By Janine Falcon, TheKit.ca.

Do you know what could be growing on your makeup applicators and on the surface of your makeup too? Staphylococcus, streptococcus and e-coli -- eww. And if you aren't diligent about cleaning your brushes and regularly changing your powder puffs, you're creating a bacteria-fest freeway between your cosmetics and your face, which could lead to all kinds of horrors for your skin.

In this Global News report, Marianne Dimain talks to M.A.C Senior Artist Jane McKay, Consonant Body's Bill Baker, and me about the hazards of dirty brushes and makeup, and how to clean up your act.

Get a refresher on how to clean your makeup brushes thoroughly and how often. For more suggestions on must-have new beauty tools to help keep skin safe, pop over to this Fresh Faced story in The Kit's digital magazine.

Beauty So Clean Cosmetic sanitizer Mist and Wipes, at drugstores and www.beautysoclean.com; Sephora Hot Hues clutch and pencil sharpener at Sephora; benefit Gabbi Makeup Bag, via www.benefitcosmetics.com.

More stories from TheKit.ca:

The Best Dry Shampoo Tip: Our Fuss-Free Application Secret
Short Hairstyle Inspiration
Best Moisturizer for Spring-ready skin

Here are 10 tips to de-clutter and organize your makeup mess.

If You Don't Use It, Lose It!

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Take a look at your current makeup drawer, do you really need all those lipsticks and eyeshadows? What about that colour you thought you would like? If these questions are making you think about your collection, It's time to start chucking things out. "If you haven't used a particular product in the last six months, toss it or give it to a friend (after its been sanitized). If you've had it for multiple years, definitely toss it. Makeup can go bad and be a breeding ground for bacteria over time. Using expired makeup is not only bad for your skin, but can also lead to nasty things like eye infections," says makeup artist Jessica Jean Myers.

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Take a look at your current makeup drawer, do you really need all those lipsticks and eyeshadows? What about that colour you thought you would like? If these questions are making you think about your collection, It's time to start chucking things out. "If you haven't used a particular product in the last six months, toss it or give it to a friend (after its been sanitized). If you've had it for multiple years, definitely toss it. Makeup can go bad and be a breeding ground for bacteria over time. Using expired makeup is not only bad for your skin, but can also lead to nasty things like eye infections," says makeup artist Jessica Jean Myers.

If You Don't Use It, Lose It!

 

1

 / 11

SHARE THIS SLIDE

Take a look at your current makeup drawer, do you really need all those lipsticks and eyeshadows? What about that colour you thought you would like? If these questions are making you think about your collection, It's time to start chucking things out. "If you haven't used a particular product in the last six months, toss it or give it to a friend (after its been sanitized). If you've had it for multiple years, definitely toss it. Makeup can go bad and be a breeding ground for bacteria over time. Using expired makeup is not only bad for your skin, but can also lead to nasty things like eye infections," says makeup artist Jessica Jean Myers.

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