Spring has finally sprung and it looks like the weather will be catching up with the season too! A new season is the perfect excuse to spring clean your beauty bag. Now is the time to get rid of any expired makeup you may have lying around (we admit it…we have some too!). It’s also the perfect excuse to pick up some great new beauty items, since summer collections will be hitting the stores. Here’s a quick guideline on how to spring clean your beauty bag.
{Spring Clean Your Beauty Bag}
A good starting point is to take inventory of any products that are liquid based. Any non-liquid based products can be kept longer than those that are liquid. Of course, if you ever note a change in colour, smell or see anything growing on or in the product, it’s best to just toss it!
Mascaras
Three to Four Months
Anything that’s worn near the eye can easily transfer bacteria. Eyes are prone to infection so even if you don’t wear your mascara daily it’s a good idea to toss it every 3 to 4 months.
I’m currently loving: A classic – L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara
Eye Liners
Three to Six Months
Just like mascaras eye liners can transfer bacteria to your eyes! You can use eye pencils up to about 6 months since you’ll be constantly sharpening them but make sure to toss your liquid and gel liners much sooner!
One of my favourites: Marcelle Liquid Eyeliner
Lipsticks and Lip glosses
Six Months to Eighteen Months
Most lipsticks are wax based and don’t contain much water. Lip glosses however, can be made of water or oils. As with any makeup if your lip product smells “off” toss it right away! Be diligent to check your lip gloss applicators too, as mold can grow on them.
I’m currently loving: NYX Cosmetics Butter Lipstick
Foundations
One Year to Eighteen Months
If you wear foundation, tinted moisturizers, concealers or BB creams, they are all liquid and therefore water based. It’s good to keep in mind that anything water based can grow bacteria so once you’ve had it for a year it’s time to toss it! Cream products are usually oil based and can last a bit longer. But remember that oils from your skin can transfer to your product, so if it’s not in a closed tube you may have to get rid of it earlier.
If you’re using these products daily then you’ll probably run out of them before a year anyway, so you won’t even have to worry about it!
I’m currently loving: IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness Correcting Cream
Powders
Two Years
(foundations, blushes, eye shadows): Two Years
Powder foundations, blushes and eye shadows generally do not contain any liquids so they can be used for a longer time. It should be noted that oils and dirt from your skin can transfer over to your product so it’s good practice to wipe or blot your applicator off on a tissue in between each application. Eye shadows can generally last a lot longer than other eye makeup if you’re only using the shadow on your lids. If you do use your eye shadow close to the lash line it’s best to toss it out earlier!
One of my favourites: MAKE UP FOR EVER Ultra HD Microfinishing Pressed Powder
