How to clean your makeup bag to bust germs and grime (you need to do this NOW!)

Did you know that only 34% of women clean their makeup bags at least once a year? Yup. That’s an actual number — from a survey done by the folks at Q-tips.

Now, imagine how that makes your makeup bag a breeding ground for germs and bacteria — every single time you pull it out in the tube, a taxi, or a bathroom, pick out a lip gloss or mascara with not-so-clean hands, place products on a restaurant or office table and chuck them back in again!

I mean, just think everywhere your makeup bag and its products have been. And then think of all the germs that have been breeding in its depths. 

Several laboratory tests have already proved that makeup bags are breeding grounds for all kinds of bacteria and other micro-organisms, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus (causes skin infections and food poisoning), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (blood infections and pneumonia!).

In fact, did you know that the average bag contains more bacteria than a toilet seat? Shocking, right? The thing is, our makeup products come into direct contact with our skin, eyes, and lips daily. The last thing you want is to introduce harmful bacteria to those delicate areas.

So, how much bacteria could be inside of YOUR bag? Short answer: Probably more than you think.

Hence, along with religiously washing your hands and sanitizing your space, you really, really need to do one more thing — clean out and disinfect your makeup bag. NOW.

How to Clean Your Makeup Bag: Press the Reset Button

As a first step, dump all the contents of your makeup bag on a table. Then, clean the bag thoroughly (inside and out) using anti-bacterial wipes. 

If it’s a cloth bag and washable, go one step further and toss it into your washing machine. 

If you have a leather makeup bag like me, keep the special leather cleaner at hand — normal soap will likely spoil the material. You can use a cotton swab to get into the tight corners!

Finally, allow the bag to dry completely before replacing the contents.

Declutter: Less is More!

This is also the perfect time to take stock of what you are actually using right now, toss out expired products, and store everything else away in a cool, dry place. After all, do you really need 16 lipsticks going everywhere with you? 

You just need to follow some simple steps:

Step 1: Empty your cosmetic bag completely. This is your canvas, and you’re the artist!

Step 2: Discard any old makeup items past their expiration date. Don’t remember the expiry date? If it smells weird, looks off, or has changed texture, it’s time to bid farewell.

Step 3: Prioritize. When was the last time you used that particular liquid foundation or eyelash curler? Keep products you use daily or frequently, and consider storing occasional-use items separately.

How to Clean Your Makeup Bag: Sanitize, Sanitize, Sanitize!

No makeup artist would be caught dead without a mammoth supply of isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol), hand sanitizer, and anti-bacterial brush cleansers. 

Once a month (or after you’ve had any infection), wipe the inside of your makeup bag with anti-bacterial wipes, followed by a damp cloth. 

If your bag is washable, give it a good cleanse with warm water in the washing machine. Dry it thoroughly, preferably in the sun, to kill any remaining germs.

At the same time, gently swab all makeup surfaces — eye shadow, blush, compact powder or foundation, lipstick, etc — with rubbing alcohol to de-germify. And keep a pencil sharpener handy — it’s the best way to keep your brow, eye, and lip liner sanitized.

Finally, it’s time to give your brushes and other makeup tools a good cleaning with gentle soap or a brush cleaner. Swirl your brushes in lukewarm water, cleanse, rinse, and lay them flat to dry. Cleanse your beauty sponges by squeezing them under lukewarm water with soap until the water runs clear. 

“Bag It Right”: Choose the Perfect Companion

You would only wear a dress that does flatter you, so why settle for a makeup bag that doesn’t serve you? Powders, grime, and germs latch onto cloth or canvas surfaces, making them difficult to clean.

A makeup bag made from plastic, on the other hand, is ideal because it’s easy to clean and is resistant to spills. If you still prefer a cloth makeup bag, ensure it’s machine washable. 

Multiple zippered compartments also help in keeping things organized and separated. And clear makeup bags allow you to see everything at a glance!

A Place for Everything and Everything in Its Place

Now that everything’s spick and span, the next step is to put things back in your clean makeup bag.

Step 1: Group similar beauty products together. All lip products in one section, eyeliners in another, you get the drill.

Step 2: Use pouches or separators if your bag doesn’t have compartments. This prevents products from scratching or leaking onto each other.

Step 3: Keep items you use daily or most frequently at the top or in an easily accessible compartment.

Sharing is Not Caring

DO NOT SHARE YOUR MAKEUP. EVER! 

This is not being selfish — merely smart. Sharing lipsticks and mascara wands is the easiest way to spread germs. And that’s not all: according to the best hygiene practices, do not double-task your tools. 

Lip brushes should only be used on the lips, and the same goes for the eyes. This is not a place to mix and match.

Your beauty bag doesn’t need a daily overhaul. But, setting aside a little time on a weekly basis for quick clean-ups with a disinfecting wipe and a more thorough clean-up once a month can keep your bag and its contents in prime condition. 

This not only prolongs the life of your products but ensures you’re applying clean makeup, which your skin will thank you for.

Plus, there’s a unique satisfaction in opening a clean makeup bag, finding what you need at a glance, and knowing it’s all germ-free. You’ve not only saved yourself from potential skin problems but also made your daily routine smoother and more efficient. A dirty makeup bag, on the other hand, is so uninspiring. Isn’t it?

Cheers to healthier habits, pristine products, and impeccable makeup days ahead!

How often do you clean your makeup bag? Tell me in the comments section – I promise not to judge!