It's crazy to think that we've been quarantining for about almost a year now, but as the coronavirus and other sicknesses swarm around (hello flu season), it's important to take plenty of precautions to protect yourself from getting sick... including your beauty hygiene routine!
Even though we may not be wearing makeup on a daily basis, it inevitably involves touching our faces. One of the most common ways to contract a cold, flu, or even COVID is by touching an infected object or person and then touching your face.
Our team at Subtl is staying healthy by using these simple, yet effective, preventative measures (and we think you should, too!):
1. Wash those hands
This is the most important rule of all, and one that you should stick with even after quarantine. Before applying your makeup or skincare products, wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have a sink nearby, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Mini hand sanitizers like Daylogic’s are great because you can take them everywhere for added precaution.
2. Stop touching that pretty face of yours
While we typically promote finger application, we recommend switching to applicators and brushes in the wake of the virus and flu season. Bacteria and viruses that hitch a ride on your fingers can easily enter the body through the eyes, nose, and mouth so it’s best to avoid face touching as much as possible. I keep my Stack which includes an applicator and Stack Brush BFF in my purse at all times because it’s multipurpose and has a lid for bacteria-free storage.
3. Use makeup tools... and clean them!
We love finger application, but while trying to be a little more conscious of touching our faces, brushes and sponges are the safer route—as long as you clean them regularly. Brushes and sponges should be cleaned once every seven to ten days. All you really need is warm water and baby shampoo to get the job done. Check out our How To Clean Your Makeup Brush blog to learn when and how to clean your beauty tools.
4. Toss out your outdated makeup (you can always buy more, right?)
Old products aren't just collecting dust, they're collecting bacteria, too. Makeup products like most everything else, are great... but do not last forever before becoming a health risk. Check out our blog on How To Spring Clean Your Makeup to learn more about when to love or leave certain makeup products.
5. Wash or swap out your masks regularly
The more we wear our masks, the more it becomes part of our daily attire, and can be easy to forget to take off and get the good cleaning that it needs! Make sure to wash or swap out your masks regularly to avoid germs, bacteria, or oil-buildup onto your face! In addition to keeping your mask clean, we have some useful tips on mask-wearing makeup as well as a tutorial to keep your skin and pores from clogging up, too!
Taking these extra steps to stay germ-free while going about your day can make all the difference!