​Spring Cleaning:

Makeup Shelf Life

Is anyone else getting the urge to clean out and freshen up? Spring makes me ready for new growth and bright colors! It’s a great time to pull out those bold, bright lipsticks and soft spring clothes, BUT it’s also the perfect time to shed some of the old ... .

​I’m talking about cleaning out the makeup drawer, ladies.
 
We all have those eye shadow and lipstick colors we just love and hate to throw away, but there is a time when we must. The more natural the ingredients, the more quickly they expire -  especially if they’re free of preservatives, like paraben.
 
I know we don’t want to think about it, but bacteria do grow in those cute containers, and bacteria can irritate skin or even make us sick. Mascara is one of the worst culprits!    
 
Here are some timelines I go by:
Liquid or cream makeup, like foundation, concealer and lipstick – 1 year
Powder makeup, eye shadow, blush, etc.  – 1 – 1 ½ years
Mascara – 3 months (NO LONGER!)

​If you are using a paraben-free product, consider cutting the time even shorter. Some suggest six months. Remember, paraben-free is great for your skin, so ditching those products in a shorter amount of time is still worth it. Your skin will thank you!
 
Another key piece of makeup spring cleaning is caring for your makeup brushes. I suggest cleaning them once a month. It’s super easy and makes a big difference in the look of your makeup, the health of your skin, and it improves the longevity of your brushes.

​All it takes is a small amount of Dawn dish soap and warm water. Lather up the brushes and then rinse thoroughly. Reshape and lay them flat on a towel to dry completely for about 6 hours. Now you can rest easy that they are bacteria-free, which also helps to extend the life of your makeup!
 
Saying goodbye can be hard, but think of your skin AND think of the room you’ll have to fill with some new beauties! Happy spring and spring cleaning, gals!