How to Sanitize Your Cosmetics

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Cosmetic sanitization is incredible important for professionals, but it is also benefical in your own home.  Cosmetics can carry bacteria, grow mold, or change composition if left unsanitized.  Here are some tips for sanitizing cosmetics:

• NEVER use shared tester cosmetics on your face. Test new products on the back of your hand, and buy from stores that have a return policy that will accept opened cosmetics.
• Clean your brushes at least once a week.  Cleaning after every use is best for all brushes, and essential for brushes used for liquids and creams.  Once a week is ok for brushes used 1-2 times per week with powdered products of the same color.  Cleaning removes bacteria and pigment, preventing "muddy" looks.
• Sanitize your cosmetics frequently, ideally after every use.  See below for sanitizers.
• Scoop out creams and liquids onto a palette, using a clean spatula or a pump.  Recap tighly after use.  If your fingers never touch the product, it is much less likely to become contaminated.

Cosmetic sanitizer products:

• Brush cleaners:
• For washing:
• I use a combination of olive oil and dish soap, using the method described in this video.
• For daily cleaning/color switching, try one of these products:
• Jane Iredale brush cleaner
• Bare Escentuals Quick Change
• Beauty So Clean brush cleanser
• Cosmetic sanitizers:
• For pencils and sticks:
• Beauty So Clean wipes
• For powders:
• Beauty So Clean mist
• For both, consider this alternative:
• Portable UV sanitizers, such as the DeGERMinator

I do not recommend sanitizing with alcohol alone, as it tends to change the composition of the cosmetics over time.

Thinking about going pro? Check out my book, The Mercenary Makeup Artist: Breaking into the Business with Style.

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