Makeup Tips to Prevent Breakouts!

Occasionally my clients will talk to me about random breakouts that they may have. I usually will bring up the "makeup talk" and explain to them how to keep clean and sanitary makeup to prevent random breakouts.

General Rules

• Make sure you have clean hands before applying your makeup.
• A key tip that most do not do is: clean your brushes every week! You can use a makeup cleanser, your facial cleanser or any sanitary cleanser that is applicable.
• Use disposables if need be and immediately throw out when done.
• Don't share makeup.
• If makeup looks off, changes in color or smell, toss it!
• If you can't remember when you bought a piece of makeup, toss it!

Expiration Dates

• Eye Shadow: generally, good for 12 months after opening. 
• Eye Liner Pencils- 12 months after opening; however, to keep clean and sanitary, sharpen the pencil after every use. Liquid- 6 months.
• Mascara- 3-6 months, remember don't pump! This causes more air in and will dry it out. Twist instead.
• Lip Stick/Gloss/Liner- generally 12 months after opening. Keep out of direct heat.
• Powder/Foundation/Concealer/- generally, 12 months after opening. Some experts may say, 12-24 or even 36 months but for me that is too long of a time to keep that type of makeup that is applied all over the face. And if you were sick during those months or had breakouts, the makeup may have lingering bacteria and be contaminated. 
• Blush/Bronzer- recommended good after 6-12 months. Again, treat it the same as powder/foundation. This is a great place for bacteria to live.

How to Clean Your Brushes

1. Use warm water.
2. Apply a dime-nickel size amount of cleanser (brush cleanser, facial cleaners, antibacterial soap).
3. Gently lather the brushes, rinse until the water is clear and clean. You may even want to fill up a bowl or the sink up with warm water and cleanser and let the brushes soak for 5-10 minutes.
4. Gently squeeze out any excess water.
5. Lay out the brushes flat on a clean towel to air dry.

Facial Skin vs. Body Skin

Although our body's largest organ is the skin, not all of the skin is treated the same. Here are some tips and facts:

• The skin and scalp contain the majority of the skin's oil production (sebaceous glands). Lower oil production contributes to dry skin (i.e. the body). Moisturizing is extremely important and crucial during the harsh winter months to combat severe dryness.
• Epidermal skin (facial) is typically .12 millimeters thinner than the skin on the body, at .60mm.
• The skin on the body is not frequently exposed to the climate and weather. This, in combination with dryness, can create less cell turnover (shedding). This can lead to extreme dry and dull conditions if not properly treated by exfoliation at least once a week (maybe twice a week if severe but consult a beauty professional) and moisturizing.