Vegan Leather 101: How to Clean and Care for Your mise bag

Vegan leather has come a long way, and if you've bought one of our foldout makeup bags, you're already carrying a material that's durable, cruelty-free, and easy to look after. Here's how to keep it looking new for years.

Wipe up spills right away. Whether it's a leaked foundation bottle or a smudge of lip balm, the sooner you deal with a spill, the less likely it is to set into the material. A soft cloth and a little lukewarm water is usually all you need for everyday marks.

Skip harsh chemicals. Vegan leather doesn't need the same conditioning oils or saddle soaps that traditional leather does, and in fact, strong solvents or alcohol-based cleaners can dry out or discolour the surface over time. A mild soap diluted in water is gentle enough for regular cleaning.

Test in an inconspicuous spot first. Before using any new cleaning product, even one marketed as safe for vegan leather, dab a small amount on an inside seam or the base of the bag. Let it dry fully and check for any colour change before using it on a visible area.

Let it air dry naturally. Heat sources like hair dryers or direct sunlight can cause vegan leather to crack or stiffen over time. After cleaning, let your bag dry at room temperature away from radiators or windowsills.

Store it stuffed, not flat. Keeping some shape inside the bag, even just with a rolled towel or its original packaging, helps prevent creasing along the fold lines when it's not in use.

Watch out for pigmented products. Deep-coloured lipsticks and pigmented creams are the most likely culprits for staining light-coloured bags. If you're carrying bold shades, consider popping them in a small pouch inside your bag as an extra layer of protection.

With just a little care, a good vegan leather bag can outlast the products you're storing inside it many times over. Treat it well, and it'll keep earning its spot in your daily routine.