Friday, January 7, 2011

When to Toss the Makeup



Is your makeup drawer crammed full of too many cosmetics? Most of it you don’t use--but keep “just in case”. It’s time to let go of the clutter and have only what you need.
This week let's pitch the old makeup!
This week toss out any old makeup you haven’t worn this last year and start 2011 with a clean and organized makeup drawer.
Beauty products have a limited shelf life, so chances are most of it has long expired. TIP: use a permanant marker and DATE your new makeup when you add it to your drawer.
Eleven makeup products & how long they last:
1. Concealers. Up to 12 months. 
2. Powders. 2 years. 
3. Cream & gel cleansers. 1 year. 
4. Pencil eye liner . Up to 3 years. 
5. Eye shadow. Lasts up to 3 years. TIP: dark eye shadow can double as an eyeliner. You'll need an fine eyeliner brush for this. Get the brush a little damp w/ water and dab into the eye shadow (dark gray, brown or deep jewel-tones work great). Work the brush into your lash line focusing on the space between your lashes, and then sweep the eye shadow just above your lash line. 
6. Brushes. Wash them every 2 months in a mild soap 
7. Sponges .Wash weekly and throw out monthly 
8. Foundations. Water-based foundations will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months. 
9. Lipstick. 1-2 years. However, if it smells rancid, throw it out. 

10. Mascara. This product doesn't have a long shelf life. Throw it out after 3 months. Don't risk an eye infection by keeping too long. Also don't pump the wand in and out because you will  expose the mascara to the air and dry it out faster.

11. Nail Polish. Lasts up to 12 months, depending on the quality. TIP: when brand-new rub a little vaseline on the inner rim to keep it clean and easy to seal.
  1. Love, Leslie aka MissusSmartyPants  

9 comments:

  1. BTW, in case you are wondering...I have a 1. in front of name in this posting and could NOT get it removed, LOL!

    Crazy stuff, just letting you know what's up...carry on y'all!

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  2. That's becaue you're number 1 when it comes to fashion advice!

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  3. Just found your blog today and I'm so glad! Love this makeup post. I always toss my mascara on the first day of every quarter - so every three months like you recommend.

    Adrienne

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  4. I've been trying to fling at least one old item everytime I look in my bag :)

    Last year you got me started with wearing liquid eyeliner on a daily basis (love how 'polished' I feel!) and this year I'm hoping to - gasp - try some new eyeshadow colours ;D

    Thanks for all the gentle pushing! LOL

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  5. @ Adrienne...you're a smart cookie! I never thought about throwing out and buying a new mascara every quarter as a way to keep track of when it needs tossing! Cool plan that I'm going to do for now on!

    @ Diane...I love a little eye defintion too...because I'm fair skinned too. I don't wear much makeup...but eye def is much needed every day, LOL!

    Love the idea of new eye shadow colors. Let me know what you end up liking. I've tried some goldish tone to bring out the blues of my eyes...but not sure the TONE was right. I kind of liked a cool mocha tone better--and it's run out! Time to toss that a couple of other oldies!

    Diane I like the thought that I'm "pushing" a cute fashionista like you! It charms me ;)

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  6. Oh no! This post makes me so sad because I'm 90% sure I'm violated each and every rule!

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  7. I'm about ot buy a bra so this post comes handy.Thanks!

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  8. This is so very helpful....thanks so much.Can you please help us about the undergarment lifetime too....I badly need it.For this thanks a ton!!!!

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Thanks for leaving your comment. I hope you enjoy my blog and stop by often!

Love, Leslie

4 Steps to Chic

1. Start with a feminine top 2. Pair with classy slacks 3. Ground with bold shoes 4. Finish with statement earrings ...