Make-up bags are a sight to behold. For the most part. There are rogue liner sharpenings clogging up the corners, crayon marks from where a lid lost its pencil, and everything seems to have a light veil of foundation and bronzer over its packaging because, well, make-up brushes don't have lids. A well-used make-up bag is perhaps just as revealing to a fortune teller as tea leaves, though a tad dirtier we're betting. Why, when we're so obsessive about keeping our table tops clean, and our bathroom cabinet line-up 'just so', do we let things go so monumentally messy within our make-up bags?
According to a study conducted by Aston University in December, there could even be a number of superbugs lurking in your make-up bag. The research revealed that in-use make-up products like beauty blenders, mascara and lip gloss that are not being cleaned, and are being used past their expiry dates, could potentially be contaminated with bugs as harmful as E.coli. Bugs like this can cause skin infections, and even blood poisoning if used on any cuts and grazes or near eyes or mouths. Full of the joys of spring, aren't we! It is worth taking heed of this though. The solutions are simple, clean your make-up tools regularly, and don't keep anything longer than you should. According to Paula's Choice founder Paula Begoun, here's how long your makeup is meant to last:
Your Make-Ip And Its Shelf Life
'Mascara and eyeliner = 3 - 6 months
Cream, liquid, or stick foundations and concealers, cream blushers = 6 months - 1 year
Powder based products (eg. blusher, bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadow etc) - 2 - 3 years
Lipstick, lip gloss and lip pencils = 2 - 3 years
Lip balm - 1 year'
Paula advises too to 'examine how your products look an smell. If there's a noticeable change in the texture or colour, or if it begins to smell a bit 'off', it's time to toss it!'
Cleaning Your Make-Up Brushes
Cleaning your make-up brushes is an absolute must when it comes to taking care of your skin. The simplest way to do it is to wet them in lukewarm water, massage in a bit of brush cleanser, gentle shampoo, anti-bacterial soap, or the old fail-safe Fairy Liquid, and rinse thoroughly, before gently drying in a towel, reshaping, and leaving to dry through.
If you want to opt for a quicker, fancier method, then there's the StylPro Original Makeup Brush Cleaner And Dryer, £39.99. Fix your brush into the silicone handle, hold into the water bowl and get it spinning. The spinning handle also air-dries your brushes once you've gone through the prescribed motion of washing them.
Professional make-up artists should clean their brushes after every single job, but when the brushes are only being used on you, every three weeks to once a month is fine, save for those that you use around your eyes which should get a dunking every two weeks.
Think your make-up brushes have been on the block a tad too long? Take a look at these fresh new favourites.
Shop: Makeup Brushes
SHOP: The Best Makeup Brushes And Brush Sets
1 of 10Real Techniques Flawless Base, £14.70
If you're looking for affordable makeup brushes designed by real makeup artists, then try brushes by Real Techniques. The range is great quality, despite the very reasonable price tags.amazon.co.uk
2 of 10EcoTools Define and Highlight Makeup Brush Duo, £7.99
EcoTools was created by sisters who wanted affordable, quality makeup brushes that were also eco-friendly. The brushes are vegan and made from recycled materials, with renewable bamboo. Eco warriors, these are the brushes for you.amazon.co.uk
3 of 10Sigma F80 Flat Kabuki Brush, £20.59
Stippling brushes are brilliant for use with just about any face product. Foundation, blush, bronzer, powder and highlighters - you name it, it can do it. This one from Sigma has short and dense bristles, which make it easy to buff your products.feelunique.com
4 of 10Bobbi Brown Angled Face Brush, £33
The best makeup brushes really can make a difference to your contouring. Choose an angled brush if you're using powder bronzer; this one is great for highlighting and enhancing.johnlewis.com
5 of 10Lottie London Kabuki Babe Brush, £9.50
Affordable and gorgeous to look at, Lottie London brushes have super soft bristles for that Insta-worthy finished look. This Kabuki brush is perfect for travelling due to its size, but gives the gift of flawless coverage. lookfantastic.com
6 of 10Zoeva Classic Professional Brush Set, £65
These high-performing brushes are loved by makeup enthusiasts all over the globe. This ultra-luxe brush set contains three brushes for base makeup, as well as five for defining and lining the eyes and brows. A brilliant all-rounder.cultbeauty.co.uk
7 of 10Spectrum 10 Piece Essential Set, £39.99
Spectrum caused a huge kerfuffle when it burst into the makeup scene with its beautiful, yet high quality brushes. This set gives you everything you need to complete your kit and will absolutely turn some heads.asos.com
8 of 10MAC 132S Duo Fibre Foundation Brush, £28
MAC is beloved by makeup artists for its dedication to the base. Its foundation, powder and brushes go hand in hand. The 132S foundation brush utilises two types of synthetic fibres to pick up and deliver the perfect amount of product while effortlessly blending and diffusing.lookfantastic.com
9 of 10Morphe M143 Deluxe Soft Fan, £8
We've all seen influencers on Instagram with their fan brushes, but there's actually a reason for that. Fan brushes are perfect for applying that sleek line of highlighter onto your cheek. The M143 brush from Morphe picks up pigment well to help you get that glow.uk.morphe.com
10 of 10Morphe James Charles Brush Set, £152
If you're a believer in go big or go home, you'll adore this Morphe and James Charles collaboration. Whether you're a MUA or an enthusiast, it has everything you need and more.cultbeauty.co.uk
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