It’s that time again – time to spring clean your home and makeup. Here are some easy steps to make the job easier.
Group like products
Okay, so you may be thinking, I am not sure where to begin, I have so much makeup – it’s kind of overwhelming. I recommend that you gather your like products into bunches so you can assess each category one at a time. This approach allows you to focus and also makes the whole project less daunting. You may find you’re spending more time and money on one category, like lipstick vs eye makeup. If this is happening you may want to ask yourself why. Is it because you were in search of the perfect red lipstick? It looked great in the store but when you got it home it looked scary? If this is the case and your still seeking that perfect red you will want to list it as a goal on you’re shopping list (last step).
Check code dates
Easier said then done. It can be downright hard to find dates on products. The truth is by law the US currently doesn’t require cosmetics to have an expiration date. But the US Food & Drug Administration holds manufacturers responsible for ensuring their products are safe to use — and determining the shelf life of a product is considered part of their duty to consumers. This means there are codes on products or packaging but they are not easy to read like food. Read more on icons and symbols on packaging here https://www.thisisinsider.com/how-to-tell-if-makeup-is-expired-symbol-2017-4
If the symbols and codes and too challenging here are some general guidelines.
- Products for the face like primer, foundation, and blush will typically last for up to 24 months after they’ve been opened.
- Lip products should be thrown away sooner, usually after a year.
- And mascara should be replaced even more regularly.
If you can’t remember when you bought the makeup here are some common sense ways to check them. Open them up – make sure they are not dried out, discolored or have a funky smell. Also be sure to check brushes and applicators. Bottom line, when in doubt throw it out. Old makeup can lead to skin and eye irritation, infection or break outs. It’s just not worth it to hang onto old product.
Be honest about what you use
More than likely you have makeup you tried and never really use. The newest color or brand that ended up not being what you thought. I personally have lots of lipsticks and eye shadows. It’s kind of a graveyard of colors and styles that are either not relevant or don’t look good on me. The process is similar to cleaning out your closet. If you haven’t used it recently then likely it’s best to get rid of it or at the very least place it in a secondary location so you can get to your everyday favorites easily.
Swatch test shades and colors
Your skin tone can change based on the time of the year so it makes sense that you would check your foundations. When it comes to shades of eyeliners or shadows you can test those as well. * Keep in mind the goal is to get to a core everyday (day and night) assortment of your favorite makeup.
Organize & clean your best loved items
I should warm you that when it comes to makeup I am extremely simple and minimal but here are my tips. When it comes to organization I like to have everything I need within arms reach so I can quickly get ready. I place all the favorites front and center. When it comes to travel I never check bags so I will often move product into smaller bottles or buy two of my most loved items so I can leave my travel makeup in its bag without having to re-pack every time I have a trip.
Buzzfeed has 14 ways to organize your makeup – everything from the traditional plexiglass organizer to magnetic walls.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/verymuchso/14-incredibly-simple-ways-to-organize-your-makeup
Cleaning your makeup and tools is very important. For concealer and foundation brushes that are used every day you should clean them once a week to prevent buildup. Brushes that are used around your eyes should be cleaned twice a month as eyes are most sensitive.
There are numerous ways of cleaning makeup brushes but we like using household ingredients as they are more natural. You can use …
- Vinegar & Lemon
- Dish Soap
- Baby Shampoo
- Olive Oil
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Make a list of what you need
Through this process you’ve assessed your personal style now compare that with some of the 2019 trends. There may be some basics you need to purchase and/or some new items you want to try. In Style sites the top 6 makeup trends for 2019 as: All Pink Everything, Green Eye Makeup, Metallic Details, Stained Lips, Glowing, Radiant Skin, Graphic Eyeliner. You can learn more below.
https://www.instyle.com/beauty/best-makeup-trends-2019
We’d love to hear your tips.
