Don't Just Dig It

"Oh, I don't need that--I just put it on with my fingers."
Believe it or not, that is the most common phrase I hear on a daily basis and it makes my blood run cold. Why? You may ask, well if you stuck those fingers, even freshly washed, into your makeup, you've just introduced bacteria into it, which thrives in that damp atmosphere. You have just cross-contaminated your makeup. Now don't panic just yet, the Outbreak monkey hasn't been let loose and the CDC won't swoop down and demand quarentine, but let's discuss what can happen when your makeup is contaminated with bacteria.

First thing's first, there is such a thing as good and back bacteria. What we're talking about here is the bad. On a severe scale bacteria can cause some serious problems such as eye infections, styes, staff, and even blindness. On a smaller scale you can get break outs, skin irritations, redness, itchiness and other un-fun types of issues. So how do we avoid these scary things?

Touching that Product
You might have wondered with not being able to share certain cosmetics how a makeup artist doesn't just run through 50 mascaras in one sitting or buy twenty zillon foundations. We practice sanitization. We use simple tools like a metal pallet and spatula. This way we can scrape out the tof makeup we're going to use and apply it to our client's face without worrying about putting bacteria into the makeup and then closing the lid to have it gestate in there. Then we can simply wipe the pallet clean and start again fresh. You can easily do the same thing at home. If you use things such as liquid foundations try to get them in tubes that squeeze or have a pump to avoid sticking your fingers into a product.

Application -- CLEAN TOOLS!
Another way to help avoid problem issues is to use clean sponges or brushes CLEAN being the proper word. Higher quality sponges can be washed a few times before they start to break down with facial cleanser, but you can also buy a bag of sponges and toss one each day. Foundation brushes and other makeup brushes are great tools, but you have to be sure they're properly cleaned as well. Use a brush cleaner to keep them free of old makeup and bacteria.

Eye Makeup -- The Major Suspect -- Keeping Safe
Mascara is always a nasty culprit of makeup contamination as well as eyeliners. So how do you stay safe?

Never share your mascara -- Makeup Artists will usually do one of three things to keep from worrying about this issue.
1. We use disposeable mascara wands that are never dipped into the mascara twice.
2. We pull the mascara from the tube, use a cake mascara, or a cream and use a clean fan brush to apply it then sanitize the brush.
3. For certain clients we'll buy a specific mascara just for the one client and give it to them after the use.

3 Month Rule -- Toss that mascara after 3 months and no longer than 6 maximium. If you buy one tube at a time that's fantastic. If you know there's a sale on mascara buy a few, it'll be fine it it's sealed and never used, but what I do for myself (having always had issues with my eyes) is I put the month I need to toss it on with a lable maker. I see August is approaching so my mascara labled "July" will be tossed tonight.

Don't Pump -- I know you love to pump that mascara with the little cap brush to get as much as you need. The problem with this is that it forces air and bacteria into the tube and makeup. While the brush is in the tube roll it and pull out. Anyway, less mascara on the brush also means less clumping or gloppy application. So two wins!

Sharpen Eyeliner Pencils Before Each Use -- When you sharpen your pencil it takes off any of the bacteria with the pencil shavings. If you're extra worried I hit it with a spritz of 99% alcohol, but you should be safe. Also you get a really clean line with a newly sharpened tip.

Not in that Waterline -- Yes, it's the new thing. Yes, it looks cool, but the more you put eyeliner in your waterline the easier it is to irritate tear ducts and clog glands. If you must, stick to products specifically designed for that like Kajal liners.

Take off your Makeup! -- I know you're tired at the end of the day, but if you simply remove your makeup it'll keep problems from occuring. I know I've said it before, but at night your body absorbs more than any other time. Let your skin and eyes breathe. If you're lazy like me use a makeup remover wipe at least even if you're partying hard. Toss it in the bag or car. It takes literally 5 seconds. Your body will thank you.

That's it-- now you can be ready to thwart break outs and danger. Remember don't just dig in with those fingers. Be smart and be safe.