Medical Reports: Makeup Mistakes

WSVN -- From a young age, we women seem to develop a thing for makeup and almost everyone has a makeup bag that looks like this: powders, foundations, lipsticks, mascaras, blushes.

But beware because cosmetics are missing a very important warning.

Dr. Valentina Bradley, East Side Dermatology: "A lot of these products aren't regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so an expiration date is not required."

Dermatologist Valentina Bradly says makeup does expire, and using older products can do more harm than good.

Dr. Valentina Bradley: "You're basically applying bacteria to your face daily, and that can cause breakouts and clogging of pores."

And dirty makeup can cause serious health problems.

Dr. Valentina Bradly: "You can definitely get pink eye or conjunctivitis, and that's something that you have to see your doctor about."

They key to looking beautiful and staying safe with your makeup is knowing when to say good-bye to your favorites.

Celebrity makeup artist Amy Palma routinely goes through makeup bags with customers like Adriana.

She says there are some obvious signs when your products are starting to turn.

Amy Palma: "If your makeup starts to crumble, if you notice a weird smell, if it looks a little bit flaky, it's time to throw it away."

But even makeup that looks good can have high levels of bacteria.

Here are some simple rules to follow: liquid foundation should be used or tossed in three to six months. Concealers, six to eight months.

Amy Palma: "Pressed powder, eye shadow, lip stick, lip gloss, you can keep those all about a year."

When it comes to mascara.

Amy Palma: "Mascara has the shortest shelf life. That's three months."

When you buy a new product, mark the purchase date on the side. But it's not just about the makeup.

Amy Palma: "This is a place where bacteria can harbor just clean it off, you know every month."

Amy finds another big no-no in Shazeen's bag.

Shazeen: "I have a lot of stuff packed into this one bag."

Amy Palma: "I see."

Brushes that have never been cleaned.

Brushes and sponges need to be washed every two weeks.

Amy Palma: "Put the shampoo on the palm of your hand, you wash the brush, and then you dry it with the bristles hanging out like over a counter top."

And finally, don't forget the makeup bag itself.

Amy Palma: "There's going to be a whole bunch of bacteria and stuff in here so you definitely want to go in here with alcohol and clear that out."

If you can't clean it out, then throw it out.

Dr. Valentina Bradley: "As consumers, you just have to make safe and smart choices on your own to protect your own skin."

Because if you do, you can avoid common makeup mistakes that will keep you from looking picture perfect.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Dr. Valentina Bradley
East Side Dermatology
5353 N. Federal Highway, Suite 400
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
954-489-9800

Amy Palma
South Beach Makeup Studio
305-756-7827
www.southbeachmakeupstudio.com