How to Sanitize Your Makeup

Hello Gorgeous! Today is the last day to enter the Benefit Eyeshadow giveaway on my Facebook page, so be sure to enter if you haven't done so already!


A couple months ago I answered a question regarding the shelf life of different types of makeup (read it here). One way to increase the shelf life of your products is to keep your makeup and brushes clean and sanitary. This will also help prevent breakouts and possible infections. Sanitizing your products is quick and easy, and I recommend doing it at least once or twice a month. All you need is some Isopropyl alcohol, a small spray bottle, paper towel, and a little soap and water.

Pour some of the alcohol into your clean spray bottle. I use Isopropyl instead of regular rubbing alcohol because it has a higher percentage of alcohol, which means it evaporates faster (this will be important when sanitizing eyeshadows, blushes, etc). I picked up this bottle at CVS for $2.


Before you get started, make sure your work surface is clean. You'll also want to choose a work surface that won't be damaged by the alcohol (i.e. don't do this on wood or a painted surface). Next, lay out everything you want to sanitize so you can work quickly and easily.

These are the types of items you will want to/can sanitize: brushes, powder, blush, eyeshadow, lip sticks, lip balms, tube lip glosses, pencils, eyelash curlers, etc.

First, use paper towel to wipe off any dirt or makeup from the outside of the items. If it doesn't come off easily, you can use a damp towel with a little soap on it. Next, using a clean, dry paper towel, wipe off the top layer of your powder products (e.g. pressed powder, blush, eyeshadow). You will also want to wipe off the tops of your lip sticks, eye/lip pencils, lip balms, and products that come in a tube. For brushes or other beauty tools, use a mild soap (hand soap will work fine) to wash the bristles and handles (Sigma Beauty has a good video tutorial if you're not sure how to wash your brushes). Once you have done a preliminary cleaning of all your products and tools, you should begin spraying them with the alcohol. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to wear gloves because the alcohol can dry out your skin very easily.


When spraying your products with alcohol, start with the outside container, then open them up and spray the entire inner surface (including lids, mirrors, etc). I usually spray the product itself a couple times, which will completely cover the top layer of the product in alcohol. Once you have sprayed all your products and tools with alcohol, let them air dry, which will only take a few minutes. Using a sanitizing product with a high alcohol content (such as Isopropyl alcohol) will ensure none of your products are damaged or altered in any way due to the fast drying/evaporation time.


Keep in mind, some products cannot be sanitized, in which case, you should not keep them longer than the recommend shelf life. Such items include loose powders, mascaras, liquid eye liners, and any product that you reinsert the applicator after use.

These types of items cannot be sanitized.

By following this simple routine, you can extend the life of your products, avoid breakouts, and save money! If you have any other questions regarding makeup care, please feel free to leave a comment or email me! I love to hear from you!

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