How Clean is Your Lipstick

Here’s the How To! Scrape off Top Layer Because the top layer can have residue such as air particles and lint, its best to scrape off that first thin layer. This can be done with a Q-tip, but you could slice it with a kitchen knife for a cleaner finish Dip in Rubbing Alcohol No surprise here, rubbing alcohol is great at killing germs and bacteria. Even off lipstick.

Dip your lipstick head (or entire applicator) into 70%+ rubbing alcohol, and let sit for 15 minutes.

Option 2 Place in Freezer Overnight Freezing temperatures can also get rid of some germs and bacteria. So popping your lipstick in the freezer overnight will have it ready for use by morning. Allow to return to room-temperature before application Allow to Air-Dry Whether you dipped your lipstick in alcohol or placed in the freezer, let it air dry for about 20 minutes.

You’re lipstick is now disinfected and ready for use! If you’re a makeup artist, you know to clean your lipstick between customers. When you’re shopping for the perfect shade, you wouldn’t dream of swiping it on without sanitizing. But what if you’re the only one who uses your lipsticks? Even if you are the only one using it, it may be a good idea to disinfect your tubes from time to time. As bacteria can still grow.

Other tips on keeping your lipsticks safe and clean include:

ON SET It’s a good practice to use a mixing palette when working on other faces. Simply shave a small portion of the intended product off with a Q-tip or small spatula onto the palette. This ensures each client gets a fresh sample, and it’s easier to mix and keep handy for touch-ups.

AT THE MAKEUP COUNTER Makeup testers can harbor some nasty stuff, so make sure you always sanitize before trying on a new shade.

With a Q-tip, shave off the top layer of the lipstick. Then spray with alcohol (counters will always have a bottle on hand) and wipe with a tissue.

ON THE GO You can carry individual alcohol wipes which you can use to wipe your lipsticks if they happen to fall, and get some sort of germs or you touched it with unclean hands. These are portable and very inexpensive.

(Information courtesy instructables.com and beautylish.com)