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How to Sanitize Your Makeup: The Complete Guide

A counter with makeup on it and a plant in the corner

Stocksy

We do a pretty good job of keeping our makeup in good shape (so we'd like to think) but sometimes we start to think– are these products that we swipe, slather, and dip our fingers and brushes in really sanitary? Which brings us to the question: do we really know how to keep our makeup clean? Sure, some of the easy rules have stuck with us since high school— like to never share our mascara or eyeliners with others, and to keep our lipsticks to ourselves. But when it comes to germs, there should be no second guessing on the proper sanitary guidelines. Keep reading for the best ways to sanitize your makeup for the cleanest beauty possible—literally.

Meet the Experts

  • Dr. Robb Akridge, is the co-founder of Clarisonic and a skin expert with a PhD in microbiology.
  • Gabriel De Santino is the CEO of Gabriel Cosmetics and a pro makeup artist
  • Jackie Risotto is a professional and celebrity makeup artist based in New York City.

How often should you sanitize your makeup?

First, let's start with the basics. Our makeup that we use every single day should be sanitized every few weeks, especially if we've been traveling or sick. If someone else has used your makeup for whatever reason, like forgetting their own makeup or simply wanting to experiment, it's best to clean immediately after each use. This is important, as we all have our own microbiomes and germs, plus infections can be asymptomatic.

What should you focus on when cleaning your makeup?

Dr. Robb Akridge, co-founder of Clarisonic and skin expert (along with a PhD in Microbiology) says, "The best practice is to not share your makeup or brushes with anyone else. The process of sanitizing your makeup with alcohol might ruin it if you're not careful (like powder products and eyeshadows), so the main focus should be on the brushes, sponges, and applicators."

Have you ever not washed your makeup brushes for a really long time, only to find they are so filled with old product they just need to be thrown out? You're not alone, but you are likely reusing old, dirty sponges. Yikes.

A thorough clean is the best when it comes to our tools, and this cleanser from Beautyblender has a built-in scrubbing mat that helps to move the soap around into the bristles of brush hair and those stubborn marks on sponges for an expert clean.

How often should I clean and sanitize my makeup brushes?

You don't need to clean your brushes or sponges every single day, but once a week is key when you've only used them on yourself. Most makeup brushes are made of synthetic bristles or natural animal hairs and work best when cleaned weekly. This keeps the hair soft and prevents it from getting too built up with product or too stiff, which can cause powder products to break if you're too rough.

Akridge notes, "Keep in mind that sanitizing makeup isn’t a solution for replacing old products, items shouldn’t be used past their expiration date under any circumstances." This means that if the expiration date on your product has passed, you most certainly need to get rid of it. If you're curious if your products have gone bad, keep in mind that wax and liquid products will begin to smell funky, and mascara will get very dry and flake on the skin. If this happens, toss it right in the garbage or recycling.

How can you keep your makeup clean?

Since many beauty routines consist of multiple products — powders, foundations, concealers, mascaras, eyeliners, lipsticks — what's the best way to practice being sanitary without ruining what invested our precious cash in?

Gabriel De Santino, CEO of Gabriel Cosmetics and makeup artist says, "An excellent way to keep makeup clean is to wash your hands before using a product and toss it out when it expires, but if you want to take it a step further it’s actually pretty simple to sanitize your makeup. All you need is 70% isopropyl alcohol and a spray bottle to put it in, both of which you can get at a drugstore."

How do you sanitize specific makeup products?

Just like how different makeup products are applied and removed in their own specific ways, they should be sanitized and maintained in their own ways, too. Here's how the experts recommend sanitizing your most-used products including powders and mascara.

Lipstick, Liners and Pencils

When sanitizing lipstick, Gabriel recommends simply spraying the exposed lipstick with isopropyl alcohol, and then wiping it clean. You can also spray the bottlenecks of foundation with alcohol, and be sure to sharpen all pencils before using such as lipliners and eyeliners. The same goes for your eyelash curler, simply wipe off residue with a cotton pad and a small amount of alcohol, letting it completely dry for 24 hours before using it again.

Mascara

Gabriel notes, "When it comes to mascara, I’d recommend throwing it out rather than attempting to sanitize it if you have concerns. The eye area is so delicate and it’s best not to chance it." This helps prohibit any type of infections such as pink eye or reactions to expired ingredients in makeup that can cause itchiness, redness, and swelling. A serious no thank you.

Powders

If for any reason you're worried about germs on your powder products, you should handle with care any time you're wanting to sanitize them. Simply skim the top layer off of the product and then spray lightly with alcohol, letting it air dry.

Liquid/Cream Tubs or Pots

Another way to keep your products clean? Do not, we repeat, do not dip your fingers in them. No matter how clean your hands are, dipping your fingers in liquid and cream products can cause germs to spread like wildfire and mess with the integrity of the ingredients, too. You always want to use sanitary applicators on your makeup to not cause germs, oil, or dirt to spread.

FAQ
  • How do you disinfect makeup without alcohol?

    Though most experts suggest alcohol is best, as an alternative to alcohol, you can disinfect eyeshadows with hydrogen peroxide and use an antibacterial hand soap or dish soap to clean your brushes in a pinch.

  • How do makeup artists sanitize between clients?

    Celebrity makeup artist, Jackie Risotto, says that the norm for a makeup artist between clients is to wipe down their station with cleaning products and use "germ-killing brush cleaner or the appropriate percentage of alcohol." She adds that makeup artists should always wash their hands and properly discard of any single-use or disposable items such as mascara spoolies or doe foot applicators.

  • What is the proper way to disinfect makeup brushes?

    Risotto says the proper way to disinfect makeup brushes is to wash them with soap and water, then spray with alcohol. For a super thorough cleanse she says, "I will also clean them with brush cleaner, let them dry, then wash them with soap and water followed by spraying them with alcohol."

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