For most individuals, a beauty routine begins in the bathroom and involves touching the lips and eyes – both opportunities to come into contact with contaminants like bacteria and germs. Here are easy ways to maintain clean cosmetics for an effective and safe makeup regimen.

1. Wash your hands. The simplest thing you can do to keep germs out of your cosmetics is to start your routine by washing your hands. If you apply makeup in the bedroom or on the go, you may not have easy access to soap and water, so keep instant hand sanitizer like CLEAN Anti-Bacterial Hand Cream - Unscented in your makeup bag. This formula features SafetyDerm technology, which blends germ-killing Benzethonium Chloride with a botanically based moisturizer to weightlessly layer your hands with antibacterial protection for hours.
2. Keep everything clean. To keep germs from contaminating your cosmetics, clean your brushes and tools on a regular basis. Follow these guidelines:

• Brushes: Clean cosmetic brushes once a month (or more often if you have acne-prone skin). You can use a mild soap or shampoo, or a specially designed brush cleaning formula like Colorescience Brush Cleanser. Find out more on cleaning and caring for your makeup brushes here.
• Sponges: Clean high-quality multiple use sponges weekly and, when possible, use those with antibacterial properties like Illuminare Fast Application Sponge. If you opt for disposable sponges, remember to throw them away after each use.
• Tools: Metal tools like tweezers, sharpeners and scissors should be wiped with alcohol before each use.

Also, instead of setting your cosmetics on the bathroom counter where they can pick up germs, place them on a clean paper towel or bath linen.

3. Never share makeup! Sure, it's fun to try out your friend's new lipstick or mascara, but sharing makeup is the perfect way to spread infections including herpes and conjunctivitis.
4. Throw away expired products. Each one of your products has a limited lifespan, so replace your cosmetics regularly to keep your skin looking its best.
• Mascara: 2-3 months
• Foundation: 6-12 months
• Concealer: 1 year (liquid) or 2 years (stick)
• Powder: 1 1/2 years
• Eye shadow and eyeliner: 3 months
• Lipstick and lip gloss: 1 year

For more on when to toss expired products, check out this complete guide.

5. Store cosmetics below 85 degrees F. Since humidity promotes microbial growth and makes the preservatives in cosmetics less effective, makeup should be kept away from heat – never in the shower or glove compartment. Designate some space within a cool, dark cupboard or linen closet for all of your products.
6. Sharpen your pencils. Carve away contaminated surfaces by sharpening pencils before each use. Use an antibacterial sharpener like DuWop Beauty Blade that works for both lip liners and eye pencils.
7. Don't wet your makeup brushes or pencils. It might come naturally to wet your brushes and pencils with water or saliva before using them, but this creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. And when transferred to the eye, even mouth-based bacteria can trigger an unwanted infection.
8. Always use makeup for its intended purpose. Don't use lip liner as eyeliner since this could spread bacteria from your mouth to your eyes or introduce ingredients to your eyes that could cause irritation.
9. Pay attention to skin irritations or infections. Throw out old cosmetics and stop wearing makeup if you experience any irritation like a cold sore or eye infection. It's best to play it safe and discard any products you've used within two weeks of spotting the infection.
10. Be smart about testers. If you do want to try the latest shades in the store, be sure to use single-use testers and clean cotton swabs.

Bottom line: Sanitation is essential

Remember, an effective makeup routine depends on formulas that are clean and not yet expired. Always follow these easy, sanitizing steps for a healthy, beautiful complexion.

See also:

A Comprehensive Guide to Expired Products

A Makeup Manual for Beginners: Simple Techniques for a Flawless Face

The Minimalist’s Makeup Routine

Brush Basics: How to Choose And Use Your Makeup Brushes