The Truth About Cleaning Your Makeup

As I learn to be a professional makeup artist, I'm learning a lot about sanitation and cross-contamination that never really occurred to me when I was the only one using my makeup. I use 90%+ rubbing alcohol, which is hospital grade, to sanitize my makeup, my brushes (don't forget the handles!), my work area. Dries superfast, and even brushes that have been swirled in it are ready to go again in mere minutes. There are other products out there, but this one is really super affordable and gets the job done. Just don't ever spray where you can get it in your, or your client's, eyes or face. It burns!!!

Tips to make this DIY technique work well:

1. Get a misting bottle that produces a very fine mist
2. Use just one spritz on your makeup and don't saturate it
3. Wait 10 seconds for the alcohol to do its job before closing compacts or you could have condensation (which is bad for makeup).
4. If you are sanitizing a surface, wait 10 seconds and then wipe down with a soft paper towel.
5. Make your own sanitizing wipes by spritzing a tissue or paper towel or cotton pad with the alcohol and using it to wipe off compacts, lipsticks, pencil tips, etc. You don't need to buy a special product for this.

Below reblogged from: http://www.beautylish.com/a/vcgrv/the-truth-about-cleaning-your-makeup

Ever wondered why your skin is breaking out or why you have a cold sore? It could be your makeup! Dirty products (not just brushes) can cause a whole heap of skin problems and disease such as blemishes, conjunctivitis, and even cold sores! "When you think about it, you wouldn't use the same fork all week without washing it, would you? The same thing goes with your makeup," says founder of Beauty So Clean, Nancy Crossley. Nancy began Beauty So Clean after years of working as a makeup artist and noticing that there were no quick, easy ways to sanitize beauty products and brushes while on the job.

"Cleaning all of your products after every use is essential, especially those that are near your mouth and eyes, and those that you use regularly,” says Nancy. "Mascara, eye liner, and eye shadow can all transfer disease such as conjunctivitis, and lipstick and gloss can carry around old food remnants—and who wants a bout of E. coli on their lips?" It's also important to keep everyday beauty must-haves such as foundation clean, too. "If you're applying foundation—or any product—with your fingers, wash your hands before and after use" explains Nancy. "These products spread bacteria like crazy, and are often the biggest cause of acne!" Regularly cleaning your products also increases their lifespan. "By ensuring that no nasty bacteria is eating away at your favorite lipstick, it will definitely last longer," explains Nancy.