Makeup Makeover
When spring arrives, we let the warm sun and fresh air in to revitalize our homes. But when is the last time you gave your makeup a makeover? Prevent skin reactions and keep your face looking gorgeous with these expert makeup spring cleaning tips. Learn how to deep clean for your expensive brushes, how to check makeup for its shelf life and how to keep makeup fresh like a pro!
How to care for your makeup brushes
Good quality natural brushes should last ten years and are often what make the difference between a good makeup and flawless celebrity makeup. Oils, dirt and makeup get trapped in brushes and will break down the bristles over time, so cleaning them actually preserves them and results in a more flawless application.
Daily Quick Fix: Wash brushes with baby wipes or makeup remover and wipe off on paper towel.
Monthly Deep clean: Brushes should feel super soft against your face. If it feels scratchy, its time to wash.
Run bristles under warm water to dampen. Avoid wetting the metal casing, known as “ferrule” since this is where the bristles are glued to the base
Squeeze a few drops of baby or mild shampoo in to your palm or folded paper towel. Gently swirl the brush into it to lather and clean.
Hold the brush, bristles down, under warm running water until the water runs clear.
Gently squeeze out excess water and reshape bristles. Let the brush dry for 12-24 hours hanging over the edge of your sink overnight to prevent shape distortion.
How to check the shelf life for your makeup
If your makeup no longer looks fresh or you are noticing skin irritations, it could be a sign that your makeup has passed its used by date. As a general rule, the more often you open a liquid based product, the faster it will expire due to exposure to air (mascara, liquid eye liner, concealer, foundation, nail polish). Keep makeup fresh by storing liquid based makeup in a cool place (refrigerator) and away all makeup from the sun when carrying it in your purse. Here is a general guideline:
Mascara- Up to 4-6 months. (Do not pump wand back and forth into mascara, swirl the wand inside the mascara to get more product.)
Lip Gloss– Up to 6-12 months.
Nail Polish– Up to 12 months (Keep bottle away from sun- it will distort color and consistency)
Concealer– Up to 12 month
Foundation– 1 year. (If your water-based foundation dries out before expiration date, simply add a few drops of alcohol-free toner and shake to mix in.)
Lipstick– 2-3 years (If it smells rancid, it’s spoiled)
Face Powder and Blushes– 2 years
Pencil Eye Liner and Lip Liner– 3 years. (Should be sharpened regularly)
Eyeshadow– 3 years
