Makeup Dangers

There have been many occasions when I have been asked by a client for makeup advice. What to buy, how to use it, which colours suit them best or which are the best products to buy.The first thing I would do is look at their makeup bag, drawer, cabinet or in some cases cupboards full to the brim with the makeup mistakes they have been collecting for years. Quite often it is unused but unusable as it is long past its sell by date! Alternatively it is well used but not discarded even when it is dried up and discoloured.

Makeup can be a serious harbouring ground for bacteria and to ensure the makeup you are applying to your face is in good condition and won’t cause you harm you must follow a few simple rules:

- Buy carefully don’t impulse buy and then stick it away somewhere to be used when it is out of date.

- Don’t use testers for makeup, on your face, that are available for all to use.

- If you need to test a colour, put it on the back of your hand or ask the sales person for a sample or single  use tester to try for yourself

- Store makeup safely; in a cool place out of direct sunlight or away from a source of heat so that it doesn't deteriorate.

- Keep products you use regularly in a small makeup bag and wash the inside regularly to remove grease and dirt  

- Never share your makeup with others in particular mascara and lipstick as you may pick up an infection from someone else

- Throw away cosmetics that you were using if you have suffered an infection such as conjunctivitis or herpes simplex (cold sore)

- If makeup has a strange smell, discard it immediately

- If makeup changes colour discard it immediately

- When mascara and lipstick dries up discard immediately. Once opened and used the mascara will begin to harbour bacteria therefore it should be replaced regularly to reduce the chance of infection. A professional therapist will use a disposable mascara brush and then discard after use. 

- When liquid makeup separates or congeals discard immediately

- Wash your hands before applying makeup

- Take care when applying mascara and eye shadow not to slip with the brush and scrape the eye

- Insert contact lenses before applying makeup

- Don’t use makeup with metallic particles or fibres that can enter the eye and cause irritation

- Replace cosmetics regularly, mascaras should be changed every three or four months

- Don’t use an old applicator brush in a new product as this will contaminate it

- Wash makeup brushes and sponges regularly in hot soapy water, rinse well and dry before reusing

- Use retractable lip and blusher brushes to keep your brushes in good condition

- Use disposable cotton pads, brushes and applicators to prevent cross infection, don't use fingers to apply eyeshadow as the grease from your fingers will transfer to the shadow and form a hard greasy surface  

- Always wash your hands before applying makeup