Essential Guide to Sanitizing Makeup Tools and Products with Isopropyl Alcohol

Have you ever had your makeup done by a professional makeup artist? Or are you a professional makeup artist yourself?

No matter which side of the equation you find yourself on, there is one crucial concern that should always be on your mind: the sanitization of your makeup tools and products. Makeup, along with the tools used to apply it, is particularly vulnerable to the growth of bacteria and fungi, especially when stored or applied in environments like bathrooms where moisture is prevalent. Fortunately, with a bottle of Isopropyl (Rubbing) Alcohol on hand, you can effectively take control of this situation. Curious about how to do this? Read on for essential insights and guidelines.

Can you use Isopropyl Alcohol to clean makeup?

Professional makeup artists worldwide often rely on Isopropyl Alcohol for its effectiveness in sanitizing makeup and tools. Given the high cost of quality makeup, it is important to use a reliable cleaning agent that won’t compromise the integrity of your products. For optimal results, it is recommended to use a solution that contains 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. This powerful solvent not only cleans but also disinfects your makeup items with ease.

How to clean makeup tools using Isopropyl Alcohol?

When it comes to cleaning your makeup tools, timing is key. Rushing through the process will not yield effective sanitization. Remember that partial cleaning and inadequate drying can lead to bacterial development on your tools. Here’s a detailed guide to ensure thorough cleaning:

Step 1: Begin by soaking all your makeup tools, especially brushes, in cold water. Ensure only the bristle part gets wet. For tools like lash curlers, use a wet cloth to clean them and set them aside.
Step 2: Apply some shampoo to your palm or a thick board, and gently swish the wet brushes over it. Avoid being too harsh, but don’t be overly gentle either, as effective cleaning is crucial.

You will notice the dirt and makeup residue lifting away as you work the brushes through the shampoo foam.

Step 3: Rinse the brushes under cold water, ensuring that only the bristles are wet, while keeping the handles dry.
Step 4: Take a glass jar with a wide enough mouth to accommodate dipping the brushes.
Step 5: Fill the jar with a mixture of 1 part Isopropyl Alcohol to 3 parts water, mixing well to create a uniform solution.
Step 6: Dip the bristles of the brushes into the Isopropyl Alcohol and water solution.
Step 7: Allow the brushes to soak for a minimum of five minutes.
Step 8: After soaking, remove the brushes, squeeze out excess water, and lay them flat on a thick towel to dry overnight.

TIP: If you’re short on time, a hairdryer on a low setting can expedite the drying process for your brushes.

Step 9: For tools that lack bristles, such as makeup sponges or applicators, spray Isopropyl Alcohol over them after the second step.
Step 10: Finally, wipe down the tools with a tissue or a clean microfiber cloth.

Can you spray Isopropyl Alcohol on makeup?

Yes, you can safely spray Isopropyl Alcohol on various makeup products; however, the method may vary depending on the type of product. For instance:

For liquid makeup in bottles, spray Isopropyl Alcohol on the exterior surfaces. For hard-to-reach areas like the inside of the cap or nozzle, use cotton swabs dipped in Alcohol.
For powder products such as eyeshadow palettes, face powders, blushes, and bronzers, spray Rubbing Alcohol directly over the product, ensuring thorough saturation. Allow it to air dry; while the Alcohol evaporates quickly, it’s best to leave the product exposed for a bit longer.
For pencil makeup products, dip the sharpener into the Rubbing Alcohol solution, then dip the pencil into Alcohol, sharpen it, and dip it once more before letting it dry.
For cream-based makeup, scrape off the top layer, spray a small amount of Rubbing Alcohol on the exposed surface, and allow it to evaporate. You can repeat scraping for extra safety.

Pro Tip: To maintain a clean and sanitized makeup routine, always use disposable applicators or dispense products onto a palette before application. This practice minimizes the risk of contamination and ensures a safe experience for your clients.

Can you clean lipstick with Rubbing Alcohol?

Cleaning and sanitizing lipsticks is straightforward and quick. Follow these steps:

Open the lipstick cap and place both components on a clean surface.
Use cotton swabs dipped in 70% Isopropyl Alcohol to clean the nooks and crevices inside the cap. For the outer surface, spray Alcohol and wipe it clean with a cotton tissue or cloth.
Next, take a small container filled halfway with 70% Rubbing Alcohol.
Dip the entire length of the lipstick into the Rubbing Alcohol for about 30 to 50 seconds.
Afterward, remove the lipstick and place it on a clean, dry surface to dry for at least 15 minutes before reapplying.

NOTE: This method is specifically for traditional lipstick tubes. For liquid and gel lipsticks, the same cleaning process as mentioned for liquid makeup products applies. Additionally, using disposable lipstick wands or brushes is highly recommended.

How do you disinfect a makeup palette?

Start by using cotton swabs to clean around the eyeshadow or lipstick sections of the palette. If dry swabs aren’t effective, you can moisten them with micellar water.
Once the canvas of the palette is clean, spray it with 70% Isopropyl Alcohol. If you notice any buildup on the product surface, scrape it off and spray Alcohol again. Ensure to spray from a distance, similar to how you would with perfume.
Allow the palette to dry or gently dab it with a dry cotton tissue for additional safety.
Although the drying process is quick, it’s best to wait for at least an hour before reapplying any makeup from the palette.

Can you use hand sanitizer on makeup?

If you’re considering hand sanitizer for cleaning makeup from your face, it’s essential to refrain from doing so. Although hand sanitizers contain Rubbing Alcohol, they are not intended for facial use. The skin on your face is much more delicate than that on your hands.

Furthermore, if you’re thinking of substituting Isopropyl Alcohol with hand sanitizer for cleaning makeup products, think again. Hand sanitizers often contain additional ingredients, such as benzalkonium chloride, which can lead to skin irritation and allergies. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using hand sanitizer in place of Rubbing Alcohol when dealing with makeup.

Wrapping up…

Cleaning your makeup and tools is just as vital as washing your clothes and towels. However, when using Rubbing Alcohol, one must be cautious. Make sure not to oversaturate products when spraying and allow adequate drying time before sealing them. Experts recommend sanitizing personal makeup brushes and products every week or two, while professionals should clean their tools after each makeup session to ensure the highest level of hygiene.