Makeup Myth Buster: Storing your Makeup

Makeup storage seems like such an easy thing, just throw it in a drawer or in your bathroom cabinet and make sure you have access to what you need. Now, I know that sounds like a great plan and you're probably sitting there like "what could go wrong?" well, quite a few things. So I wanted to debunk some makeup storage myths and share my tips with you!

Makeup Myth Buster

MYTH 1: Store your makeup products in the bathroom. 

This is the biggest thing I hear from family, friends, and colleagues. I know, the bathroom seems like the perfect spot for storage and it is in the case of skincare products, but not makeup. We all shower (at least I hope so) and that means a steamy bathroom, even if you have the fan on. Makeup products do not like heat! Believe it or not, your makeup can grow bacteria that can be harmful to your skin or eyes. That's really the number one reason why I don't suggest storing makeup in the bathroom because no one wants an infection or breakouts. 

Makeup can be expensive and storing your makeup in the bathroom can actually cause you to spend more money on makeup because your products do not last as long as they could. I'm not saying you should count on keeping the same mascara for a year, but if that's something you're spending money on once a month because you find it dries out quickly or starts to develop a smell, that is money you could be saving just by changing it's location. 

MYTH 2: You don't have to clean your makeup brushes.

Have you ever noticed when you are putting on your makeup that colors start to blend together and all look the same? Product will build up in your brushes! This is especially problematic for liquid based product because the product will harden on your brush making it difficult to work with. The hardening will not happen after one use, but you will probably start to notice it after a while and if you go without cleaning it you will eventually be saying bye to your brush. I did a DIY post on cleaning your makeup brushes on the cheap, which you can find here. 

MYTH 3: I can keep my makeup forever!

I'm very sorry to be the one to break the news to you, but you cannot keep your makeup forever. You can keep it for a long time, but makeup must be replaced. Eye shadows can last a while, so you are welcome to keep those for up to a few years...unless you've had an eye infection and used them, then you've got to part. The same goes for face powder products, they can last for up to two years but most people have to replace them before then anyway. 

Many people know to replace their mascara, but a ton of people don't know that it's crucial to replace your eyeliner as well. Both of these should be replaced every 4 to 6 months in order to prevent infections! Foundation needs to be replaced every 6 to 8 months, especially if you dip your finger in the bottle, if you avoid this method you are able to keep it for a bit longer. The general timeline for lipsticks is two years, unless you've used it when you've been sick...think of all that bacteria...ew! So my advice, unless your makeup is unopened, dump it after the appropriate time. 

Thanks for reading :)