Is your beauty bag contaminated with bacteria? Cosmetic experts detail how to keep your makeup products clean

You may know to check the expiration dates on your makeup, but have you ever considered that your makeup bag might be full of bacteria?

You probably don’t clean your cosmetics case after traveling, and it’s possible that the products and makeup brushes inside actually get contaminated, which can lead to breakouts.

FEMAIL spoke to celebrity makeup artists and beauty experts to find out what you’re doing wrong – and what you can do right – to ensure your makeup bag and brushes stay clean.

Famous make-up artist and eyelash expert Dionne Phillips in Beverly Hills, California warned, “Traveling frequently exposes your makeup bag to a variety of environments, which can cause product spoilage or bacteria growth, especially if the bag is not properly cleaned or ventilated.”

‘Spilled powders, creams and other residue can collect at the bottom of your bag and mix with dust and bacteria,’ Dionne revealed to DailyMail.com.

Dionne said it’s best to “wipe down your makeup bag inside and out at least once a month with an antibacterial wipe or cloth dipped in a mild soap solution” so it can air dry completely before filling it again.

Beauty expert Laura Kaybased in Hertfordshire, agreed that make-up bags ‘can be a major breeding ground for bacteria, which can spread to your products and brushes if not cleaned properly.’

Laura told FEMAIL: ‘The biggest mistake people make is keeping their make-up in plastic or cloth cases that they don’t clean regularly,’ as they should wipe them at least once a month, and more often if they travel often, especially when traveling. aircraft.

Famous make-up artist Michel Probst in Nashville suggested llooking for bags ‘that you can simply throw in the washing machine after a trip’ and avoiding ‘porous materials’ and suitcases with ‘difficult to keep clean interior fabrics’.

Michelle, who has worked with Katie Couric, Drew Barrymore, Justin Timberlake and Barack Obama, said it’s best to use “spray or soap antibacterial cleaners” or “hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based wipes.”

It is also possible for the bacteria to enter if your containers are not completely closed. So make sure you use containers that are airtight, whether for makeup or skin care.

When you’re done traveling, don’t throw your makeup bag under the sink, especially if you live somewhere warm.

“A common mistake is storing your makeup in humid environments such as bathrooms, where humidity can promote the growth of bacteria and mold,” Dionne advised.

Beauty expert Laura Kay agrees that make-up bags ‘can be a major breeding ground for bacteria’

FEMAIL spoke to celebrity makeup artists and beauty experts to find out what you’re doing wrong – and what you can do right – to ensure your makeup bag and brushes stay clean (stock image)

“Always store your makeup in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight as this can degrade the product and increase the risk of contamination,” Dionne continued.

It’s also best to keep your makeup brushes and sponges clean, especially if they’re in a makeup bag and you don’t wash them enough.

Dionne warned that ‘dirty brushes can harbor bacteria, dead skin cells and oil, which can lead to breakouts and skin irritation.’

If you store your makeup brushes or sponges in a dirty cosmetic bag, it is possible for the dirt and oil to spread.

To make sure you keep everything clean, Dionne recommends washing your brushes every two weeks with mild soap and then letting them lay flat to air dry.

Even if you’re in a hurry, make sure you don’t immediately put the brushes back in your makeup bag.

“Never store wet brushes in a closed or plastic bag as this can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria,” Dionne said.