I hate to admit this, but a long time ago, three-fourth of the products in my makeup bag were expired, and I went a long time without washing my makeup brushes. Yikes! Now that I think about it, most of my skin problems must’ve been caused because of these contaminated makeup products. Recently, I came across a fascinating YouTube video. It featured board-certified dermatologist, Dr Dray, who spoke about what kind of bacteria and fungus tends to grow in makeup products. I did avoid watching it at first because I knew what I was going to find out some gross but unfortunately accurate information in there. But I put my brave face on and watched the entire video and man oh man; makeup can be disgusting.
She mentioned a study done by the Journal Of Applied Biology And Biotechnology, where they encouraged people to send in their makeup products, and they would culture it. The results of this study were staggering, to say the least! Almost all the makeup products that were sent in had bacterial growth. Bacteria such as staphylococcus aureus and E Coli were found in these products. Even pseudomonas aeruginosa, a type of bacteria that grows and thrives in warm and watery environments was found. (I know what you’re thinking—Yuck!) Here are the makeup products that had the most amount of bacterial and fungal growth:
1. Makeup Blenders
This one shouldn’t come as a surprise TBH. With every use, you have to wet your makeup sponges. This damp environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Plus, technically they don’t even come with an expiry date, that’s why we tend not to replace them that often. A lesson I’ve learnt with blenders is that you should wash them regularly and replace them every few months (or don’t use them at all if you can). Another thing you should remember is that if at all your makeup blender sponge falls on the floor you should either wash it or chuck it.
2. Makeup Brushes
Who is guilty of not washing their makeup brushes regularly? (I am, oops) Your skin is not the only place where you’re spreading bacteria if you use dirty makeup brushes. Every time you dip a dirty makeup brush in your makeup product, you’re spreading it your makeup as well. It just becomes one big unhygienic loop. So don’t forget to wash those makeup brush, ladies and gentlemen.
3. Mascara
To the people who wear contact lenses (or actually who have eyes in general)—throw out your mascaras after three months! I have become stricter about this ever since I got a nasty eye infection. The standard lifetime of mascara is three months, and if you use it even after the recommended time, you’re inviting an eye infection, sis.
4. Counterfeit Makeup
I get the urge to save money at all time, but if you’re buying unauthentic makeup products from shady retailers, then you’re putting your skin at risk. These fake makeup products are formulated with harmful ingredients, and they are made without any regulations. That’s why you should might as well splurge and buy the authentic makeup product from a reputed retailer.
5. Expired Makeup
I don’t think you need an explanation for this. Expired makeup = something that belongs in the trash.
If you haven’t watched Dr Dray’s video, you can watch it here:
Follow @missmalinibeauty on Instagram for more updates.