These tips (hopefully) are a life long guide
to looking good, no matter what age, what skin tone and type, what season
or looking you're going for.
Recently while I've been doing Makeovers I've
noticed the appalling state of most peoples make-up bags and more so the
make-up and brushes in them. Even the best, most expensive make-up won't
look good if it's past it's sell-by date. Or applied with dirty brushes,
sponges and puffs. Worst yet these products could cause loads of problems
that perhaps you weren't even aware of. So since it's the New Year make
it your resolution to 'detox' your make-up bag.
First if your actual make-up bag is looking
grubby then check out the sales and invest in a new one. There are some
FAB ones around.
Make-up artists invest in good brushes which
with proper maintenance last for years, mine are 10 years old and still
look great and work beautifully. But if your brushes look more like a cat's
chew toy then it's time to throw it away. Dirty, grubby brushes, sponges
& puffs could be the reason your foundation, eye shadows, blushers
and powders may not look as good as they could. They could also be the
main cause of some skin irritations, as a result of bacteria breeding on
them.
I clean my 'working' brushes each time I use
them but my own 'personal' brushes once every 3 to 4 weeks. Which is what
I would suggest you do as well. Sponges really should be washed after each
use.
It's easy to clean your brushes, just wet
the bristles thoroughly with warm water. Then wash them with what ever
shampoo you use (as long as it's not a dandruff one). That way too you'll
know that you clean your brushes with won't irritate your skin. Once they're
debris free rinse them in lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Now
gently squeeze out the excess water ( I find using paper towel works well).
Reshape and lay flat on a paper towel to dry. I usually wash my brushes
in the evening so that they're ready the next day.
Now for the actual make-up.
Once opened:
-
Mascara should be replaced after 3 or 4 months
or sooner if it's lost it's 'pop' when opened. Remember not to pump your
mascara, this pushes air into the tube making it dry out quicker. Old mascara
can harbour bacteria that causes eye infections.
-
Foundation (oil-based) around 18 months, (water-based)
up to 12 months.
-
Blusher (powder) 2 years, (cream) 18 months.
-
Lipsticks & Glosses should last a couple of
years, but keep them out of the heat this changes their consistency, color
& texture.
-
Eyeshadow (powder) two years, (cream) 18 months,
as long as you shut the lid tight.
-
Lip & Eye Pencils about 2 years as long as
you keep them out of the sun and sharpen them regularly.
-
Liquid Eyeliner 12 to 18 months.
-
Face Powder 2 years.
-
Nail Polish about 12 months, longer if you keep
it in the fridge.
-
REMEMBER when applying make-up with your fingers
make sure your hands are clean.
-
If it's lost it's top/lid throw it out!!
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