Out With the Old, In With the New

You've thoroughly cleaned your home, polished the silver, and even switched-out your winter wardrobe for spring wear. But, have you given any thought to the contents of your beauty bag(s)?

If you've been neglecting your product collection for some time now, pull out all the skincare/makeup/treatments/tools and get to it. It's for your health, after all. Start by separating everything into bin, keep, and clean piles, then be sure to change the selection of products you keep within reach for everyday use (just like you would w/clothes!).

When to Bin:
- Sponges should be tossed-out weekly
- Mascara, once used, should be replaced after eight weeks
- All other cosmetics, cleansers, moisturizers, and masques can last up to six months after opening (including natural products)
- Any powder-based product (facial, blush, bronzer, etc.), or lip balm/gloss should be tossed after a max. of two years
- Pencils can last several years, but be sure to sharpen between use

What to Store:
- Dark, matte lipsticks
- Heavy foundations, concealers, and powders
- Intensive hydrating skincare treatments (oil, masques, etc.)
- White/opalescent highlighters
- Heavy-duty body oils/moisturizers
- Rich fragrances

What to Use Now:
- Light bronzing powder/cream
- Bright, long-wear blush, lip color, eyeshadow, and nail varnish
- Lightweight foundation/tinted moisturizer
- Gel-based/lighter moisturizers
- Floral toning water (or refreshing facial mists)
- Frizz-fighting and texturizing hair care products

How to Clean:
-  If you don't own a brush cleanser, try using a mild shampoo or a facial wash formulated for troubled skin (as it will likely be anti-bacterial)
- Disinfect your tweezers, nail/cuticle clippers, & eyelash curler in an alcohol solution
- Sharpen all eye and lip pencils
- Ideally, you'd clean your tools weekly but many opt for bi-weekly/monthly cleansing

Comments

[cheryl]

hi lily, these are such great tips. i always use a cotton disc damp with an alcohol solution to wipe off whatever i use around my eyes (eyelash curler, etc), and clean my brushes weekly. but i gotta bin my mascara now!