How often do you wash your makeup brushes? When did you last replace your mascara? And can you remember the last time you cleaned your makeup bag? If you’re struggling to answer any of those questions, you’re not alone.
A new online Make-up Hygiene Calculator has been designed to reveal just how hygienic your beauty routine really is, analysing everything from how often you clean your brushes and beauty sponges to where you store your cosmetics and whether you’re hanging on to products long past their expiry date.
At the end, you’ll receive a personalised hygiene score, practical advice and, perhaps, a wake-up call.
It also comes at a timely moment. As another summer heatwave grips much of Europe, experts are warning that the heat may be affecting more than your skincare routine. Warm, humid conditions can also encourage bacteria to multiply on makeup brushes, beauty sponges, and cosmetic products, increasing the risk of skin irritation, breakouts, and even infections.
According to beauty and wellness platform Fresha, many consumers overlook basic makeup hygiene, despite using the same brushes and products every day. To help people assess their habits, the company has launched the online Make-up Hygiene Calculator, which analyses everything from how often you clean your brushes and replace old products to where you store your cosmetics, before generating a personalised hygiene score and practical tips for improvement.
The warning is backed by pharmacist Neesha Desai from Landys Chemist, who says dirty makeup tools can quickly become a breeding ground for bacteria.
‘Brushes used on your face can be a breeding ground for bacteria, particularly if they are not cleaned properly or are stored in damp or unhygienic conditions,’ she explains. ‘Dirty brushes transfer oil and dead skin cells back onto the skin, which may contribute to blocked pores, irritation, breakouts and, in some cases, skin or eye infections.’
The delicate skin around the eyes is particularly vulnerable, making regular cleaning of brushes and the timely replacement of products such as mascara and liquid eyeliner especially important.
Desai recommends washing makeup brushes regularly with a gentle cleanser and allowing them to dry completely before storing them. Beauty sponges should be cleaned frequently and replaced more often, as they retain moisture more easily than brushes.
She also advises against sharing make-up, particularly eye and lip products, which can spread bacteria and viruses between users.
Another commonly overlooked risk is expired make-up. Cosmetics labelled with symbols such as 6M, 12M or 24M indicate how many months they remain safe to use after opening. As preservatives lose their effectiveness over time, changes in colour, texture, smell or consistency are all signs that a product should be discarded.
