Makeup palettes are more than just tools—they’re little works of art. Whether it’s an eyeshadow palette brimming with gorgeous shades or a contour palette you can’t live without, taking good care of these beauty essentials is a must.
But let’s be real: they can get messy.
Powder fallout, stubborn fingerprints, and the occasional broken shade can turn your once-beautiful palette into a bit of a disaster. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean and store makeup palettes for long-term use.
Whether you’re a makeup minimalist or have an extensive collection, keeping your palettes clean and properly stored will protect your investment and ensure they last for years to come.
Why Cleaning and Storing Makeup Palettes is Important?
You might think that a little powder fallout or smudge on your palette is no big deal, but regular cleaning and proper storage can actually make a huge difference in both hygiene and the lifespan of your products. Here’s why it’s so important:
- Prevents bacterial growth: Makeup palettes are magnets for bacteria, especially if you’re using them daily. Cleaning them regularly helps reduce the risk of breakouts and infections.
- Protects against wear and tear: Palettes are delicate. Dropping them or failing to store them correctly can cause your favorite shades to break or crack.
- Keeps colors fresh and vibrant: Regular maintenance ensures that your makeup stays clean, so you’re not blending old, oxidized makeup onto your skin.
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Steps to Clean and Store Makeup Palettes for Long-Term Use
Regular cleaning and proper storage can extend the life of your makeup palettes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to cleaning and storing your makeup palettes:
Step 1: How to Properly Clean Your Makeup Palettes
Cleaning your makeup palettes isn’t as daunting as it may seem. With a few simple steps, you can keep them looking and performing their best.
Cleaning the Palette Surface
The surface of your palette, where product residue accumulates, is often where most of the mess happens. Eyeshadow fallout, blush powder, and highlighter dust can cover the surface quickly.
What You Need:
- A soft cloth or microfiber towel
- Makeup remover wipes or micellar water
- Cotton swabs for precision cleaning
Steps:
- Remove excess product: Gently wipe the surface of the palette using a dry, soft cloth to remove any loose powder or product. Avoid using water on powder products, as this can harden them.
- Use makeup wipes for stubborn spots: For more stubborn marks, lightly dampen a cotton pad with micellar water or use a makeup remover wipe to carefully clean around the edges of each pan. Be careful not to touch the product itself.
- Spot clean with cotton swabs: If there are tight spaces, such as around the edges of pans, use a cotton swab dipped in micellar water to clean those tricky spots.
If you accidentally get powder in the wrong spot, use a soft brush to sweep it away instead of blowing on the palette—blowing can introduce bacteria and moisture.
Cleaning the Makeup Itself
When it comes to cleaning the actual product (like pressed powder, eyeshadow, or blush), you want to be extra cautious.
Over time, oils from your skin and brushes can build up on the surface of powders, which can cause hardpan (a shiny layer that forms over powders and prevents product pickup).
Steps:
- Sanitize the product: Spritz the surface of the makeup with 70% isopropyl alcohol. This concentration is safe for use on powders and evaporates quickly without altering the formula.
- Scrape hardpan if necessary: If hardpan has formed on the surface of your powders, gently scrape it off using a clean spoolie brush or a piece of tape. This will reveal fresh, usable product underneath.
Note: Avoid using rubbing alcohol that’s higher than 70%, as it can dry out your products or affect their texture.
Step 2: How to Store Makeup Palettes for Long-Term Use
Proper storage is key to ensuring that your makeup palettes last for as long as possible. The right storage not only protects them from damage but also keeps them free from dust, dirt, and bacteria.
Keep Palettes in a Cool, Dry Place
Makeup palettes don’t do well in humid or hot environments, as moisture can cause powders to break down or change in texture.
What to Do:
- Store your palettes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Too much heat or humidity can make powders crumbly or affect the pigmentation.
- Avoid keeping makeup in the bathroom, where heat and moisture from showers can cause damage. Instead, store them in your bedroom or vanity area where the temperature is more controlled.
Use Makeup Organizers or Drawers
Palettes need to be kept in a safe place to avoid damage, especially if you have a large collection.
Storage Solutions:
- Acrylic organizers: These clear containers are perfect for displaying your palettes while keeping them dust-free. Choose stackable or tiered organizers for maximum space efficiency.
- Drawer dividers: If you store palettes in a drawer, invest in dividers to keep them neatly separated. This prevents them from sliding around or hitting each other, which can lead to cracked pans.
- Magnetic palette storage: If you have smaller, single-pan palettes, you can use a magnetic palette organizer to store them securely without taking up too much space.
Label the outside of your palettes if you store them stacked or vertically. This will help you grab the right palette without having to shuffle through everything.
Protect with Covers or Pouches
Some palettes come with protective covers, but if yours doesn’t—or if you want extra protection—consider using padded pouches or cases.
How to Protect Your Palettes:
- Use pouches or sleeves: Slip your palettes into padded makeup pouches to protect them from falls or drops. These are especially useful when traveling.
- DIY solutions: If you don’t have a pouch, wrap your palette in a soft cloth or place it inside a bubble wrap envelope for extra cushioning.
Rotate Your Palettes Regularly
If you have a large collection of makeup palettes, it’s easy for some to fall into the abyss of your drawer, forgotten and unused.
How to Rotate:
- Keep your most-used palettes at the front or on top for easy access.
- Every few weeks, rotate your palettes so that you’re not always using the same one. This will help you get more use out of your collection and prevent palettes from expiring before you’ve had a chance to fully enjoy them.
Step 3: Extend the Life of Your Makeup Palettes
To get the most out of your palettes, you need to handle them with care—both in terms of how you use them and how you clean your brushes.
Clean Your Brushes Regularly
A big culprit of dirty palettes is dirty makeup brushes. When you use brushes with built-up product, it transfers oils, dust, and bacteria back into your palette.
Related Post: Top 5 Hacks to Clean Makeup Items Like a Pro!
How to Clean Brushes:
- Wash your brushes with a gentle cleanser or brush shampoo at least once a week.
- Allow them to dry fully before using them on your makeup palettes. Wet brushes can cause the makeup to develop hardpan.
Avoid Using Fingers
While it can be tempting to dip your finger into a shimmer shade for that perfect swatch, using your fingers to apply makeup introduces oils and bacteria to the palette.
What to Do Instead:
- Use clean brushes or makeup sponges to apply your products.
- If you need to use your finger for application (like for glitter or shimmer shades), clean your hands thoroughly beforehand.
Keep Your Palettes Clean and Protected!
Makeup palettes are a beauty investment, and with proper cleaning and storage, they can last a long time while staying in pristine condition. By following these tips on how to clean and store makeup palettes for long-term use, you can protect your favorite products, keep your makeup collection fresh, and avoid the hassle of dealing with messy palettes.
Remember, a little care goes a long way when it comes to makeup preservation. Now that you’ve got the tools and tips, it’s time to show your palettes the love they deserve!
FAQs
How often should I clean my makeup palettes?
It’s recommended to clean your makeup palettes every 2-3 weeks.
Can I use rubbing alcohol to clean my makeup palettes?
Yes, 70% isopropyl alcohol is effective for cleaning makeup palettes.
How can I prevent my makeup palettes from drying out?
Store your palettes in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
What should I do if my eyeshadow palette is cracked?
Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to repair a cracked eyeshadow palette. It’s best to discard it.
Can I use a makeup setting spray to sanitize my palettes?
While makeup setting spray can help to set your makeup, it’s not a substitute for cleaning. It’s best to use a dedicated cleaning solution.
