Let me give you a virtual tour of my beauty store and some trend-setting fashion. And now is a great time to clean out your makeup stash or update your beauty look. We are all guilty of hanging on to a look too long or products longer than we should. Check out this great selection of specially priced beauty offers in Avon Makeup Sales & Specials. Bookmark and check often! My store is updated each campaign with new products and special offers every two weeks. Don’t forget to read my AVON Insider Blog on Beauty to hopefully inspire you. Also you’ve heard about subscription services like Birchbox, ipsy, POPSUGAR or Sephora? Another fun way to get different products to try is through my own beauty subscription service!
Lastly, here is a handy guide to determine how long to keep your makeup collection. Then go through your stock and get rid of your out-of-date products and colors that don’t look good on you.
- Makeup for the Lips: Lip products generally last the longest, most will last 1 or 2 years. Lipsticks, lip liners, lip glosses, and lip care may change color or consistency over time. If the wax drys out, they many not apply easily. Lip gloss that has a wand that touches your mouth and goes back into the tube, should be toss after six months to a year. And if it smells bad, throw it out and buy new makeup for the lips.
- Makeup Pencils: Lip Liners, Brow Pencils or Eye Liner Pencils can easily last three years. The best way to ensure that they remain safe to apply is to keep them well sharpened and store them with the cap on. Also be sure to clean your sharpener regularly! Tip: if the pencil starts to stick and get more difficult to use, it’s probably dried out. Time to toss it and buy new makeup.
- Makeup for the Eyes: Mascara is applied to one of the most sensitive areas of your face and should be replaced every 3 months. Because the process of applying involves moving the wand from lashes to bottle and back, the risk of introducing bacteria is high. It is important to make sure that it is clean and sanitary. Sensible and simple eye hygiene is to buy new mascara every three months. Liquid eyeliners fall into the same category as mascara — a brush that touches your eye goes back into a tube of wet product where bacteria can grow. Three months is the rule of thumb here, too. Powder eyeshadows or blushes are safe for about 2 to 3 years since bacteria has a hard time growing on dry surfaces. But if you dip a wet brush or sponge into these products, their shelf life decreases to a year or less. Gel or cream eye and face makeup tend to lose their texture within six months or so. And since they come in contact with your eyes and face, they’re more prone to sprouting bacteria that can lead to infections. If you notice a color change in either powder or cream varieties, then it is time to buy new eye makeup.
- Makeup for the Nails: It’s basically impossible for bacteria to live in the chemicals that comprise nail color, top/base coats or nail treatments. Use visual cues to figure out if your nail makeup is still usable. Nail polish generally lasts about two years. Shake before applying to mix the pigment that has separated. The less it’s exposed to air and sunlight, the longer it lasts. Store in the refrigerator. If it’s gotten thick, dried out, or separated even after you shake it, it is time to buy new nail makeup.
- Makeup for the Face: Foundations and concealers that are oil-based should last 18 months, water-based ones should last for 1 year. But if you dip your fingers into the product or use a stick concealer directly on your face, you could be transferring germs. In that case, six months to 1 year of use might be recommended. And as always, if the color or consistency changes, throw the remainder away and buy new makeup for the face.
- Beauty Tools: Implements like brushes and cosmetic wedge applicators like sponges can be kept clean by washing them weekly in warm soapy water. You don’t need a special cleaner; you could even just use water and your shampoo. This will help prevent gunky buildup and keep them free of germs that can cause breakouts. The material that sponges are made from don’t last as long so you may consider discarding them monthly. If they lose their shape or hairs, buy new makeup brushes. Tweezers, nail clippers and lash curlers rarely get cleaned. Don’t forget to clean these tools too. One quick way is to give them a quick swipe with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol or tea tree oil. And as previously stated, be sure to clean your sharpeners regularly! And if they are looking worse for the wear, it may be time to buy new beauty tools!
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