Is your beauty bag contaminated with bacteria? Cosmetic experts detail how to keep your makeup products clean

You might know to check the expiration dates on your makeup, but have you ever considered that your cosmetics bag might be teeming with bacteria? 

You probably don't clean your cosmetics case after traveling, and it's possible that it's actually contaminating the products and makeup brushes within, which could lead to breakouts. 

FEMAIL spoke to celebrity makeup artists and beauty experts to find out what you're doing wrong - and what you can do right - to guarantee your makeup bag and brushes stay clean. 

Celebrity makeup artist and lash expert Dionne Phillips in Beverly Hills, California, warned, 'If you travel often, your makeup bag is subjected to various environments, which can cause products to spoil or develop bacteria, especially if the bag isn't cleaned or ventilated properly.' 

'Spilled powders, creams, and other residues can collect at the bottom of your bag, mixing with dust and bacteria,' Dionne revealed to DailyMail.com. 

Dionne said it's best to 'wipe down your makeup bag inside and out with an antibacterial wipe or a cloth dipped in a mild soap solution at least once a month,' allowing it to air dry completely before filling it up again. 

Beauty expert Laura Kay, based in Hertfordshire, agreed that makeup bags 'can be a big breeding ground for bacteria, which can transfer to your products and brushes if not cleaned properly.' 

Laura told FEMAIL, 'The biggest mistake people make is storing their makeup in plastic or fabric cases that they don't clean regularly,' because they should be wiping them down at least once a month, and more if they travel frequently, especially on planes.

Celebrity makeup artist Michele Probst in Nashville suggested looking for bags 'you can just throw in the washing machine after a trip,' and avoiding 'porous materials' as well as cases with 'interior fabrics that are hard to keep clean.' 

Michelle, who has worked Katie Couric, Drew Barrymore, Justin Timberlake, and Barack Obama, said it's best to use 'anti-bacterial cleansers in a spray or soap form' or 'hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based wipes.'

It's also possible that if your containers aren't fully closed the bacteria could creep in - so make sure you're using containers that are airtight, whether it's your makeup or skincare.  

Once you're done traveling, don't dump your makeup bag underneath your sink, especially if you live somewhere warm.  

'One common mistake is keeping your makeup in damp environments like bathrooms, where humidity can encourage bacteria and mold growth,' Dionne advised. 

'Always store your makeup in a dry, cool area, away from direct sunlight, which can degrade the product and increase the risk of contamination,' Dionne continued. 

It's also best to keep your makeup brushes and sponges clean - especially if they're in a makeup bag you're not washing enough. 

Dionne cautioned that 'dirty brushes can harbor bacteria, dead skin cells, and oil, which can lead to breakouts and skin irritation.' 

If you're keeping your makeup brushes or sponges in a contaminated cosmetics bag, it's possible the dirt and oil are spreading. 

To make sure you're keeping everything clean, Dionne advises washing your brushes with mild soap every two weeks and then laying them flat to air dry. 

Even if you're in a rush, make sure you don't put the brushes back in your cosmetics bag immediately. 

'Never store wet brushes in a closed or plastic bag as this can create a breeding ground for mold and bacteria,' Dionne said.