We’re all guilty of using our beauty products until they are long past their sell-by date. This won’t matter too much if it’s a favorite hair conditioning oil, but it’s not great if you are using cosmetics years after purchasing them, or facemasks containing natural ingredients.
With fall upon us, it’s a great time to have a clear-out, so you can refresh your makeup and beauty kit in time for the Christmas party season. After all, you never know, Cupid might have his bow and arrow poised to strike in your direction!
Refresh Your Makeup
Are you still using the same colors and products you bought ten years ago? Or worse, are you firmly stuck in the 1980s and rocking a thick eyeliner and glitter eyeshadow?
We hope not, but either way, it’s time to go through your makeup bag and toss away everything that’s been in use for too long. Liquid and cream cosmetics should be replaced after 3-6 months, depending on the product. Powder eyeshadow and blush are okay for two years, ditto lipsticks and lip gloss.
Clean Makeup Brushes and Sponges
Makeup brushes can last a lifetime, but only if they are in good condition. Make sure you wash your brushes regularly, and if your current ones look like a squirrel with a bad case of mange, throw them out and treat yourself to some new ones.
Wash makeup sponges too. These can harbor all kinds of nasty bacteria if they are not cleaned regularly. If you are not careful, using dirty makeup sponges could give you a breakout.
The same applies to your makeup bag. These can get really grubby after a while. Soak in some hot soapy water or splurge on a new one. Store makeup you use every day in a basket, so you can see what you have and avoid duplicating existing products with new ones.
Look online for some great cosmetics deals if you have had a big clear-out. It’s a good excuse to pick up some nice new trendy products in up-to-the-minute colors. Go on, you’re worth it!
Sort Out Your Hair Products
Are you guilty of keeping 5,000 bottles of shampoo and conditioner in the bathroom? You know, just in case you need a special conditioner to restore your vibrant red hair – even though you are currently rocking a blonde ‘do…
It’s helpful to periodically sort through bottles of shampoo and conditioner. Once they have been opened, they can deteriorate and it’s pointless keeping haircare products that no longer work. The same applies to hair gel, mousse, leave-in conditioner, and anything else you bought once, tried a few times, and then dumped in a plastic crate.
Discard any products you don’t use (being careful to recycle the container if applicable). Organize what’s left and place it where you are likely to use it. And don’t buy any more products until your existing bottles are empty!
Refresh Your Nail Products
Dig out all those bottles of nail polish rattling around in a drawer. Line them up and see which colors you need to replace and which ones you wouldn’t be seen dead in now that emo phase is thankfully in the past.
Throw out any old bottles that have dried up or are almost empty. If you don’t have the latest shades in your collection, treat this as an opportunity to pick up a few new bottles of nail polish. It’s also a good idea to throw out any old nail accessories such as emery boards and replace them with new ones.
Now that you have refreshed your beauty kit, you can make a start on your closet!
