Makeup Storage Tips

If you keep makeup too long it can affect the quality and color of the product as ingredients age and as oils from your fingers and face mix with the cosmetics. It can also allow bacteria or fungi to grow and cause infections, most commonly of the eye or lip. Your makeup tools—brushes, sponges, applicators— can also become filled with makeup and oils, interfering with clean makeup appli­cation and creating another breeding ground for bacteria. To keep your makeup fresh and clean, get in the habit of taking these steps:

1. Change all eye makeup (liner, shadows, mascara) every three to six months. Liq­uid products should be tossed every three months.
2. Change other makeup (foundation, powder, concealer )every twelve months.
3. Change all lip makeup (lipstick, lipliner, lipgloss) every twelve months
4. Stop using lipstick, lip liner, gloss, and balm if you develop a cold sore or fever blister. Replace the products if you accidentally use them during an infection.
5. Wash makeup tools every two weeks in mild soap and warm water. Air-dry.
6. Replace makeup sponges once a month.
7. Store all makeup products in a dry, cool environment. Keep products tightly closed.

Product How long to keep
Foundation 1 year
Liquid foundation 6 months-1 year
Powder 1-2 years
Blush 1-2 years
Eye liner 3-6 months
Liquid Eye Liner 3 months
Mascara 3 months
Eye Shadow year
Lipstick 1 year

Blushing Beauty

Blush is used to add color and definition to cheeks. It comes in powder, liquid, and cream form. Powder offers the easiest application and most natural look. Before selecting a blush, make sure it is made for your skin type.
Powder blushers suit oily complexions best because their matte finish won't contribute to shine. You might even investigate oil-free blushers.
The matte finish of a powder blusher is exactly what you don't need if you have drier or more mature skin, however. So choose a cream blusher: Its dewy finish will play down lines and wrinkles.
Cream-powder blushers combine the pliability of a cream with the brush-on ease of a powder and suit any skin type—even mature and oily complexions can wear them.
Remember that color belongs on the high point of your cheek­bones. To find this point, smile broadly, then find the top of the swell with your fingers.
To apply cream blusher: Place a dime-size dot of blusher on each cheek with your fingertip or a cosmetic sponge and blend until you can't see where the blusher begins or ends. If you've applied too much color, gently wipe away the excess with a cosmetic sponge.
To apply powder blusher: Use a round brush just about the width of your cheeks. Touch the bristles of your brush to the cake and tap off excess color. Then apply lightly, blending with light, feathery strokes until you've softened any lines of demarcation. Dust translucent powder over your cheeks to tone down too-bright color.