Research confirms makeup is a breeding ground for bacteria

Research in a study in October 2019 by Aston University in Birmingham confirms that our makeup and makeup tools need regular cleaning and sanitising.

Something of a bit of a mantra for us here at TPHC HQ.  We know from previous research that 60% of woman admit to sharing makeup; 72% of us have never washed our makeup brushes and that over 80% of women do not understand the PAO on products (period after opening).  So, it’s no surprise that Dr Amreen Bashir’s study proved what we have been saying for a long time.

Key findings from the university’s research on 467 used makeup products (96 lipsticks, 92 eyeliners, 93 mascara, 107 lip glosses and 79 beauty blender sponges) showed that nine of of 10 were contaminated with bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as fungus.

Makeup sponges were the worst offenders and the most fungus-laden products, with 96% of the 79 sponges containing fungus.  93% of makeup sponges had NEVER been cleaned (gross) and 64% of those had been dropped on the floor!

Potential harms from contaminated products and tools can lead to skin infections as well as blood poisoning particularly if used on cut or grazed skin or near eyes and mouth.

It’s very simple – if you don’t clean your makeup, your makeup brushes and sponges you run the risk of putting your skin, eyes and mouth in contact with potential nasty bacteria and fungus.

Whilst beauty brands have hygiene training and products on counter to avoid cross-contamination and help minimise any potential risk of picking up a nasty infection from testers, it’s seems that users are the worst offenders when it comes down to hygiene.

Luckily, help is at hand as The Pro Hygiene Collection is all about making beauty professionally clean – easy, simple to use, value, quality products for the beauty industry and makeup users (like ourselves) to keep tools, products and hands clean (TPHC)!

So here’s what to use on your makeup and tools – and of course, all available on our web shop. Our products are made here in the UK, are vegan, cruelty-free, have recyclable packaging and very importantly have been developed to do the job in hand and have been independently tested by a UK laboratory on a whole range of products and tools so we know they do what they say on the tin.

FOR MAKEUP
Clean and sanitise your makeup with The Pro Hygiene Collection Antibacterial Makeup Spray – it’s really simple to use and kills 99.99% of bacteria.

FOR MAKEUP BRUSHES AND APPLICATORS INCLUDING MASCARA WANDS AND LIP GLOSS APPLICATORS
Clean and sanitiSe your makeup brushes with The Pro Hygiene Collection Makeup Brush Spray – quick and easy to use to remove oils, pigments, creams, gels, foundations etc and it sanitiSes by killing 99.9% of bacteria.

FOR BEAUTY BLENDERS AND MAKEUP SPONGES
Clean thoroughly using The Pro Hygiene Collection Makeup Brush and Sponge Sanitising Wash and let air dry before use. Dry away from the bathroom or kitchen in a clean area and definitely not on a used towel. Wash and then to ensure they are germ-free, give your brushes a once over with the Makeup Brush Cleaner (kills 99.99% of germs).  It’s easy to forget the sponges in compacts for powder, foundation and even eye shadow.

FOR HANDS
Our instant, refreshing Hand Sanitising Gel also kills 99.9% of bacteria for when you are out and about and do not have access to hot water and soap.  Remember washing hands does not mean a quick rinse under water, it means a thorough clean and it takes time.  Sing the happy birthday song twice.

AND DON’T FORGET YOUR MAKEUP BAG
Find an old towel (clean of course), but one that you don’t mind if you get lippie on it!  Empty the contents of your makeup bag and then be ruthless.  Sort out the makeup and tools.  What is in good shape and can be rescued and really be honest with yourself and cull the hopeless items. To clean a plastic bag – give it a thorough wash with The Pro Hygiene Collection® Makeup Brush & Sponge Sanitising Wash and let dry.  A material bag – wash in the washing machine according to instructions or hand wash with the The Pro Hygiene Collection® Makeup Brush & Sponge Sanitising Wash.

HAVE A MAKEUP CULL
If it looks and smell funny, then throw it out.

NEVER SHARE MAKEUP
It’s a real no-no. Just don’t risk it. If you are sharing you makeup and makeup brushes, then beware as you are not only potentially catching a nasty infection, but also passing on something to your friend – the cold sore virus, eye infections and the rest.