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If you have a wide collection of products that you've thrown in the back of drawer or on a shelf over the years, you are not alone. Here are some basic guidelines for organizing your make-up.
First, anything that smells "funny" or rancid should be thrown away. Also, anything you're sure you won't use (if you haven't given it away by now--just throw it away). This is also the time to get rid of those "free samples" you've gotten that you'll never use.
Next, get rid of any colors/products that don't work--you bought the lipstick that looked terrific in the store--but it just doesn't work anymore, the blush that always makes you look like you're wearing too much make-up, etc. Also throw away anything you just don't like.
You should only have products left that you can and do wear. Then you should consider the following "product life" guidelines to determine whether you should keep a product or replace it.
Make-up Product Life
| Product Description |
Recommended
Product Life |
Product Description |
Recommended
Product Life |
| Eye Shadow |
12-18 months |
Eye Pencils |
12-18 months |
| Mascara |
6-12 months |
Concealer |
12-18 months |
| Skin Tone Corrector |
6-12 months |
Foundation |
6-12 months |
| Loose Powder |
12-18 months |
Pressed Powder |
12-18 months |
| Powder Blush |
12-18 months |
Cream Powder Blush |
12-18 months |
| Brush on Brow |
12-18 months |
Brow Set |
6-12 months |
| Lip Pencils |
12-18 months |
Lipstick |
12-18 months |
Extending the Life of Your Products
You can increase the product life of your cosmetic products by keeping your hands out and off your products and using your make-up brushes correctly. Also, we highly recommend you wash your make-up brushes at least once a week (especially if you have oily skin) or no less than once a month. Wash your brushes well and let them air dry (lay them flat to dry or your wooden handles will warp).
Skincare Product Life
Although most skincare products have a shelf life of about one year, once they have been opened, they should be used right away. Most skincare products should last 6-12 months after being opened. Do keep them out of direct light and away from extremes of hot or cold. If anything starts to smell unusual or change color or texture, dispose of it.
Some additional cautions--keep your hands out of your skincare product. If you use your fingers to apply one item, then dip your fingers into another product, you may contaminate it. Use plastic spatulas to dip product out of jars, unless it is something that will be used up within a couple of months. You should still be sure your hands are clean before dipping into any product.
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