Unknown threats hiding in your make-up bag could be hazardous to your health.

Besides contamination from germs and daily dirt and grime, we also have to worry about potential allergens and scary chemicals that have been linked to cancer, respiratory illness, and more.

Now is the perfect time to not only give your body a well deserved detox but also to give your cosmetic cabinet and makeup bag a good clean.

Just like the food in your kitchen, your skincare and cosmetic products too come with an expiration date. And with the hot weather arrived, it’s even more important to keep your skincare and cosmetic products up-to-date.

If your cosmetic cabinet or makeup bag has seen better days, it’s time for a spring clean. Here are some tips on what to look for:

Foundation

If you notice that your water-based products such as foundation and concealer slowly change their colour and the liquids separate, it’s a sure sign that they have reached the end of their shelf life.

Powder-based products such as blush and foundation usually last much longer than their liquid counterparts, because it’s much more difficult for bacteria to grow in them.

If they appear moist or ‘cakey’ this may be because moisture has penetrated the powder, which means it’s time to throw them away! Be sure to keep those products out of direct sunlight as UV rays are capable of destroying preservatives, which will make your cosmetic products spoil quicker.

Lipstick and lip gloss

If you notice your lipstick is getting difficult to spread and your lip gloss is becoming blobby, it’s time to throw it away. Prolong the life of your lip gloss and lipstick by ensuring the product is always sealed correctly after use.

Liquid liners and mascara

With each use of mascara and liquid eyeliner, bacteria can often build up inside the tube. Expired mascara is known to cause serious eye infections, so don’t hang on to your favourite mascara if it has become difficult to apply.

Eye shadow

By gently cleaning your eye shadow brush frequently or after use will significantly prolong its shelf-life and prevent bacteria growth. If your eye shadow becomes dry or flaky it may be a sign to throw it away.

Nail polish

When nail polish starts to separate and to look like a different colour; and perhaps even smells a little stronger than usual it’s time to ditch it.

Lotions and moisturisers

In general, all beauty products should be kept in a cool, dry environment but certainly not deep in a handbag that’s left in the car on a sunny day. Creams, moisturisers and lotions usually have a shelf-life of three to six months and some up to 12 months but once it reaches the best-before date, it’s time to say goodbye. To make the most of your beauty products, try dipping your fingers into jars only with clean hands. Unless the product is packaged in an airtight pump, bacteria on your fingers and moisture from the shower can contaminate the product.

Makeup brushes, sponges and tools

Always keep your eyelash curlers and tweezers clean by applying small drops of eye makeup remover and gently wipe the excess residue with a makeup remover pad or a clean piece of tissue. Once clean, quickly rinse thoroughly with warm water.

In order to keep your makeup sponges, brushes and other tools as new, it’s recommended to wash them once a week. If your skin is prone to frequent breakouts or even acne, you should make an effort to wash them every day. Brushes and sponges may need a few hours to dry naturally, so clean them when you know you won’t use them for a while.

So, with most of us at this time of year having an instinctive urge to rid ourselves of clutter and scrub away the dirt, it’s certainly a perfect opportunity to clean out your cosmetic cabinet and make-up bag.

Our tips should help you to keep a fresh set of products and tools to brighten up your summer and your skin too, knowing that all products you are putting on your skin are clean, healthy and nourishing.

Do you have any other tips to add to the list? Share them below.