How to clean and declutter your makeup bag
When was the last time you washed your makeup brushes? A spring clean shouldn't just be for the home, but for your cosmetics too! From the best way to clean your brushes and sponges, to working out which products have expired - Pauline Briscoe is here to help you declutter your collection.
How to clean your makeup bag
Pauline recommends using a household antibacterial spray and a surface wipe
How often should you clean your brushes?
Weekly washes are essential to protect your skin and kill any harmful bacteria.
But apparently, just 7% of us have concerns over germs/bacteria on cosmetics.
And more than 70% of people have never cleaned their makeup brushes.
Beauty blenders and makeup sponges should be cleaned after every use.
For a DIY cleaning method: Use shampoo or washing up liquid, rub directly onto the brush and rinse thoroughly. Allow brushes to air dry before use.
What about expiry dates for makeup?
All makeup should be stamped with an image of an open jar, then a number followed by the letter M. This symbol signifies how many months after opening until the product expires. For example, the label will read M12 for 12 months.
Foundation and concealers usually last around 12-18 months, whereas eyeliner and mascara can have an expiry date of just 3-6 months.
Can broken makeup be brought back to life?
For makeup palettes that have crumbled; Break the product up into a finer powder and add to a small amount of isopropyl rubbing alcohol or rose water. Place a paper towel over the top and press down firmly. Allow powder to dry before use.
For broken blusher: Add a little olive oil and the product can be used as a cream blush, lip oil, or even a glossy eye shadow instead.
For broken face powders: Add the broken powder into a ziplock bag and crush the mixture into a finer powder. Empty the contents into a sieve and use a spoon to stir the contents into a new container to create a loose setting powder.
Pauline's top spring cleaning products:
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Stylpro Makeup Brush Cleaner and Dryer Machine, £23.99
Donna May Makeup Brush Cleaner Kit, £25.50