The following tips will help you to banish makeup breakouts:

• Don't keep makeup too long. As a general rule, most makeups have a shelf life of 1-2 years. After that, the oils in the makeup begin to spoil and the chemicals will start to break down, resulting in potentially harmful effects on your skin. Mascara should be changed every 6 months, since the eye area is more prone to infection. With that in mind, even if your favorite lip color or eye shadow is being discontinued, don't buy a surplus of it with the purpose of hoarding them for several years down the road.
• Never share makeup or applicators. This goes without saying, but sharing makeup and makeup tools, especially those that are near the eye area, can lead to the spread of infections. It's especially important not to share applicators. Keep your own, or use disposable ones instead.
• Check the ingredients. All makeup you buy, particularly foundation, which is applied more liberally, should be non-comedogenic. This type of makeup contains substances that are less likely to clog your pores, resulting in fewer acne breakouts or blackheads.
• Wash your makeup off. It's easy, especially when you're tired, to go to bed without washing your face. However, not clearing your skin of your makeup can result in clogged pores and irritated eyes. No matter now tired you are, you should always wash your face at the end of the day. This will also help to prevent breakouts. Because some makeup products, especially eye makeup and some thicker foundations, are harder to remove with just a facial cleanser, it's important to also use a makeup remover when taking your makeup off. Many beauty lines have convenient wipes for this very purpose.
• Keep your makeup applicators and tools clean. Make sure you clean your brushes, sponges, blush brushes, powder puffs, and so forth regularly. Or, replace them every few months. The residue in leftover cosmetics that accumulates on your applicators is a breeding ground for germs and harmful bacteria. You can use mild liquid detergents meant for wool and silks to wash your tools.
• Prep your skin before applying makeup. Prepare your skin for makeup by cleaning off any makeup you may already have on; don't be tempted to "freshen up" your makeup for the evening by layering it on top of the makeup you wore all day. Instead, clean your makeup off and then apply a new coat.
• Use a moisturizer. You should always use a moisturizer before you put your makeup on. Not only does it keep your skin from drying out, it also provides a protective barrier against the chemicals found in makeup that may irritate your skin. If you have sensitive or oil-prone skin, make sure the moisturizer you use is designed specifically for sensitive skin and doesn't contain oil or alcohol. Your moisturizer should also contain an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, which will help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's rays.

By using the right makeup and following a skin-care routine, you can banish make up breakouts for good.