of this the next time you’re about to touch a tester to your lips.  Insist that it’s sanitized and use the provided applicator wands.  If the salesperson acts like you’re a crazy person and that it’s not necessary or discourages basic hygiene standards, spend your money elsewhere doll.  Tell them to take a long walk off a short pier and lick all the lipsticks in the Dior unit on their way there if they’re so sure.  Okay, I wouldn’t say that!  But you can think it as you politely decline and walk away!

I know your makeup at home is nowhere near as icky as the examples I gave, but your personal products are still a breeding ground for bacteria that can make you sick or cause skin infections.  If you’re in doubt about when to toss something or keep it, check out this great article about how to decide when makeup has expired.  I also suggest that you pick up a professional cosmetic sanitizing product like Beauty So Clean and invest in a good brush cleanser to keep your tools clean.  It’s the least we can do!