| Every woman has a pile (ok a drawer. ok maybe a | | | | Lip liner: Up to 3 years. |
| closet) full of makeup that she rarely uses. Applying a | | | | Lipstick: Some experts say 1-2 years. Others say up |
| particular color of eyeshadow once a month or so | | | | to 4 years. What everyone agrees on is that if it |
| and keeping it in a drawer for a year is fine. But I | | | | smells rancid, throw it out, it's spoiled. Personally, I do |
| cannot tell you how often clients come to me telling | | | | have a color that I don't wear very often (but I do |
| me they haven't worn makeup since their wedding. | | | | love) which is about 4 years old now. It still smells |
| "Your wedding was ten years ago? And you STILL | | | | fine and looks fine so for the next little while I'm not |
| HAVE the lipstick?" For the safety and health of your | | | | (yet) replacing it. Extra tip: If you store lipstick in the |
| skin please pay attention to these guidelines. Once | | | | refrigerator, it will last longer. (be careful your family |
| you've opened a tube of mascara or a lip liner pencil, | | | | members don't think it's food.....) |
| you're committing to use it before the next millenium | | | | Mascara: This product expires the fastest: Throw out |
| rolls around. | | | | after 3 months. Extra tip: If you don't want your |
| These guidelines are not set in stone- they are a | | | | mascara to expire faster than its fresh date, don't |
| mixture of my opinion and a bit of internet research. | | | | pump the wand in and out - you're only exposing the |
| If in doubt, err on the side of caution. | | | | product to drying air. Not sure you'll remember to |
| Concealer: Generally speaking, once it's opened, use it | | | | toss your mascara after three months and begin a |
| up within 12 months. | | | | new one? That's one great reason to have a |
| Powder: Once it's opened, use it up within 2 years. | | | | personal skin care and beauty consultant. A good |
| Cream & gel cleansers: 1 year. | | | | beauty consultant, if asked, will be happy to call or |
| Pencil eye liner: Should be sharpened regularly. Will last | | | | email you every three months or even do auto ship. |
| up to 3 years. | | | | For those of my clients who request autoship of |
| Eyeshadow: Will also last up to 3 years. If you're | | | | mascara every three months, I throw in a free |
| mixing colors, using the same brush or sponge tip | | | | bottle of eye makeup remover when they sign up |
| applicator in different colors, be careful not to make | | | | for autoship. Something good to consider! |
| your colors muddy. Wash your eyeshadow brushes | | | | A few more things to keep in mind: if the |
| and applicators regularly. (see below) | | | | consistency, color or odor of your makeup item has |
| Brushes: Wash once a month in a mild detergent. | | | | changed at all, throw it out. If it no longer performs |
| Sponges: Wash weekly and discard monthly | | | | the duty for which you purchased it, throw it out! |
| Foundation Check the ingredients: A water-based | | | | The bathroom is not a good storage place, as it gets |
| foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last | | | | exposed to heat and steam. Above all, do not share |
| up to 18 months. | | | | your makeup with anyone-ever! |