When to Toss Out Your Beloved Beauty Products

Many women are guilty of holding onto their beauty products years after they have expired, however this can be detrimental to your skin and your health.  Just like food and medicine, your cosmetics have a shelf life.  They are not made to last.  Here are some tips to keep handy so that you can determine when it is time to throw out your cosmetics and purchase new ones.

First and foremost, if your makeup has any odor (that wasn't there when you first purchased it)....throw it out!  This is an obvious giveaway that your makeup has gone bad and it is time to buy some something new.

Some beauty products (such as lotions or hair products) will actually have the expiration date pictured on the packaging and/or container.  You will want to look for a picture of a round jar with the lid off.  On the side of the bottom part of the jar will have a number and an "M" that looks like this:

 This indicated that your product will expire 12 months after opening.  Not every product will have this logo so it is always good to check.  Also, some products will last shorter/longer than 12 months.

Here is a list compiled from an article on iVillage Are your cosmetics past their use-by date? by Eva Gizowska.

• Fragrances - Shelf Life 18 months - 2 years: If you want to prolong the life of your favorite fragrance you should store it in the fridge.  Try to keep it in it's original packaging or out of direct sunlight and heat.  You should discard if the fragrance changes color (especially darker) and/or the scent changes.
• Lip gloss - Shelf Life 18 months - 2 years:  If you're applying lip gloss with a wand you will want to wash it at least once a week.  If you apply it with your fingers make sure you wash your hands first.  Do not use if you have any cold sores.  If you wore your lip gloss when you had a cold sore throw it out.
• Lip Liner/Eye Liner - Shelf Life - 2 years:  Liners last a long time because they're constantly being sharpened (this obviously only holds true if your liner is the kind that can be sharpened).  Do not use eye liner if you have an eye infection.  Do no use lip liner when you have a cold sore.  Throw out your liner if you think it may have been contaminated.  Do not share your liners.  Keep liners out of direct sunlight and heat.
• Lipstick - Shelf Life - 2 years:  Throw out your lipstick if it feels scratchy, dry, or changes color.  If you see tiny little bubbles appear on your lipstick do not worry; these are moisture drops and can be removed with a tissue.  Do not share lipsticks or use when you have a cold sore.  Throw out your lipstick if you think it has been contaminated.  If you use a brush to apply your lipstick make sure you wash it at least once a week.
• Eyeshadow - Shelf Life for powder e/s - 2 years - Shelf Life for cream e/s - 12 - 18 months:  You want to make sure you're washing your brushes at least once/twice a week by spot cleaning and doing a deep clean at least once a month (check out how to clean your brushes here).  If applying your eyeshadow with your fingers make sure you wash your hands first.  Do not use your eyeshadow if you have an eye infection.  If you think your eyeshadow has been contaminated def toss it.
• Mascara - Shelf Life - 3 - 6 months:  The best tip I can give is to use one mascara at a time.  Sure we like to try different mascaras, but alternating between mascaras could mean cross contaminating.  Using one mascara at a time also means you will use it up quicker.  Do not pump your mascara, it will only generate more air into the container which can lead to further contamination.  Never put water in your mascara or use your saliva to try and wet it.  If it has dried up buy a new one.  Do not share your mascara this is one of the easiest ways to pick up and pass on eye infections.  Do not use the same mascara if you've just had an eye infection...you don't want it coming back.  Keep your mascara in a clean place where it is free from dirt and dust.  Make sure your hands are cleaning before applying your mascara.
• Concealer - Shelf Life - 12 - 18 months:  Concealer that comes in a stick lasts the longest out of any concealer.  Liquid concealer that comes with it's own wand tends to harbor bacteria because the wand constantly goes back into the bottle.  To help prevent over contamination wipe the wand clean after each use ( you can also wash it, but make sure the sponge/brush is completely dry before putting it back into the bottle).  You will definitely want to clean the brush if you're using it to conceal blemishes.  Try to use concealer that comes in a stick or pump form.
• Foundation - Oil Free Foundation Shelf Life - 12 months -Moisturizing, Cream, or Compact Foundation Shelf Life - 18 months: Oil free foundation expires the quickest because it has a tendency to dry out faster.  If you want to prolong the life of your foundation you can put it in the fridge.  Foundation should be kept in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight (if you choose to not store it in the fridge then keep the original packaging to store it in that).  Wash your brushes thoroughly and frequently.  If using a sponge you will want to throw them out after a couple of uses (toss the sponge if you can't keep it in a safe place without it collecting dirt or dust or being contaminated.  If you can store it in a safe place I would suggest using the sponge twice...once on each side).  If you're applying the foundation to an infected area or where there is broken skin use a spatula to get the product then quickly close up the foundation so you won't contaminate it.  If possible, always use a foundation in a tube or a pump this will greatly lessen your chance of contamination.
• Powder - Shelf Life - 2 years:  Loose powder can last longer than pressed powders (up to three years) if stored in the right conditions, however it is best to get rid of it after two years.  Powder has a tendency to dry out and in the case of pressed powders it may not go on as smoothly.  You will want to wash your brush frequently.
• Moisturizer - Shelf Life - 3 - 12 months:  Throw out your moisturizer immediately if it begins to smell, changes color, or if it looks like it is separating.  Your best bet is to use one moisturizer at a time (even one for AM and one for PM is fine).  It is nice to have a variety of scents to choose from, however where moisturizers don't last very long you probably won't use it all up in the allotted time if you have too many.  Try to keep your fingers out of the container to prevent contamination.  Use a plastic spoon or a spatula to get the product out of it's container.

 My last bit of advice....when in doubt throw it out!  I cannot stress this enough.  If you can't remember when you purchased your beauty products then it is time to throw it out.  I know it stinks, but just think you get to go shopping for new stuff!  Always check for an expiration date on the packaging or bottle.  If you are unsure about a certain product you should contact the company.  The last thing you want is a rash or even worse a bacterial infection.

*PLEASE NOTE:  The shelf life for the products listed above are not for "natural", "vegan", or even "green" beauty products.  Those products have an even shorter shelf life because they don't contain the same amount of preservatives.  These "natural", "vegan", and "green" products have to state their shelf life on the packaging.  It is highly recommended  to discard these products as soon as they expire.

My Must Have Beauty Staple!

If there is one beauty tool that I have to have laying around my house at all times it has got to be cotton rounds (or squares).

Not only are they priced well at about $1.99 for a pack of 80 they are very useful.

Here are some of the ways I use my trusty cotton rounds:

• To apply my toner
• To remove my makeup
• To remove nail polish
• To fix/clean up any messes and/or mistakes while applying my makeup

I have sensitive skin and the cotton rounds are so smooth and don't irritate my skin at all.  They don't shed all over my face either which is a big plus.  The generic/no name brands are just as good as the brand name ones.  In fact, I prefer them because they're cheaper.  Def a must have!

How to clean your makeup brushes

There are many different ways to go about cleaning your brushes, however some things should always remain the same:

• Make sure you wash your brushes BEFORE using them for the first time.  You want to remove any dust and/or debris that was created when they were made, packaged, and/or waiting to be bought at the store.
• ALWAYS wash your brushes in lukewarm water...you never want the hair bundle in extreme hot or cold water.
• ALWAYS hold your brush straight up and down with the hair bundle pointing downwards.  Also, try to get just the hair bundle wet.  If you get water inside of the ferrule it may cause damage to your brush (such as loosening up the ferrule from the handle and/or the hair bundle).
• ALWAYS lay your brushes flat to dry.

Here is a picture that explains the anatomy of a brush:

As far as how often should you clean your brushes....well that part is basically up to you.  Brushes are expensive because they are built to last; if you take proper care of your brushes then they could last you for years and years to come!

There are two different types of cleaning when it comes to brushes:

Spot Cleaning:  You can use a brush cleanser, like MAC's, or you can even use wipes, like baby wipes or the wipes you use to remove your makeup.  I use both of these methods; however when I use the MAC brush cleanser I like to get some on a face cloth and clean my brush by rubbing it onto the cloth.  Whether you're using a brush cleanser or wipes you want to gently massage the hair bundle in a circular motion onto the wipe/cloth until you no longer see product coming off of the brush.  Spot cleaning can be done as often as after every makeup application, a few times a week, to once a week.

Deep Cleaning: A lot of people like to use brush cleansers for deep cleaning, but I don't think they do the job right.  I prefer to use baby shampoo, like Johnson and Johnson's.  If it's good enough to clean babies, then it is good enough to clean my brushes!  Deep cleaning can be done as often as every other week or once a month.  This method can take quite some time if you have a lot of brushes (or a lot of product left in your brushes), however it will make your brushes feel brand new.

Basic Cleaning Method:  Here are step by step instructions on how to properly deep clean your brushes:

•  Turn the faucet on and adjust it so that the water feels lukewarm.  Then hold your brush vertically with the hair bundle pointing down.  Wet the hair bundle.
• Pour a pea sized amount of baby shampoo into the palm of your hand (a little does go a long way).
• Gently massage the hair bundle into the shampoo in a circular motion.  You will see that the color from the brush will transform onto the palm of your hand.  Don't worry it washes right off!  If you have a lot of product built up into your brush then you can use your finger tips to gently work the shampoo into the hairs.  Make sure you aren't using a heavy hand and that you aren't distorting any of the hairs.
• Rinse the brush; try not to get the ferrule wet.  You should see the color coming out of the brush.
• If you think you need to wash your brush again, by all means please do so.
• The brush is clean once the water runs clear and you no longer get product on the palm of your hand (without shampoo).

Remember: You want to always hold the brush vertically whether you're rinsing or washing.

Lastly:  Lay the brushes FLAT to dry!  This will prevent any water from making it's way into the ferrule and eventually to the handle.  You may leave your brushes to dry over night, but I've noticed that some will dry after sitting for a few hours.

Enjoy!  Your brushes will feel brand new after a deep clean....and we all love the feeling of new brushes!

The Best Shaving Cream I've Ever Used!

To me, shaving is a very tedious task.  It has always taken me forever to shave my legs which is probably why I dread shaving them.  Regardless as to how I feel about shaving it is something that I must do.  I found a shaving cream that I absolutely love which is great because shaving seems like less of a chore now.

Gillette For Women Satin Care for Sensitive Skin Shave Gel:

This shaving cream is exactly what the name says.  It is a gel so a little goes a very long way.  I suggest getting a little onto your hand, rubbingr hands together to create a lather, then apply it to the area that you're going to shave.  If you need more gel you can always apply more after.  The gel turns into a very soft cream that feels great on my skin and it is very easy to shave through.  Another plus is that it smells great!

My Favorite Eye Makeup Removers

I have tried all kinds of products when it comes to removing my makeup.  I have really sensitive eyes and skin so I hate removing my makeup and feeling an oily residue on my eyes and face.  I especially dislike it when my eyes sting because the makeup remover is far too harsh on my eyes.  I have been fortunate enough to find two incredible products that not only remove my makeup, but they are gentle enough on my eyes/face and there is no gross residue once I'm done.

Rimmel Gentle Eye Make Up Remover:

    

This product is amazing!  I have been using it for years and I swear by it.  I usually buy it at Walmart because it is much cheaper there (around 4.99-5.99).

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes

I just started using this a few months ago and let me tell you I am hooked! Not only does it get all of your makeup off (including waterproof eyeliner and mascara) it also cleanses your face! You can use it alone or after you use your favorite eye makeup remover. The best part is that there's no water involved and it leaves your skin feeling really moist. It costs $5.94 at Target.

Dupes for MAC Brushes!

Makeup brushes are great to have, yet not everyone is lucky enough to be able to afford ones that professionals use.  Especially if you're just getting into makeup why would you want to spend a ton of money on something you don't really know much about?  Paint brushes are very similar to makeup brushes and the majority of them are sold at affordable prices (especially if you get them at craft stores that have coupons!).  Don't get me wrong there are great makeup brushes that aren't that expensive (E.L.F. and Sonia Kashuk to name a couple), but some paint brushes out there are of MAC quality.

The following is a list of dupes (duplicates) that I've compiled:
            

MAC: 239 3/8'

Loew-Cornell: Maxine's Mop      

Use: Shading Brush

MAC: 150

Loew-Cornell: XXL Round

Use: Large Powder Brush

MAC: 129

Loew-Cornell: 1" Round 277

Use: Powder Blush Brush

MAC: 134 and 136

Loew-Cornell: 1" Maxine's Mop

Use: XXl Powder Brush

MAC: 208

Loew-Cornell: 1/8" Angled

Use: Angled Brow Brush

MAC: 266

Loew-Cornell: 1/4" Angled

Use: Small Angle Brush

MAC: 269

Loew-Cornell: 3/8" Angled

Use: Medium Angle Brush

MAC: 194

Loew-Cornell: #8 Filbert

Use: Concealer Brush

MAC: 228

Loew-Cornell: 1/4" Maxine's Mop

Use: Mini Shader Brush

MAC: 190

Loew-Cornell: 1" Filbert

Use: Foundation Brush

MAC: 217

Loew-Cornell: 1/4' Amm Mini Mop

Use: Blending Brush

MAC: 222 and 224

Loew-Cornell: 272 Dome Round (M)

Use: Blending Brush

MAC: 252

Loew-Cornell: 270 Maxinne Mop

Use: Large Shader Brush

If you're at the craft store and notice brushes that are quite similar to the Loew-Cornell and are cheaper than you can certainly get those instead.  I hope this list helps!

Easy/Creative Way to Store Makeup Brushes

If you're like me then you have a lot of different makeup brushes.  The majority of my brushes aren't of the best quality, but I recently invested in some that are quite expensive.  Not every brush is sold with a protective sleeve for the bristles so I got concerned when it came time to store my brushes.  I found a very creative, cheap, and super cute way of storing my brushes.  Places like Sephora use this method and it works like a charm!

What you'll need:

• a vase or container of some sort
• your choice of sand, bean bag fill, or Colorfill
• ribbon (optional)

It's quite simple all you need to do is pick out a vase/container that you have either laying around the house or you can purchase one at a craft store (like A.C. Moore or Michaels...don't forget your coupon!).  You can use plastic or glass it's totally up to you. 

Something like this will do just fine!

Once you have the vase/container of your choice you will want to pour in your fill (whether its sand, bean bag fill, etc); the amount you use is up to you obviously the more fill you use the better your brushes will stand on their own.  Personally, I used purple and black sand to create a swirl effect.  It looks really cool, but when I make my next brush holder I am going to use the Colorfill.  The down side to the sand is that it sticks to the brushes and can get all over the place pretty easily.  The Colorfill usually comes in an assortment of colors so if color is what you want I say go for the Colorfill (plus the brushes slide in and out of it with better ease than in the sand). 

Colorfill looks like this

If you bought ribbon you can adhere it to your vase/container to give it that personalized touch that you're looking for.

Once you have finished making your brush holder it is time to put your brushes in!  If you have a lot of brushes you can always make two brush holders one for face brushes and another for eye brushes!

My favorite eyeliner pencil

It has been quite some time since I've used an actual eyeliner pencil.  After years of wearing them I wrote them off entirely when I discovered MAC's fluidline. 

Here are my reasons for not liking eyeliner pencils:

• far too expensive for the quality
• never lasts long
• ALWAYS runs down my face
• seems to run out too quickly

Recently, however, I decided I wanted to try another eyeliner pencil...I wanted something remotely cheap because I was sure I wouldn't like what I bought.  I went with Revlon's ColorStay eyeliner in black (about $6.97 at CVS).  I chose this because of the name (colorstay) and also because it is waterproof (I've never used a waterproof eyeliner before).

I am beyond amazed at how well this eyeliner works!!  It goes on flawlessly...it has sort of a creamy feel to it as well.  You can easily put a little bit on , without worrying if the line is perfect, then spread it out with an eyeliner brush.  This eyeliner does not budge!  I don't have to worry about it falling down my face after wearing it for an hour (I've even slept in it and it stays put!)  Now I just need to find a good makeup remover for waterproof makeup!

This eyeliner works so well and it's so easy to apply it's almost beating out MAC's fluidline!