Keeping Makeup Bacteria Free

Makeup bags contain products that are used often and can become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Dermatologists say a messy makeup kit can lead to infection, allergic reaction, and even acne. The first step to ensure makeup looks great and skin stays acne-free are clean tools. So, keep these tips in mind to avoid any potential irritations that may occur with dirty brushes and products.
You can't "clean" makeup, only the brushes. Wash your brushes weekly with a mild dish detergent or a specially formulated cleanser. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them away. Use one-use items like Q-tips or disposable sponges. Store makeup in a cool dry spot away from sunlight.
Now that your tools are clean, it’s time to look at the products you’re putting on your face. There is a limit to how much makeup you can use at any given time and makeup does go bad, so don’t buy more than you need. Don't share your makeup if you don't want to share germs. Bacteria can be found in used makeup, including staph, yeast and fungal infections. Mascara should be at the top of the “DO NOT SHARE” list as conjunctivitis (pink eye) is fairly contagious and viruses like herpes can be spread through shared lipstick.
General Shelf Life of Makeup:
Mascara: Mascara lasts 3-6 months and is the most prone of all makeup to harbor bacteria because the wand is constantly being dipped. A general rule is anything that is a liquid has a shorter life.
Concealer: Has a life of about 18 months due to emulsion (the ingredients will begin to separate). Also, remember you’re generally using concealer to cover blemishes, which can be more sensitive and prone to infection than other parts of your face.
Liquid Foundation: You should never use liquid foundation after more than one year. Always use a sponge, and not your germ-laden fingers! If the foundation separates or smells bad, throw it out.
Loose Powder: This item can last for years.
Eye Shadow: Lasts 12-18 months if it is a cream, 2 years if it’s a powder.
Lip Pencil: Can last 3 years due to the wood and wax. Remember to sharpen and cover between uses.
Lipstick: Can hold up for 2-3 years, but if there is a color change or rancid smell, throw it out.
Lip gloss: Don’t keep more than 18 months due to a different formulation chemical composition and the same dipping problem as mascara.









Comments
I LUV LIP GLOSS
CUZ MY LIP GLOSS IS COLL MY LIP GLOSS IS POPPIN
Posted by: marlee | October 10, 2007 9:49 AM
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Posted by: | September 12, 2007 11:56 AM
watch you show today august 29th .want to get in on makeup giveaway. didnt know makeup goes bad so fast thanks for the tips. love ya johanna
Posted by: johannna | August 29, 2007 9:55 AM
Hey, I have tried all the make-up tips and I have cleaned them like you said thanks for puttng this info on your site
Posted by: Dimesha | August 17, 2007 11:58 PM
LOVE YOUR SHOW. AND LOOKING FOR THE FREE MAKUP.
Posted by: SHERRI | August 15, 2007 12:20 PM
LOVE YOUR SHOW. AND LOOKING FOR THE FREE MAKUP.
Posted by: SHERRI | August 15, 2007 12:20 PM
LOVE YOUR SHOW. AND LOOKING FOR THE FREE MAKUP.
Posted by: SHERRI | August 15, 2007 12:15 PM
LOVE YOUR SHOW. AND LOOKING FOR THE FREE MAKUP.
Posted by: SHERRI | August 15, 2007 12:15 PM
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Posted by: | August 6, 2007 6:38 PM
Hey Tyra! Well I'm interested in a lot of things here but about the foundation things, I was wondering does it matter about your skin? Because whenever I use foundation it seems to effect my face more. And about the eyeshadows, what colors do you think that will match best with a light tan color skin tone. Like asian skin tones LoL. Asians don't specifically have a color to define but yeah. Please give me some advice? Thanks much Tyra. BIG FAN! ANYTIME YOUR SHOW IS ON I WATCH IT ALL THE TIME.
Posted by: Brenda | August 1, 2007 4:24 PM
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Posted by: | July 29, 2007 10:09 AM
hey tyra
am 12 almost 13 and my mum doesn`t like me wearing makeup even lip gloss... it really effects me... i feel like my mum is weird cause how can i nbot be loud to wear stuff like lip-gloss..... well smigght think that i can`t keep makeup clean but i sure can.... you should always keep your make up[ in clean places, clean bags and clean cupboards
Posted by: Naomi | July 19, 2007 11:04 PM
hey tyra
am 12 almost 13 and my mum doesn`t like me wearing makeup even lip gloss... it really effects me... i feel like my mum is weird cause how can i nbot be loud to wear stuff like lip-gloss..... well smigght think that i can`t keep makeup clean but i sure can.... you should always keep your make up[ in clean places, clean bags and clean cupboards
Posted by: Naomi | July 19, 2007 11:04 PM
omg...thats crystal from college hill!!!
Posted by: Alyssa | June 30, 2007 3:26 PM
Thank you, Tara so much for doing this show. I LOVE make up and I have alot of it.I would rarely thow out anything until I saw this show.
Posted by: Ray | June 28, 2007 12:20 PM
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IS THAT CRSTAL FROM COLLEGE HILL ON THE TYRA SHOW
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Posted by: | May 17, 2007 11:01 AM
i want a make over and also a tummy tuck i dont have no money to get me a tummy tuck thank you tammy
Posted by: tammy | May 14, 2007 7:33 AM
Hi tyra, I would like to know how can i use makeup kit of dove no.01 i always try to use but it doesn't look great please help me i want it to use at home. And if you don't mind, can you tell how can i make my face good looking in any type of product that you advised me, my type face is dry and black(not dark black a little bit bright)please help me? Thank you in advance.
Posted by: Banchialem | May 6, 2007 3:30 AM
hi tyra,i am from Trinidad (the Carribbean) and i love makeup,your episode on makeup taught me a lot on overbuying & saving on makeup.PS i am a neat freak (smile)so my makeup area is always clean and i never keep anything to long. thank u for giving me more knowledge & tips on makeup
Posted by: Natalie | May 5, 2007 4:45 AM
hi I was looking up bacteria in types of mascara on google and it led me to this link. Then i started to read the comments and i found one girl that had the same situation as me. See in the 8th grade we have like this huge individual science project and mine was on this subject. So could you please send me some of the information/pictures. thank you
Posted by: alka | April 28, 2007 12:40 PM
hi tyra
my friends and i are doing a science project for school and we would like to know if you may help us by emailing us info on bacteria in make-up and how it can effect your skin.
my friend watched your program about "bacteria in make-up" and got the idea from that show, so what we are asking from you is that if you may please send us info on all the bacteria you guys found in make-up.
love your best fans ever...(remember we are in grade 8.)
Posted by: Valeska | March 26, 2007 1:17 AM
thanks for the tips on make i have had a battle with acne and uneven skin tones for a long time. so maybe now that i follow these tips, hopefully my skin appearance will improve.
Posted by: susan | March 25, 2007 10:10 AM
Hi-
I just saw the video on the young lady who had the flesh eating bacteria from her pedicure. I have heard raves about a nail spa in New Jersey , they DO NOT use those jet tubs. They do not even use water (which harbors bacteria) they use all stainless steel bowls and warm creams!!! I am in Illinois BUT I am saving my money to go there just for the experience. They go by membership only so there is not a wait. They also have many celebrity clients so they believe in confidentiality. Tyra you should feature this woman on your show... I am going to school to be a massage therapist/nail tech/spa manager and I would love to learn from Skye!
Posted by: Nicole | February 16, 2007 1:46 PM
Hi,I am a 7th grade student from MA and for my science fair project decided to do the bacteria in your cometics.This specific show has enspired me to learn more and to teach other people about the bacteria in your cosmetics.Anyway i was just wondering if I could purchase this show on DVD.
Thank You,
Kaylee McCarthy
Posted by: Kaylee | January 31, 2007 7:18 PM
its funny because i go to medical school and we see bacteria under the scope like that alot....its gross what you'll find even in the cleanest places
Posted by: deidre | January 17, 2007 6:11 PM
its funny because i go to medical school and we see bacteria under the scope like that alot....its gross what you'll find even in the cleanest places
Posted by: deidre | January 17, 2007 6:06 PM
Hello Girl,
i love your show especially those about beauty. any tip for dark circles around the eyes. thank you, bye!!!!!
Posted by: Annell | January 4, 2007 5:09 PM
Hey Tyra,
my friend and I are doing a sciece fair project on Make up and bateria. I was wondering if you could give me any info. Because there is no info! Thanks!
Posted by: Aubrey | January 4, 2007 10:00 AM
Dear Tyra,
Im so glad that you did that because so girls my age 13 hold on to there old make for ever and still use it often.
Love
Abbey
Posted by: Abbey | December 29, 2006 10:32 PM
Dear Tyra
I have a problem with zits please help.
Posted by: Courtney | December 27, 2006 2:28 PM
i luv u tyra
Posted by: | December 23, 2006 4:08 PM
Thank you so much for doing this episode. I am a lipgloss fanatic and I realized that maybe it was time for some of it to go. Your outfits are so nice too!
Posted by: Anna | December 20, 2006 4:56 PM
Me again, I watch Jay on several programs including yours and he is awesome. On QCV he shined (smile).
Posted by: Goldie | December 14, 2006 7:46 PM
I was watching your show and must say that he is the best makeup artist that I have seen in a long time.
Please send me some of his products which is being offered to the first 50.
Thanks and God Bless.
Posted by: Goldie | December 14, 2006 7:42 PM
It's amazing how many presentations you come up with day to day life. You are able to involve everyone no matter what age. You are socialable and yet you are able to accept people as individuals and make them feel good about themselves. Self-esteem is number one in life and believing there is no word such as "can't". Thank you for caring!!!
Posted by: yvonne | December 14, 2006 4:41 PM
I am watching the Tyra show today which is Thursday the 14th, and Tyra had said that if I logged in right then, the first 50 who log in to Tyrashow.com will receive a gift, (lip gloss, and something else). Please get back to me and let me know what to do once I logged in. Thanx.
Posted by: Cami | December 14, 2006 3:58 PM
hiya tyra i watch your talk show ever day i come home from school at 4 o'clock. i think everthing you say is fantastic. i really want to be a modal but im too short what can i do? well bye!
Posted by: sarah | December 14, 2006 2:05 PM
Hi Tyra
I was watching your show today and I love putting lipstick on top of lipstick and lipgloss etc.OK!! you are right!!it's wrong! I Love your show,thank you for making me laugh!! and enjoy BYE!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Monica | December 14, 2006 1:44 PM
hello Tara, I want to know about a make up line I can use for my oily skin.
thanks
Posted by: ndieme ndoye | December 14, 2006 9:57 AM
Tyra, I love your show and watch it as much as I can. I hope I made one of the first fifty people that signed on. This is the first time I do this. Luv Ya, Carmen
Posted by: Carmen Mildred | December 14, 2006 6:39 AM
hi tyra i would like to no how you can get rid of gray roots that come out every 3 weeks after you dye the roots. i do not like to go and have them dyed that often. help
Posted by: linda | December 12, 2006 1:33 PM
hi tyra i want to ask how long can we use a bronzer? its a powder so can that be used for years? and my other question is that i use maybelline dream matte mousse eyeshadow and foundation so do you know how long is that going to last?
Posted by: SADAF | December 12, 2006 11:16 AM
Hi Tyra!
I LOVE your show, it is my favorite show, and watch it twice a day! Anyway, I know that you have dry skin, and I do too, and I was wondering, what do you to prevent your foundation and powder from flaking on your skin? When I apply my foundation, if I look closely, I can see flakes of dry skin. I don't know if I need to change what type of makeup I'm using (MAC), or my moisturizer (Oil of Olay) or my regimne all together. THANKS!
Posted by: Jay | December 12, 2006 9:14 AM
Tyra,
I recenty purchased Jay's make up and I think it is great! It looks really natural but when I ware makeup I break out by the end of the night. Is there anything that can provent this or any makeup that will be better?
Victoria Reyes
Houston, Texas
Posted by: Victoria | December 9, 2006 9:23 AM
HEY TYRA,
I HAVE A QUESTION?
DO I HAVE TO WASH MY BLUSH BRUSH TOO?(WITH SOAP).
I JUST LOVE YOUR HAIR COLOR MY NATURAL HAIR COLOR IS DARK BROWN BUT I HAVE DYED MY HAIR COLOR INTO BLACK.MY COMLEXTION IS NOT TOOOOO WHITE LIKE A WHITE GIRLS BUT IDONT HAVE A DARK SKIN EITHER.YOU THINK YOUR HAIR COLOR WILL SUITS ME ?
ONCE AGAIN I LOVE YOUR SHOW AND I LOVE U....
Posted by: ayesha chaudhry | December 8, 2006 11:30 PM
what about eye liners, u didn't say anything about how long that lasts, just wanted 2 know.
thank u.
Posted by: terri | December 8, 2006 9:07 PM
Hi Tyra -
I wanted to mention other things that can happen due to using old make up. My daughter has that bad habit and twice her eye developed bacterial infections in her eye that became PeriOrbital Cellulitus. Sounds funny but, it causes her eye to swell to a point that her eye is swelled shut and it's painful. She had to get immediate antibiotic shots in her hips that are painful to get as they are large needles. Take very strong antibiotics for weeks and it's not pretty. And she's a gorgeous 17 year old girl. The first thing the nurse said to her was "Eewww...don't you watch the Tyra show"? The doctors told her to throw all of her make up away. Every single piece of her make up and start over when you are done taking the medicine. We did take a picture of her so that she knows what could happen again should she decide to use old make up or an unclean eye lash curler. I'd love to send you pictures of her with and without the infection.
Thank you for your time.
Posted by: Gloria Morales | December 8, 2006 10:27 AM
Yes, I was watching your show tonight, And i have all that old make-up and nasty stuff... Thank you for doing this kinda thing on your show Because now i know.. And also How do i get the Free Shirt and Other stuff?? Iv been all over your website looking and still cannot find anything. Thanks
Felisha
Posted by: Felisha | December 7, 2006 8:52 PM
Hello, I was watching the show and they said that you could receive the makeup from the show for the first 50 people that signed up on the website. I am hopping I am one of the oes that are of the first 50? Did I make it? Did I soign up in the right place? I will keep looking and sign up in other places if there are more places if I find them. Thansk for all the great shows you have!! You guys are great!!,
Joanne
Posted by: Joanne | December 7, 2006 8:40 PM
for free makeup on show dec 7 06
Posted by: Marlys | December 7, 2006 8:36 PM
Hey,
I'm a grade 12 student from Nova Scotia, Canada. I am doing a science project on the bacteria that can live on your cosmetics. I decided to do this project because of this specific Tyra show. I was just wondering something. I recall someone on the show mentioning E coli was found on a girls make up. Does anyone remember what was said about that?
Thanks guys.
-Tonya
Posted by: Tonya | December 6, 2006 5:07 PM
Tyra I love your show and thanks for the info. on makeup.The information was great and also needed.I never knew a person could contract a virus such as herpes by sharing lipstick.Whoa. I don't wear much lipstick but have in the past and now I can pass this information on to other women("and men"), who don't know.
Posted by: Deborah | December 5, 2006 2:16 PM
I have acne and have had it for years. It sort of gets depressing sometimes. I am a very outgoing person and I love being around people but I am always always worried about what my face looks like and wondering why I can't have perfect skin like everyone else around me seems to have...atleast compared to mine. :( Please help me...I've seriously tried everything...from dermatoligists perscriptions to natural pills and vitamins...HELP!!!!
Posted by: | December 3, 2006 1:46 PM
Tyra GUHHHH!!!! i just love ur show. u r amazing and gorgeous!! Thanks for the tips doll. Holla at ya gurl.
Susie
Posted by: Susie | November 30, 2006 8:42 AM
Hey Tyra
Loved the show! It really helped me with my science fair project. My friend and I are doing a project on the bateria growth rate within different types of lip gloss. If you could help us in any way it would be great!
=]]
-Chelsea, California
Posted by: Chelsea | November 29, 2006 9:17 PM
gross
Posted by: tutu | November 20, 2006 11:48 AM
WOW!!!!
tyra once I saw your show about bacteria & makup bags, I was shocked!!
I got all my makup & made sure there not to old or have an odar, and bought some knew ones!!I was amanzed on how much
bacteria that can be found in your makup & even in your makup bags. THANK YOU TYRA!
you've helped everyone around you!!!
LOVE YA GURL!!!!!!
vivi
Posted by: vivi | November 11, 2006 8:27 AM
I really wish I would have washed this epsidoe. when is the rerun?
I have to admit that I have makeup that is more than 2 years old.
Is it really expired? It still stays on good, no odor, no allergic reaction.
Posted by: jessica | November 10, 2006 3:21 PM
hey tyra I love your show I watch your show about every other day the show that was interesting to me was the make-up bacteria show that was the most ineresting because my friend and I are doing a science project on lip gloss and bacteria .I hope that could you help us know more information about bacteria in lip gloss that would be wonderful thanks.
Posted by: Ruby | October 25, 2006 1:55 PM
were doing a science project on you show about make-up and how much bacteria is on lip gloss thanxs 4 the idea:)
-Addie 14 years old freshmen at james lick high school
Posted by: addie | October 25, 2006 1:53 PM
I watched the show today, and your comment at the end of the show was so right on. Your popularity, and the young people watching need to know. I am a grandmother and looks really don't matter anymore, but for the young, they need to learn about inner beauty. Thank you
Posted by: Betty | October 24, 2006 7:02 AM
Hi tyra! I love this episode! Now I know the shelf life of my make ups! Sorry for my english Im not that fluent =)
Posted by: Cynthia | October 21, 2006 1:53 PM
Hey tyra, i as well saw your show on how many of the bacterias do get into the makeup. if i didn't watch the show, i would have never known. someone let me know about the makeup in the sephora store, i love to shop there. thanks mary
Posted by: mary | October 11, 2006 11:36 PM
Hey tyra and everyone else!!!! the best stuff for cleansing, moisturizing, and just to freshen up ur face is CETAPHIL it is the best stuff its fragrence free and it removes make up cleanses moisturizes and freshens ur face up and makes u have that natural beauty!!!! i promise it works ive used it since i was 9 so its great!!! its cheap so try it much love- kim
Posted by: kim | October 6, 2006 6:02 PM
wow!!! tyra i saw your episode about all the bacteria in our makeups bags, and i was shocked i couldnt believe what i had just seen, so i go and tell all of my friends about the show and they went out that same day to go buy new makeup. now i just have a quick question that i cant seem to find the answer,what kinds of hair,makeup,fashions will be in for the winter?
Posted by: tania | October 3, 2006 10:49 AM
Hey Tyra
First I would like to say I love your show and this episode was crazy I cant believe all the creatures that are in make up. I just thanks god I only wear eyeliner and eyeshadow. All the other is to expensive. But the liner i had and eyeshadow were so old I tossed them after that show Thanks for the critter tips
Posted by: Carla | September 29, 2006 5:43 PM
Hi Tyra, I was wondering how long does Eye Liner last?
Is it the same life span as the Lip Pencil?
I would hate to get Bacteria or Pink Eye from an old eye liner pencil. Please help!
Thank You.
Posted by: Crystal | September 29, 2006 8:48 AM
Tyra, thank you so much for the makeup tips. I only saw the makeup episode a few days ago on Oxygen. I had no idea makeup could get this contaminated. I knew about the mascara even though I held on to them longer than I needed. I have eyeshadows that are over five years old - terrible I know. I have all my makeup on the floor of my room and I am slowly purging. It's hard for me to let go but I am trying. To give you an idea of what's going on I had fifty six lipsticks, yes you heard me fifty six - thats just not right. Anyways thanks for the tips and keep up the great job.
Posted by: Candis | September 28, 2006 10:29 PM
hEY!!! I used to always buy mascara remover, but found out a few months ago that baby oil works even better....put it on a cotton ball and rub it on ur eyelashes..inside n out/ Also....if u decide to use powder eyeshadow...u can apply plain chapstick 2 ur eyelids first and it makes the eyeshadow last longer...i learned it from puttin the chapstick on as a mistake b4, thinkin it was eyeshadow. Another beauty trick...in pro-activ.. the 2nd bottle(the green liquid) takes mascara off reallllly good.
Posted by: Megan | September 28, 2006 5:24 PM
hey.. i was jus wondering if there was any more information that u could supply about bacteria and makeup... ive got a science experiment that i did as an assesment straight after i watched ur show... thanks for the idea..
sher xx
Posted by: sheridyn | September 24, 2006 1:21 AM
"Oh my god" I couldn't believe what I saw on your show about how to keep makeup clean, I try to have my makeup pretty "neat" and boy was I wrong, I thru away all of my brushes and got new ones, just the thouth of having live thingies on them I itch all over just like you did on your show, thank you very much for showing us.
Great show love it.
Posted by: danay | September 23, 2006 10:34 PM
hey tyra...i have to say...not only are you an icon for the ordinary female( me) but your real!!!! Not stuck up and prissy like many celebs". i watched the repeat episode on make up and bacteria and withIman who is absolutely gorgeous!!) all the tips were awseome and make a lot of sense. i am 25 yrs old and live in the bx, ny. i feel like i have to wake up early just to "fix my face". right after i go through my make up and replace anything that may be carrying nasty bacteria, i will teat out the tips !!! 5 minutes sounds better then 20 minutes...especially when i have to wake up at 5am.
question....any tips on how to keep your make upon for a 9-13 hour day? between working full time and going to school 4 out of a 5 days week...i find myself reapllying in the middle of the day .
Posted by: Patrizia | September 21, 2006 7:02 AM
I watched this episode and i cringed at the thought of so much germs and bacteria. I finally let go of my fave mascara and I've bought some other make up as well that I generally needed.
Thanks for sharing that tip, Diana and Steph!! I will make sure to buy some baby shampoo. Also baby washcloths are great for exfoliating the skin, because they are so gentle for a baby's skin!
Posted by: marilyn | September 19, 2006 11:28 AM
When I watched the show I got so freaked out that I threw away all my old brushes and sponges etc. I couldn't believe all the bacteria etc that could be lurking in my brushes. I then went out and bought new inexpensive makeup. Thank you so much Tyra,our health should always be a priority.
Posted by: Rose | September 18, 2006 12:06 PM
I watched the program about applying makeup. I remember that you put white powder on your eyes. I can't remember at what point in your application that this is done. Going over my face with a wet sponge is a great idea. Thanks! Julie
Posted by: Julie | September 16, 2006 2:13 PM
thanks 4 the tips on makeup
i just wanted 2 know if people shop at sephora because my mom dose i wanted to know if theres bugs like in that girls makeup in the sephora makeup please awser back
Posted by: megan | September 15, 2006 5:42 AM
when you put your wand in your mascara, twist it instead of pumping it in the bottle. twisting will squeeze out the air bubbles.. less air.. less bacteria.
Posted by: Heidi | September 11, 2006 9:52 PM
that was the most incradible idea anyone could of have to put on a talk show the day i watched the show right after it was done i through everything away and went make up shopping i told all of my friends and now we do not"dare to share". thanks love Diana
Posted by: Diana | September 5, 2006 9:02 PM
To clear up itchy irritated eyes, my eye doctor recommended washing eye make-up off with baby shampoo. It works great!
Posted by: Susan | September 5, 2006 2:16 AM
hey i am wanting to find info on the show that you did on bacteria found on tyra's make up sponges. i cant find that info. can you help.
cindy potter
Posted by: cindy potter | September 3, 2006 4:28 AM
a good tip for cleaning your makeup brushes is to use baby shampoo! It's mild and gets the job done! Also make sure to turn the brush upside down and rub it in the palm of your hand as you're cleaning it, to make sure that all of the old excess make up comes out!
Posted by: Steph | August 17, 2006 8:08 PM